Up to the 17C the general run of houses used local materials , skills and traditions. The houses of the nobility and gentry might be influenced by fashions from abroad or Court circles, but the average person lived in a house characteristic of his region - what is known as vernacular architecture . Harris and Archer list pattern books. Copyhold property was held by a copy of an entry on the manor court roll. For the estate records of private owners see family archives .
Diocesan records cover the estates of bishops.
The Bodleian Library holds the estate records of the Oxford colleges. Published county and city directories , usually in local studies libraries. The Guildhall Library has a countrywide collection. Poll books and electoral registers, usually in local studies libraries. Descriptions Hearth tax returns list number of hearths by parish and name of occupier.