1831 Census - I feel the need to sound thick >>

[halfasheep]

I have relatives on 1841 census onwards, and my understanding is that there are actually earlier census returns (although possibly of very little use).

Where is it possible to find copies of the earlier censuses? I know on rare occasions they may have some personal details (not holding my breath), but I'm interested in seeing what is on there and how long a family has been in a particular area (I'm finally going beyond 1837 and need parish records).

I'm particularly looking at Dyffryn Clydach

[mike175]

"Most of the early returns for 1801-1831 were destroyed, only statistical summeries being published. Those few returns that survive are now usually in the local County Record Office." http://privatewww.essex.ac.uk/~alan/family/N-EarlyCensuses.html

1831 Statistical Summary:
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/schools/humanities_and_soc_sciences/census/cen1831.htm

Mike.

[halfasheep]

Short and sweet - cheers for that - have a week off soon, so will go digging