How do you start researching the background for your historical books?

First I read everything I can find about the place and the period I’m going to set it in. I find it’s important for me to ’live’ in the place and time for awhile. Then I have to go there. Once I’ve walked about, seen the way the light comes, looked at buildings, a picture comes into my mind. Fortunately I seem to be like a sponge, I soak up atmosphere, facts and images very easily.