New web pages for the Wiltshire Buildings Record explain how people can explore their properties' pasts and make permanent historical records of their homes.

The pages are part of the Window on Wiltshire's Heritage, an innovative £425,000 project - run by Wiltshire County Council and funded by the New Opportunities Fund - to set up a major web-based resource revealing the county history and culture.

A handy guide is included to help people carry out basic historical surveys of their own homes.

Surveys

The Wiltshire Buildings Record also carries out commissioned surveys. The web site features an example of a recent survey carried out on a house in Market Lavington, near Devizes. The oldest part of the house in the High Street, formerly Lavington Hardware, dates back to the end of the 16th century.

Wiltshire Buildings Record organiser and buildings recorder, Dorothy Treasure, said: "The Wiltshire Buildings Record is a unique record of the county's architectural heritage.

"These new web pages mean that more people will be able to find out about and gain access to this important resource.

"The web site has a number of really useful features, including a guide to help people carry out historical surveys of their homes."

Interactive game

Visitors to the site can test their knowledge of architectural styles by playing an interactive game.

Players are asked to look at series of doorways from Wiltshire buildings through history and identify the correct time period. They can also find out more about how styles have changed over the last 1,000 years.

The Wiltshire Buildings Record is the only organisation of its type in the UK where members of the public can drop in and discuss their query with a building archaeologist for free.

Help and advice on finding out about the historic environment can also be given, including up-to-date listed building and conservation area information.