English And Welsh Census Dates

English and Welsh Census Dates

The dates on which those English and Welsh Census which are not available were taken are:

• 1801 - 10th March
• 1811 - 27th May
• 1821 - 28th May
• 1831 - 29th May

The dates on which those English and Welsh Censuses which are available were taken are:

• 1841 - 6th June

Included names - occupations - Whether Born in same County  - Whether Born in Scotland, Ireland or Foreign Parts.  Ages were given but above the age of 15 - ages were rounded down within 5 year bands. 16-19=15; 20-24=20 etc.; 

• 1851 - 30th March

In addition the the above- Marital Status - Place of Birth & Place of Worship; were included.  Also actual ages were given - but the accuracy cannot be relied on - as variations can be seen for given individuals in later census returns.

This was the first census to be indexed - but this is only generally available on paper from various Family History Societies with interests in the particular counties or areas.

• 1861 - 7th April

In addition the the above - relation to Head of Family - Whether Blind, or  Deaf-and-Dumb. 

There are very few surviving naval and merchant shipping returns before this date.

• 1871 - 2nd April

Also noted imbeciles, idiots and lunatics.

• 1881 - 3rd April

This is the only Census that has been fully transcribed and indexed - and can be searched by placename and surname.  This index is thanks to the many voluntary hours put in by members of Family History Societies all around England and Wales.

This census is available on micro-fiche - and on pack of 25 CD's from the Later Day Saints (Mormons).  The latter includes more information than the fiche version and also includes Scotland and the Channel Isles.

• 1891 - 5th April

Some counties have been indexed by local Family History Societies - and the FRC (Family Records Centre) has a street index. If you use this in conjunction with 1881 census - you can see if a family has moved - or if there are more or less children etc. Some indexes are available through various FHS's - and others are working on them - but there has been no country wide collation. If you think the 1891 census will help you - then your bet bet is to contact the FHS that covers your area of interest - and see if they have anything. See GENUKI for a list of FHS's.

• 1901 - 31st March
• 1911 - 2nd April  (100 year closure - released 2012)
• 1921 - 19th June (100 year closure - released 2022)
• 1931 - 26th April (Destroyed WWII) 
• 1939 - 29/30th Sept (except service personnel for ID cards)
• 1941 -  Not compiled  (Due to WWII)
• 1951 - 09th April
• 1961 - 24th April
• 1971 - 26th April
• 1981 - 06th April
• 1991 - 22nd April
• 2001 - 29th April

Population Information

The population of England and Wales at the date of each census as follows:

• 1841 - Population 15,914,000

• 1851 - Population 17,928.000

• 1861 - Population 20,066,000

• 1871 - Population 22,723,000

• 1881 - Population 25,974,000

• 1891 - Population 28,999,000

• 1901 - Population 32,527,843

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