Melanie Backe-Hansen – House Historian
Melanie is an independent historian, writer, and speaker, who specialises in researching the social history of houses, streets, and areas throughout the United Kingdom. The main focus of Melanie’s work involves original research for homeowners and corporate clients to provide research reports and bespoke house history books. For testimonials from a selection of Melanie’s clients visit – testimonials.
Melanie was research consultant for A House Through Time (BBC Two) and to accompany the series, Melanie co-wrote the book of the same name with historian David Olusoga. She was series historical consultant for Phil Spencer’s History of Britain in 100 Homes (More4) and contributing expert for BBC Radio 4 series, A Home of Our Own. Melanie is also the author of House Histories: The Secrets Behind Your Front Door, Historic Streets and Squares: The Secrets on Your Doorstep. Her latest book, Doors of London, with photographer Cath Harries, was released in November 2024.
Melanie regularly contributes to the national media, including a regular house history feature in The Times, along with The Guardian, The Telegraph, and several lifestyle magazines. She has appeared on television in Phil Spencer’s History of Britain in 100 Homes, along with several BBC radio programmes, plus national and online media. Melanie is a regular speaker at events and festivals, as well as universities and history groups. Melanie is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, as well as a Member of the Royal Historical Society, The Society of Authors, and the Historical Writers’ Association. She is also an Associate Staff Member at the University of Dundee.