#HouseHistoryHour - meet the hosts
Cathy Soughton
Qualified architectural historian and genealogist who specialises in researching the history of property for both private homeowners and commercial clients
Cathy's interest in older houses originally stemmed from her BA degree in Medieval and Modern History where one of her modules was the study of the history of a local village including the buildings there. As part of the process she visited the village and the local archives to study relevant records and" became hooked"!
Following a spell in industry as a computer buyer Cathy decided to pursue her passion for history as a career and obtained a Higher Certificate of Genealogy qualification from the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies followed by a Post Graduate Certificate in Architectural History at the University of Oxford. She has now been a professional house historian and genealogist for nearly 20 years.
She researches the history of properties for private home owners and also legal and property professionals. Most of the properties researched have been in the South East of England including the Cotswolds but she has researched houses in most English counties.
Recent projects have included a Regency townhouse in Berkhamsted where Lady Clementine Churchill spent part of her childhood and a Georgian building in Marlow built for a local MP which is now a solicitor’s office.
Each history is bespoke and tailored to a client's specific requirements. As well as undertaking documentary research on the history of a property, Cathy can also provide a structural overview. The history can be produced in different formats and she also works with a professional photographer to provide beautifully illustrated house history books, see www.benchmarkhousehistories.com for further details.
Cathy has written articles for various publications, given regular talks and provides ‘Ask the Expert’ advice on house histories at Family History shows.
