Over time we have recieved HEAPS of topics about the Riddle house, and the meaning of the first chapter in the book, however most of these have been lost over time. Recently (this week) I've seen a few more submited so I thought a pinned topic would be a good idea. So here's what it's all about...

Voldemort is Tom Riddle Jr. It is stated in the books that he was named after his father. He becomes an orphan after his mother dies giving birth to him, and his father leaving because she was a witch.

In the opening chapter of GOF, Tom Riddle Snr. (Voldemort's father), and his elderly parents are living in the house. After his wife died and he found out she was a witch he moved back in with them.

So when he finishes school Tom Riddle Jr. goes to the house and murders his father Tom Riddle Snr. and his grandparents. He then goes into hiding and becomes what he was known as to his closest friends at school - Lord Voldemort.

I hope that helps explain it a bit.