While we’re on the subject of researching houses, there is a fascinating website called My House My Street (mhms.org.uk), created by staff and volunteers at The Regency Town House in Hove, a grade I listed building of the mid-1820s as part of architect Charles Busby’s ‘Brunswick Estate’, being developed as a heritage centre and museum.

The My House My Street project provides local people with the means to discover who lived in their homes in the past by mining a database of census returns and street directories (1784-1974) to enable users to view the occupancy history of local properties. There are also detailed Street Histories (centred on the North Laine area) which enable readers to see the connections between different families, themes and time periods, focusing on the street, its origins, development, changing architecture, materials and uses of the street itself. The social and economic lives of its inhabitants over the years are considered, including issues such as health, education, trades and living conditions.

The website is constantly evolving through the work of volunteers. Visit mhms.org.uk to find out more and see how you could become involved.