Using slides to illustrate his talk our speaker, David Annal, described the introduction of the census system in the UK and gave his audience an insight into the issues of censuses in the country from 1801.
At the start of the 19th century no one had any idea of the population of the UK. The 1800 Census Act, drafted by John Rickman, was passed despite opposition in Parliament. The first census was set up in 2 months and taken in 1801, but was merely a headcount. Parish official such as the Overseers of the Poor and Churchwardens were instructed to do it but not told how it should be done. In Scotland School masters undertook the role and their records are much easier to read.
The 1811 census was again taken by the Overseers who were paid expenses rather than wages and expected to do it as part of their job. Although, the 1811 census contained more questions it still does not have much information of use to family historians.
The 1840 Census Act was the first time Enumerators were mentioned. The 1891 Census was the first that allowed women to be Enumerators.
Non compliance attracted a fine but in 1911 Suffragettes advocated “No Vote No Census”. Some women refused to complete the census form whilst others wrote various comments on theirs. Victor Crouch from Palmers Green Edmonton said he would spoil his form until women were given the franchise.
The 1920 Act stipulates that the information in the census may not be released until after 100 years. In which case they will not be releasing any information earlier as happened with the 1911 census.
Although, taken every hundred years there are a two censuses missing. The 1931 census was burnt in a fire and due to WWII there was no census taken in 1941. Although the 1939 Register, taken on the eve of WWII, is already published and does contain some information that may be of use to Family Historians.
After the talk David answered several questions from members.
Tricia Baxter
Next Meeting
Friday 13th July 2018
An Afternoon walk in the parish of St Martin and St Paul Led by Tricia Baxter