House Ownership

My ancestors lived in the same house from before 1830 to at least
1918. Since my ancestor was a builder he may have built his own
house. The house is made of granite and is still there today. I don't
know whether they owned or rented the house, but the length of
occupancy I would guess indicates they owned it.

andrew...

Not necessarily, Members of my family lived continuously in St. Paul's
Chapter House for over a hundred years. Unfortunately they did not own
it, but lived there under a service tenure. (Succeeding generations held
the same job).

Unfortunate, for a house in Amen Corner is probably worth a penny or
two now.

Yours Aye Andrew Sellon
Hodgson divides the Fines as they arise. We balance with Sellon once a
year at the Audit in March; you may always see his books. Rev. Sydney
Smith 1771-1854, Canon of St. Paul's.

My question is how would I find out who became the occupant
immediately after my ancestor died in 1918? And is there a way to
get internal plans for the house?

chris_doran...

Local directories, usually Kelly's, covered the more populated areas
from the late 19th century up to WW2 and in some places a little
beyond, and name the principal occupant. There are also electoral
rolls, of course. The downside is that you'll almost certainly have to
visit the local studies centre for the area concerned. Some may answer
quick e-mail enquiries free, or for a fee if it takes longer. Go to
central library. Or if you give the exact address here, someone may do
it for you.

Local Studies should have large scale maps which will give the outside
plan, but I doubt if you'll get internal plans other than by contacting
the present occupants. You could keep an eye on local estate agents'
websites for internal photos of similar houses in the locality if you
know it well enough to recognise them.

None...

Sorry, I don't live in England and don't know the rules, but in the United
States if alterations are done to a house the plans for the alternations
must be submitted to the local government for approval. Does
something similiar exist?

My family still has some memories of what the interior was like.

Chris
Researching Penge, Anerley, London SE20, and neighbouring parts of
Beckenham, Kent.