I live in the Devonshire Road area of Weston and whilst researching (or trying to) the history of my house I found out that most of the houses in this area were built by the Newcombe Estates Company in the early 1900s and the development was known as the Uphill Park Residential Estate. Does anyone know anything about the history of this area or have any old photos etc? I've got an old photo of the shop on the corner of Devonshire Road and Southend Road with people in Edwardian clothes. I'd also be interested to know what was on the land before the houses were built.
I'm sorry I don't know much about that part of Weston, but I'd be interested to know how you found out the information you have so far, as I'm thinking of researching the history of my house. Where did you start? I've had a look through the deeds, and some of them go back to the late 1800s but although they mention the names of the men that bought and sold the land before the houses were built, there's no mention of any companies, so I'm not sure where to go next.
By Westie2009 at 07:53 on 04/07/09
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I'm afraid I really am too ignorant about our home town. So sad. I wish there was some sort of local history book.
By samsonsobers at 14:55 on 04/07/09
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There are lots of books about the history of Weston but they tend to deal with the development of the main town rather than the residential areas.
I went to the Somerset Records Office in Taunton (you can identify the records you want to look at in advance by searching their online catalogue) and that gave me the original architect's plans. I also wrote to the solicitor of one of the previous owners of the house and they provided me with an Abstract of Title listing all the people who have owned the house. In it's early life it was rented out so to find out who actually lived here I looked at the online census records. Good luck with your research! It's a slow process.
Thanks so much Helen. It sounds like quite a lot of effort but then it should be worth it.
By samsonsobers at 22:20 on 05/07/09
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37ltd p/h
32k - 38k pa + Excellent Benefits
32k - 38k pa + Excellent Benefits