Research

1. Presentation of the research

It is very important that research is collated and presented in a consistent manner, so that can be entered on a database, and can easily be referenced and assessed.

It is a great help if you are able to type your completed research and transfer it electronically or on disc to the leader of the Research Team. The information can then be transferred to the database without re-typing. Unfortunately, the database is an early version of the Microsoft Access software, and there are formatting limitations. Please remember the following:

· do not use indents

· bold and underline characters do not transfer (there is no reason why you should not use the bold and underlining to make the document clearer when it is printed).

Any handwritten research will be typed on the database and a copy returned to you for checking.

Researchers should take care to read and follow these guidance notes, and therefore avoid the need to revisit work at a later stage.

2. Information on the site provided at the start of the research:

· a sequence of historical maps from 1870’s to the current time,

· any information held by the Trust and the County.

3. Hampshire Record Office (HRO)

· Your first visit to HRO can be daunting. Please contact the Leader of the Research who will arrange for someone to accompany you.

· An HRO booklet on Garden History Research is available at the Record Office priced 30p.

4. Chronology (see example)

In order to achieve these aims it is necessary to write a chronological history of the site incorporating details from historical maps.

The chronological history of the site, to include:

· changes in ownership, significant developments, events, and any details from a sequence of historical

· a note of references and sources (see chronology example)

5. Gazetteer entry (see example).

It is helpful if you would write a gazetteer of the site. Initially, you may find that that this is rather difficult, if this is the case, do contact the Chairman of the Research Group. All that is required is the description and the summary. If you do have a recent photograph of the site, which is appropriate for the entry, it is helpful, but not essential.

· The description should be 1 or 2 sides of A4 depending on the history and present condition of the site, it can be less.

The headings are:

• Location and Site
• Historical Development
• Current Description
• Summary

The summary should be brief and include the historical and current significance of the site.

6. Check list for the Researcher:

· Check with the Local History Societies to find out if any research has already been carried out. Addresses or telephone numbers of the Local History Societies can be found at your local library, or on the Hampshire website under the ‘Cousins’ section – www.hants.gov.uk/cousin/. Most libraries now have facilities to connect to the ‘web’.

· Follow up any information given - this could mean contacting Peter Atkinson at HCC Planning Department, and possibly making a visit to see him.

· Maps:

A series of maps should be given at the start of your research; endeavour to determine the boundaries of the estate, although this can be difficult. Where possible find out size and ownership of the estate from the Tithe awards and maps (available at Hampshire Record Office (HRO) as these give the name of the owners as well as the individual plots of the estate. Use a copy of the 6” 1870’s map to note the boundaries of the estate. Compare the maps to identify any changes, and note these in the chronological history. The historical maps are also available at HRO, and on the web (see Website sources).

· Other references to use:

Victorian County of Hampshire series and Pevsner & Lloyd ‘Buildings of Hampshire’ - both of these are usually available from a local library.

· at the HRO - Calm 2000 (computerised search facility – not all records are available on this), card indexes, Accession books, Parish files, and Sale notices. Also available on the internet http://calm.hants.gov.uk/DServeA/search.htm

· any local historical books, guides etc. e.g. Bygone Bishopstoke. (See Local Books). Do endeavour to crosscheck any details found with other sources, as sometimes hearsay becomes fact.

· use the website search engines to find out if there is any information. e.g. Google.com – details on the Website section.

· where possible, help to familiarize yourself by visiting the area or site, taking advantage of the opportunities when gardens are open to public view, e.g. Red Cross, Yellow Book, Public footpath.

7. Information provided for presentation of the completed research

· Database entry form, a copy can be obtained from our own website.

· explanation of the entries in the Database (see Database entries – to be done shortly)

· an example of the history of Longwood Park (Example of a chronology)

·

· an example of a gazetteer entry for Longwood Park (Example of a Gazetteer)

· features that have been identified through maps and written information should be noted; these features can then be verified if a site inspection is subsequently carried out.

At any time you are unsure about your assignment, or before completing, it would be useful to check with your mentor, or the leader of the Research Team, if what you have been able to do, is what is expected.

8. Completion of the Research

Please send the research with any additional documentation, to the Leader of the Research Team. Two copies will be made, one for the County file and the other will be sent to the appropriate District or Unitary Authority. If you find the instructions are not clear, or you require help, please contact the Chairman of the Research Group.