Census

A national census for Great Britain has been taken every 10 years from 1801. However, very few returns from before 1841 survive and were usually little more than a head count. In addition, each census is subject to a hundred year closure rule which effectively means that the only useful census returns are those for 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901 (which became available from January 2002.)
With the exception of 1881 and 1901, there are no countrywide indexes to the returns so without knowing an exact address on the date of the census, a patient trawl through the microfilm or fiche is necessary.

Whilst the census returns are a very valuable aid to the family historian, it should be remembered that the information is only as accurate as the person providing it! People could lie about their age (often by many years) and sometimes it was known for grandchildren to have been listed as children. It is advisable to keep an open mind when using the information given.

The table below gives a brief introduction to each census year and then links to details found in the census for the relevant year. In the case of 1881 and 1901, these are large files and they may take some time to download.

Year Comments

1841 This census was taken on 6 June 1841. It is important to note that ages up to 15 years are given precisely but for those ages over 15 years, the ages were reduced to the nearest 5 years eg 29 years would show as 25 years and 24 years would show as 20 years. Where born is only shown as either in the County or not and no relationship to Head is given.

1851 This census was taken on 30 March 1851. Ages were now recorded as given, relation to Head is shown and birthplace is recorded as given.

1861 This census was taken on 7 April 1861.

1871 This census was taken on 2 April 1871.

1881 This census was taken on 3 April 1881. Warning - This page may take considerable time to download.

1891 This census was taken on 5 April 1891.

1901 This census became open to the public on 2 Jan 2002. It was intended to be available online but crashed within a day due to heavy demand!! Warning - This page may take considerable time to download.