Using Census Records Part 2

In the last issue we discussed using census records, how to access them and what the main pitfalls are. In this issue we will look at the types of information which census records give, but bear in mind that they can vary a great deal.

The 1841 census gives place of residence (often just the name of a village), first names and surnames, ages which are rounded down to the nearest 5 for people over the age of 15, sex, occupation, and shows whether they were born in the county where they reside in 1841.

From 1851 to 1901 census records give much more information. For example, they show the relationship of each person to the head of household, thus providing a snapshot of a family group. They also show marital status, place of birth (including overseas), medical disabilities, language spoken, and give full addresses.

The 1911 census gives added information, which can be very useful. It shows the length of a present marriage, the number of children born, and the number of children still living. It also gives more detailed information for occupations and nationalities. And for people born in Scotland or Ireland, it gives more exact birthplaces.

A census schedule was completed for each household, and was then collected by the enumerator, who copied the information into an enumeration book, and these are available to see online. You will notice that sometimes the handwriting is very difficult to read, and that the enumerator had trouble spelling names of both people and places!

Susan Francia