Young people have been finding out about the history of their own homes as part of a heritage project.

Charity One Voice Blackburn has been running ‘Making Walls Talk’ and in September 2022 invited a group of 12 young people to uncover the history of the house they currently live in. 

The first phase of the project encouraged them to see the changing face of Blackburn and how the town has evolved. 

To find their information the group of girls took various trips to Blackburn Central Library where the community historian Mary Painter helped them access the register of electors. 

Hafsah Khonat, one of the young leaders supporting the project, said the oldest house belonging to one of the participants was built more than 120 years ago in 1896. 

She said: “Before this project many of the young people didn’t even know books and records like this even exist even though in a few years they could potentially be featured in one.”

Udaysah Masters is taking part in the project and said she enjoyed finding out who has lived in her house. 

She said: “When I heard about the project I couldn’t wait to get started.

"We have had a few sessions at the library and it’s amazing to learn about all the resources that are available to help us complete the project.

"I am looking forward to finding out how many people have previously lived at my family house and whether I am able to meet any of these people.” 

Lancashire Telegraph:

Ammarah Ikram who also took park in the project said: “The heritage project was a project I thought I wouldn’t really like.

"I didn’t understand it initially but was surprised at how interesting it was and I researched who the first person who lived at our house was and all the people that lived there from the year it was built in 1902 all the way until now. 

“It was a fascinating project and broadened my understanding about how important heritage is and basically its backstory and everything.  

“Once I was done with the project, I was very fascinated by my house’s backstory and heritage.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

Making Walls Talk is ongoing and is scheduled to complete by the end of the year. 

The young people are discovering the purpose of land registries and they will be able to look through the ones for their own house to gain a better understanding of their house in the past.  

Hafsah added: “It is anticipated that the young people will meet people who have lived in their house or their descendants.  

“Some of the other young people are creating blue plaques to display in front of their homes showcasing the history they have uncovered.”