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Wales (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Wales => Topic started by: wendz on Wednesday 21 March 18 21:00 GMT (UK)

Title: 1891 & 1901 Census left hand column "W" *COMPLETED*
Post by: wendz on Wednesday 21 March 18 21:00 GMT (UK)
Hi everyone,

Please forgive me if this has been covered before (I did try a search but didn't find anything) I have been asked if I knew why the Welsh census 1891 & 1901 often have the letter 'W' written in the far left hand column, the schedule number column, and what does this stand for? There are already columns for marital status and language. It does seem synonymous to the Welsh census returns I've looked at. It's not every household either? Can anyone enlighten me please?

Thank you so much x
Title: Re: 1891 & 1901 Census left hand column "W"
Post by: Gadget on Wednesday 21 March 18 21:47 GMT (UK)
Far right hand column is for language spoken - some  say English, some say Welsh and some say both.   

W = Welsh


Gadget

Add - snip
Title: Re: 1891 & 1901 Census left hand column "W"
Post by: Gadget on Wednesday 21 March 18 21:52 GMT (UK)
I see you said left hand col  (sorry  :-[ )-did you mean right? There's nothing unusual in left hand column  :-\
Title: Re: 1891 & 1901 Census left hand column "W"
Post by: wendz on Wednesday 21 March 18 21:55 GMT (UK)
Yes I meant the left hand column where the schedule number is written, I'll attach a snip of one  :)
Title: Re: 1891 & 1901 Census left hand column "W"
Post by: Gadget on Wednesday 21 March 18 22:11 GMT (UK)
I've not seen a W in that column in any of the Welsh pages that I've looked at. Was it one particular area?

If it was, maybe the enumerator filled the W in on the wrong side.  Otherwise, I'm not sure/don't know. Does the W correspond to a W or Welsh in the right hand column?


Gadget

Add - the schedule number is just the number of the household schedule that the householder fills in and the enumerator then enters them in his book; the pages of which are the ones we see (except the 1911)
Title: Re: 1891 & 1901 Census left hand column "W"
Post by: wendz on Thursday 22 March 18 08:05 GMT (UK)
It seems to be in North Wales and many have the "W" on them, if I look at the totals sheet they often give a number then a number that are marked "W"
Yes I did know these are filled out by the enumerator who collates the schedules from each household (shame they aren't available!! ;) )
The snip I posted was just a random one I picked as an example.
Title: Re: 1891 & 1901 Census left hand column "W"
Post by: Gadget on Thursday 22 March 18 09:32 GMT (UK)
Hi again

Can you give me a ref to one of the pieces or a parish, please, so I can look. Most of my research has been in North Wales as I don't have any ancestors from the South and am puzzled why I've not noticed them before.

Gadget
Title: Re: 1891 & 1901 Census left hand column "W"
Post by: EmyrBorth on Thursday 22 March 18 09:52 GMT (UK)
Hi
It denotes that the householder had filled in a Welsh form. So there are thousands of examples in the mainly Welsh speaking areas. Apparently not enough Welsh forms were printed or there would have been more examples.
Emyr
Title: Re: 1891 & 1901 Census left hand column "W"
Post by: Gadget on Thursday 22 March 18 09:56 GMT (UK)
That makes sense, Emyr - thanks.

I've just found an example in a Llangollen piece  :)
Title: Re: 1891 & 1901 Census left hand column "W"
Post by: Gadget on Thursday 22 March 18 10:03 GMT (UK)
And obviously the ones with W in the left have either Welsh or Both in the right column.
Title: Re: 1891 & 1901 Census left hand column "W"
Post by: Glynm on Thursday 22 March 18 10:53 GMT (UK)
Interesting question and thank you for the answer Emyr. On checking it also occurs less frequently on the 1881 Census.
Title: Re: 1891 & 1901 Census left hand column "W" *COMPLETED*
Post by: wendz on Thursday 22 March 18 12:54 GMT (UK)
Ah thank you Emyr!
Love it! You learn something every day  :D

Glad you found some too Gadget! I bet you thought I was imagining it  ;D :D ;)

Thank you everyone! RootsChat is the best!!! x