Hi all,
I've just gotten the 1921 census entry (very exciting day!) for my great-granddad, Gerald, who was adopted as a child. I know nothing about his biological nor adoptive family.
In the previous census he lived with his biological father and his older siblings, Hetty and William. In the 1921 census, he lives with a new family, and Hetty (who was still under 18) but not with William (who was in his 20's).
Gerald and Hetty are both listed as boarders in this household with no mention of being adopted such as being listed as "adopted son" or "adopted granddaughter" - is boarder the usual terminology for adopted children in censuses or is this family he is boarding with not likely his adoptive family?
Thank you for any help,
Ell
Hi
A "Boarder" is someone who lives in the household and makes payment for their accommodation. It's similar to a "Lodger", the difference being that a lodger pays for use of a room only, a boarder pays for a room and meals. Lodgers were supposed to be treated as a separate household with their own census form (this doesn't always happen). Boarders should have their details entered with the household. I've found in my research in various census years that boarders and lodgers can sometimes be family members but not always, it's more likely with boarders.
There was no formal legal adoption in England & Wales until 1926 (few years later in Scotland & N.Ireland) so unlikely to be shown in 1921. There were "adoptions" before then but these were informal unofficial arrangements.
Hope this helps.
Malcolm