Researching your site (4) - online resources

The vast (and rapidly increasing) number and range of webpages providing relevant information represents a useful resource for preparing Heritage Assessments and historical research on most topics. The material needs to be used with caution as some websites upload inaccurate or misleading accounts and interpretations. Frequently I will uncover contradictory statements on different sites and it then becomes essential to determine which is most likely to be correct.

Despite the need for vigilance, the internet contains lots of detail that was never expected to assist a planning report but which can be very significant. For this reason my online searches will include multiple keyword searches in addition to targeted use of websites including The British Newspaper Archive and frequently genealogical websites.

As my report takes shape I will identify unanswered questions and areas of uncertainty. I aim to resolve all of these - which means that my report may occasionally contribute significant new understanding of a building or location. If I can demonstrate that a building has been rebuilt or markedly altered - or a site quarried - that may reduce its heritage significance for planning purposes.