finding my way around the census's

[Melaniejoy]

Been doing this for a while now but still have questions. Does anyone know what info the 1841 census would give you?
Ditto 1851.

Does anyone have any other info I need before I start looking for possible entries....and I mean any info!!!
Thanks in advance!

[taeama]

The 1841 census is the first useful genealogical census for England & Wales. You will see that no relationships are given - except occasionally in column 5 where you may see Farmer's Wife or similar. All ages 15 and above should have been rounded down to the nearest 5 year multiple, i.e. ages shown as 15 may be 15-19, ages shown as 20 may be 20-24, etc. Another point to remember for ages is that people often said that they "were in their 60th year" meaning that they had passed their 59th birthday. If a person gave information meaning they were in their 60th year, they will be shown as being 60, whereas strictly keeping to the rules, they should be recorded as 55.

[Carmela]

The 1851 and following census records indicate the exact place of birth for each individual listed (town or village and county). The ages are not rounded off, but are of course only as accurate as the information written on the return.
The 1841 Census did not include place of birth, only whether it was in the same county as the person was living at census time.
 
HTH,
Carmela

[Little Nell]

Hi Melanie

This is a good site to look at for an explanation of the census:

http://www.gendocs.demon.co.uk/census.html

It gives the dates, as well as what was entered in each column - well worth a read.

Nell

[Melaniejoy]

Thank-you all!