PHOTOGRAPHS
It can be useful and interesting to try to locate old photographs of a property that you are researching. Photographs can show earlier forms or usages of a property. For example, the property may have had a former use as a shop, a pub or a school. It can also highlight substantive changes to the property over time. This can help dates changes and lead to consideration of other sources, for example, planning records. Very occasionally, it may be possible to locate photographs of a property with former residents in view.
Changes to features
Other features that may change over time include the design of gardens, the appearance or disappearance of railings and street furniture. During World War 2 many post-1850 railings and gates were removed and smelted down to support the war effort. It may be possible to locate a photograph showing railings and gates in place. This photograph shows an unidentified house at Newbiggin By The Sea with railings.
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Collections of photographs
Northumberland Archives holds a vast collection of photographs. Details of many of these can be located in our online catalogue – Home Page (northumberland.gov.uk). Digital or paper copies of photographs can be ordered for a modest fee. Beamish Museum holds an extensive collection of photographs of places across the north-east of England. To search the Beamish catalogue follow this link – People’s Collection (beamish.org.uk).
Many photographs are undated and dating them precisely can be difficult. The Reading Lists includes details of three books that provide guidance about dating photographs.
Reading List
Robert Pols Dating Old Photographs (Family History Partnership 2016)
Robert Pols Dating Nineteenth Century Photographs (FFHS Publications 2005)
Robert Pols Dating Twentieth Century Photographs (FFHS Publications 2005)