"HOW old is my house?" must be one of the most frequently asked questions in any county record office or local history library. It is not an easy question to answer, but help is at hand for prospective house detectives in Pembrokeshire.

Another Brick in the Wall is a one-day course on house history to be held at Haverfordwest Library tomorrow (Saturday).

The course, organised by Pembrokeshire County Council's Support and Cultural Services Department, is designed primarily as a guide for beginners, although topics of interest to more experienced house detectives will be included.

Archivist Nikki Bosworth said: "It can be surprisingly difficult to trace a house's history and to date the house precisely. Both documentary and architectural evidence needs to be studied to build up a picture of the history of the house and the people who lived in it."

The course will comprise three case studies - a house in Saundersfoot, a cottage in Llangwm and a farm near Cardigan - to illustrate the documentary sources for tracing the history of a building.

Jason Evans, manager of the Quality Pembrokeshire Unit, will provide an architectural introduction to dating houses from their materials, construction, plans and style.

Mr. Evans will also present a demonstration of the most recent developments in aerial photography, using the county council's geographical information system.

Although the course is being held at Haverfordwest Library, there will also be an opportunity for a visit to the Pembrokeshire Record Office in the grounds of Haverfordwest Castle.

Further information on the £15 course (for which booking is advisable) can be obtained from Nikki Bosworth, Pembrokeshire Record Office, The Castle, Haverfordwest.