When researching a home’s past, most people naturally think of census records, maps, and old photographs. But one of the most revealing—and often overlooked—sources of historical insight lies hidden in plain sight: the covenants contained within a property’s title deeds.

These legal clauses, sometimes centuries old, were designed to control land use, protect neighbouring interests, or preserve the intentions of the original landowner. Today, they serve as fascinating windows into how an area once functioned and what shaped the lives of former residents.