The 1851 England and Wales census was taken on 30th March 1851. This recorded a population of nearly 18 million people. It was the first UK census to record relationships to the head of a household, as well as other details such as a person's exact age, place of birth and marital status. This was also the first census to ask about a persons disabilities. There was an Ecclesiastical Census taken at the same time to ascertain attendance at churches and chapels.[1]
Heads of each household were required to fill out a form with the required information, known as schedules. A census enumerator then collected these schedules and compiled them into enumerator's books. The schedules were unfortunately destroyed, and it is the enumeration books which we use today.
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Information found on the 1851 CensusInformation found on the 1851 Census
The below is a list of the details you may discover about an ancestor in the 1851 census:
- City or parish
- Address- This may be a specific numbered house, a street or just a parish name
- The names of all people in the household- middle names may be omitted
- Each persons relationship to the head of the household
- Marital status
- Age- accurately to the year for the first time
- Sex
- Occupation- multiple occupations were recorded per person for the first time
- Exact place of birth including parish- if born abroad this may only give their country of birth
- Whether a person is blind or ‘deaf-and-dumb’
In addition to the above each census return recorded the number of uninhabited houses, as well as a tally of males and females per page.
Where to find the 1851 Census of England and WalesWhere to find the 1851 Census of England and Wales
The original paper returns are held at The National Archives in Kew in Series HO 107 however these are not available for public viewing. Digitised images and transcriptions have been created for the entire 1851 England and Wales census records and can be viewed online, such as 1851 England & Wales Census collection at MyHeritage.
Issues to be aware of with the 1851 CensusIssues to be aware of with the 1851 Census
Most genealogical records have their own issues to be aware of when using them to research our ancestors. The below are some that are relevant to the 1851 England and Wales Census:
- This was the first nationwide census where relationships where required to be recorded. Be aware however that terms have changed over time. For example, a son-in-law then may actually be what we would call a stepson today.
- Some people were missed and do not feature on the census. This includes the travelling community and those working overnight.
- Information provided on the census may be incorrect. This may be intentional if a person wished to mislead the authorities, perhaps if they were a soldier who had deserted or a wanted criminal. It is usually not intentional however. Our ancestors had no official identification documents, such as passports or driving licences, and as such were less aware of details such as their date and place of birth. Their given place of birth may simply be the place they remember growing up, rather than where they were actually born
- The census was taken in March, rather than in June as with the 1841 census, and it was believed more people would be home due to seasonal work
- The disability statistics provided should not be taken too literally. The definition of these terms has changed over time, and many people lied to hide the disablities of people within their household
- Marital status is recorded under the heading of 'Condition' and is either stated to be S for single, M for married or W for widowed. Divorced was not an option.
- Infants aged under 1 often have their age in months given. Newborns age is often given in days or weeks and they may be unnamed
- As with all census returns, there are variations in the spelling of names and places and some transcription errors
See alsoSee also
Explore more about the 1851 England and Wales CensusExplore more about the 1851 England and Wales Census
- 1851 England & Wales Census collection at MyHeritage
- Census Data – Discover census collections webinar on the MyHeritage Knowledge Base
- How to look for records of Census records at The National Archives
- Story of the Census at the Office for National Statistics
References
- ↑ Home Office: Ecclesiastical Census Returns. The National Archives