How to research historical settings

Writing a historical novel is like being a time-travelling detective. You're sniffing out clues about an era long gone, trying to piece together a historically accurate and compelling world for your readers. One of the most crucial elements of this bygone world is the setting. So, how do you whisk your readers away to Victorian London, the Roaring Twenties in New York, or perhaps the court of Louis XIV?

Primary sources – the hidden treasure

Primary sources are your hidden treasure when it comes to historical research. These are documents or objects created during the time you're studying, giving you first-hand insights. Diaries, letters, newspapers, maps – they offer a glimpse into the past like no other. Libraries, archives, museums, and even online databases are treasure troves of primary sources.

Secondary sources – your helpful guides

Secondary sources, while less shiny than primary ones, are incredibly helpful. These are interpretations and analyses of the historical era by scholars and historians. Books, articles and documentaries offer invaluable context and can save you time. But remember, check the reliability of your source. Just because it's published doesn't mean it's gospel truth.

Visual materials – your time machine

Visual materials are like your personal time machine. Photographs, paintings, drawings, and even early films can give you a real sense of the place and time. Architecture, fashion, transportation and street scenes come alive in visual materials. And in this digital age, many museums and libraries have made their collections accessible online.

Expert advice – your secret weapon

Always remember the power of expert advice. Historians, museum curators and university professors have dedicated their lives to studying the past and are usually more than willing to share their knowledge. Reach out, ask questions, but remember to respect their time.

Immersive experiences – the cherry on top

Last but not least, immersive experiences can add that cherry on top to your historical research. Historical reenactments, visits to preserved historical sites, and even tasting period-specific foods can give you sensory details that breathe life into your setting. You might not be able to time travel (yet), but these experiences are the next best thing.

Travelling through time – a novelist's journey

Researching historical settings is a journey through time. Primary and secondary sources, visual materials, expert advice, and immersive experiences are your trusty companions in this quest. As you weave together these threads of the past, you'll not only craft a setting that's historically rich but also vibrant and compelling for your readers.

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