From 1801 onwards, information about the population of the United Kingdom has been collected by means of a census. The census returns form a valuable resource for family historians.
What information can be found in the Census?
The earlier returns from 1801 - 1831 were simply a numerical count and provide little detailed information. These returns have not been officially preserved although some survive in county council offices.
From 1841 onwards the census records have been preserved officially and contain much more detail about individuals. The 1841 Census gives full name, age, sex and occupation for each person. Exact ages are given for those under 15, whilst for people over 15 ages are rounded down to the nearest 5 years. Information relating to place of birth is restricted to whether or not a person was born in the country of residence.
The 1851 - 1901 censuses recorded the following for each person: full name, exact age, relationship to head of household, sex, occupation, parish and county of birth and any medical disabilities.
Will more information be available soon?
The returns are subject to a 100 year closure period because of the personal information which they contain. The latest census to be made available for public inspection is the 1911 Census.
The Census Online website now also includes census data for 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871 and 1891, and birth, marriage and death indexes 1837-2004. T
The Census Online website can be viewed here*.
The 1911 Census is available to search online at 1911Census*
What about local records?
Many county record offices and local history libraries hold microfilm or microfiche copies of the census returns for their local area.
The Learning and Information Library has copies of census returns for Leicester and Leicestershire 1841 - 1901 on microfiche or CD-ROM.
How do I get started?
The library has various reference guides on how to use the Census and where to find copies of census returns. Useful books are:
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Making Use of the Census by Susan Lumas, Public Record Office Publications, 4th Edition, 2002..
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Using Census Returns, Public Record Office Pocket Guide, 2000.
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Census the Expert Guide by Peter Christian and David Annal, 2008.
These are both shelved at G929.3 Census.
What if I need to know more?
Further information about Census returns can be obtained on the Internet from the National Archives* or the BBC Family History*.
*Leicester City Council is not responsible for the content and services provided on
external websites.
