Listed on census twice

[louisem]

My great great grandfather appears to be listed twice on the 1901 census. Once at home with wife and children and once a couple of miles away with parents. No other records list 2 men with the same name in the area. Does anyone know how likely it is that he would be listed twice?

[D ap D]

I've had the same thing on the 81 census. my gggms brother was 6 and was listed with his mother in Aberystwyth and in Tregaron with his grandparents, 18 miles away cross country.

The best explanation I got was that he was actually staying with is grandparents, as his mother was recently widowed and looking after another 2, smaller children, but gave is name as living in the household, although he wasn't actually there at the time.

So I think although not a common occurrence, it does happen that someone is listed twice.

[fuchsiamagic]

My great grandfather Arthur Budge is listed twice on the 1881 census. Once at 34 Fore Street St Germans (RG11 2281 F24 Page 10) and again on board the vessel "Indus" at Devonport (RG11/2214 F150 Page 21). I suppose this was because he was counted at home by one enumerator, then counted again by another when he reached his ship. So it did happen.
Regards, Chris.