This help text is part of a series for the IGA net UK&I_GENE conference and was prepared by myself as an aid. The data was as accurate as I could tell at the time of compilation. Nick Rowland (B.A.) (M.B.A.) 440:244/309 31 December 1994 Internet nick.rowland@sunwharf.centron.com FIDONET 2:2501/308.2 or 2:2501/307.30 ========================= Start Text =================================================== UK CENSUS 1801 - 1891 ===================== If you have an ancestor born prior to 1891 the UK census provides a highly useful source of information. In 1800 a Census Bill was passed as a result of fears of a declining population and the ensuing defence problems. The census was to take place every ten years starting 1801. (Ireland started 1821) The first 4 censuses were mainly concerned with statistics and did not record names. The originals of these were destroyed in 1904. The first census of real use to family historians is the 1841. All households had to record individuals names, age, gender, occupation, and county/country of birth. This census was to record exact ages of children under 15 years of age, but Adults had their ages rounded down to the nearest 5 years. (This was not always the case as I have seen some exact ages recorded). For the 1851 census changes were made to the information recorded. All ages were to be recorded accurately (or as provided by the individual) the relationship to the head of the household was also to be recorded. The exact place of birth was added, except where born in another country then the country only was recorded. This format continued onwards with the 1891 census having some more detail about occupation. Beware do not rely on ages, many people gave incorrect ages or were unaware of their true age. Also the population moved around more than was realised so do not be too disappointed if your ancestor is not where you thought they were. The original census returns are made available to the public after 100 years and the last was the 1891 census. The 1891 census is available on microfiche to anyone who wishes to purchase it (Or can afford to!) These can be ordered from the PRO, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU, ENGLAND. NB, This address is not correct for the holdings or researching of censuses. The PRO (Public Record Office) holds censuses on microfilm at Chancery Lane, London WC2 1LR. for England and Wales. (this may change in 1995) Most County Record Offices also hold a copy for that county for each year. Some Latter-day Saints (Mormon) Family History centres also have copies. They have also been coordinating a transcription of the 1881 census. Many family history societies have transcribed or indexed the 1851 census. A 2% sample of each county held by Essex University is available on many Bulletin Boards for the 1881 census. These usually have file names UKC_ccc.??? where ccc is the British Standard code for the county. The Essex University BIRON system has this data available for anonymous ftp via the internet or JANET. SCOTTISH RECORDS ================ The Registrar General for Scotland, New Register House, Edinburgh. EH1 3YT holds copies for Scotland. Local reference Libraries often also hold copies. IRELAND (Eire) RECORDS ====================== Unfortunately, as with many 19 century Irish records, only a few bits remain after the fire in 1922 at the Dublin PRO. However to make up for this the 100 year rule does not apply and 1901 and 1911 records are available. Eire records are at National Archives, Bishop Street, Dublin 8, EIRE 6 counties (ULSTER) records are at PRO for Northern Ireland, 66 Balmoral Avenue, Belfast BT9 6NY. ==========================End Text===================================================