House Stories is a personally-tailored service which will add to your appreciation of the building you live in by telling you about its past occupants, its architectural type, and the history of the area. A specially-commissioned and thorough house history makes an ideal present for a family member or friend living in an old building about which they would like to know more.

If you commission a house history, Dr Barker will conduct detailed research.  Starting with census records and local archives, he will surprisingly often be able to track down photographs of, or art or writing by, previous residents, or unusual documents about the property.  He will compile a unique history that will typically contain illustrations, maps, and a fascinating narrative rich in social history and anecdote. The truth is often not quite what local folklore tells you, but can be much more surprising and  interesting. 

Although most of the work Dr Barker has undertaken has been in London, he has worked on houses outside London, and will consider any project that is feasible in consultation with you about the particular nature of the property.