Census returns
What is a census?
A census is a survey taken every 10 years to record details of
the population, such as how many people live in each property,
their occupation and ages.
Is it accurate?
Not necessarily. Originally, each district had an enumerator,
who would distribute and collect the household schedules and then
copy the results into his enumerator's book. This often resulted in
mistakes being made and so the returns are not necessarily
accurate. Also, the results are a snapshot of 1 day. If an
occupant was away from the house (in hospital, for example) this
would not be recorded. Nevertheless, the census returns provide us
with a great deal of information.
When was the first census?
The first census was carried out in 1801 and recorded only how
many people lived in each household. It was not until 1841 that
information about individuals at each address was officially
recorded. By 1901, much more information was required on the census
form such as each occupant's relationship to the householder, exact
age (previously this had been rounded down to the nearest 5 years),
place of birth and condition (marital status).
What kind of information can you find on a census return?
On the 1841 census, people's name, gender, occupation, age (this
figure was rounded down to the nearest 5 years for people over
the age of 15) and place of birth. Later censuses contained more
detailed information. The 1901 census also included the
relationship of each member to the head of the household (servant,
wife, child).
Can I see the 1911 census?
Generally there is a 100 year embargo on census returns, so you
cannot browse the 1911 census. However searches may be made on
particular addresses in the 1911 census on payment of a
fee. There will be a limited release of information from 2009
with the full census made available in January 2012.
How can I find and search the census returns?
You can view and order prints from all West Sussex parish census
returns 1841-1901 at
West Sussex Record Office and at
Worthing Library. The following libraries
have census returns 1841-1901 for parishes in their catchment area:
Bognor Regis, Burgess Hill, Crawley, East Grinstead, Horsham,
Littlehampton and Shoreham.
The census returns of 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901 are
searchable online at The
National Archives website. The 1881 census returns are
indexed and can be searched online at the 'Familysearch'
website.
See also 'Local History Mini-Guide to Sources: No.14 Victorian West
Sussex' (West Sussex County Council, 2002); this contains
details of many more sources for further research and has sections
on the home, school, church, leisure, work, industry and
trade, town hall, railways and transport, plus book list and
details of museum services. It may be bought for £2.50 at any
public library or at the West Sussex Record Office.
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