WHAT I DO
House History Research
Hi there! I'm Marianne Taylor, but my alter ego is The House Detective! I'm an architectural historian, which is basically a fancy way of saying that I investigate the history of houses. I solve their mysteries by uncovering the secrets of the building and the people who lived there.
When was it built? Who built it? Who lived there? Are there any old photos of it? Did it have a name? To try to answer these questions and many more, I become a detective- I visit archives, I search the net, I examine the house itself and I chase down any leads I come across. I never know where my research will take me! What I do know is that EVERY house, no matter how humble or how old, has a wonderful story just waiting to be told!
When I have finished investigating a case, I put all the information, photographs, old maps and any other gems I uncover together in a detailed history report. It is presented in a professionally printed, hard-cover book, which makes a wonderful keepsake (see photos of examples below). I also offer the option of a customised USB, with electronic versions of the report and all the other items I found, including extra photographs and documents that didn't make it into the final report.
I am based in Brisbane, Queensland, but research houses all over Australia. You can find out more about my research packages here or read about some of my fascinating cases here.
For more information or a quote, please contact me here, at info@housedetective.com.au or on 0404 859 008. You can also follow my research and history adventures on Insta, Facebook, YouTube and Pinterest!
Heritage Advice
With post-graduate qualifications and over ten years experience in heritage research, conservation and management, I also offer an advisory service to building or house owners. This includes advice on repairing, restoring or extending your house. I am also experienced in the preparation of Heritage Impact Statements and Conservation Management Plans for heritage listed properties.
Family History
My other passion / addiction is family history research. Do you want to add some branches and leaves to your family tree? Or maybe you want to know answers to specific questions like “where did Grandfather Bob serve in the war?”; “when did Great Gran Jemima first come to Australia?”; or “are there any convicts in the family?". I absolutely love finding out more about who people are and where they came from!
Other Research
Got a particular topic you would like to know more about? I am interested in all areas of history and I'm happy to undertake research requests. Some previous research papers include: The Responses to Death in the Victorian Era; A War Against War - the history of the Women's Peace Army in Australia and Changes in Transportation - an analysis of convict transportation and the differences between the early and later phases.