Olest Recorded Census

[paulmh]

I was wondering, apart fromthe Doomsday Book which is the oldest surviving British Census?

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi there Paul

According to my 'Oracle'

For most places in England, Scotland and Wales the national census of 1801 is the first count of the population (Ireland 1821).
However, individual places sometimes held a local census for a particular reason as in 1616 - township of Sheffield had 2,207 inhabitants - made on behalf of the lord of the manor who was preparing a charitable bequest.
These kind of records appear in 'Miscellaneous collections' in local 'record offices' - so that would be your first port of call to see what there is.

Chris in 1066Land

[Jane Masri]

On the same subject, Chris, I'd like to ask if the earlier census are worth having a look at?  What kind of information do they contain?  I have heard that they are no more than a head count, in your opinion is that true?
Jane

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi Jane

Yes, its true, a lot of them are just head counts; but on saying that, there are a lot like the ones listed below that gives lots of information

Inhabitants of Rye males aged 16 and Over in 1660
Inhabitants of Westham in July 1751.
Inhabitants of Icklesham males aged 17 – 55 in 1803

Only by checking at the relevant record office would you be able to see what is available and the quality of same

Chris in 1066Land

[paulmh]

Cheers Chris

[Jane Masri]

Thanks Chris,
Jane

[Boongie Pam]

If anyone is interested in trying to track down early census or population listings then I truely think this book is indispensable!

Pre-1841 Censuses & Population Listings in the British Isles
by Colin R Chapman
Lochin Publishing
ISBN 1 873686 18 8

I got my copy for a fiver from the Family Records Centre, it's a small book but packed with info and excellent indexing.

If anyone is interested in what it lists for a particular county then ask and I'll look up.  But I recommend the book as it gives you an insight into the political discussions and development of the census.

For the original question Mr Chapman highlights a number of tithes and poll taxes in the 12th century onwards.  The one of the earliest population list seems to be a list of the resident males of Rye, Sussex in 1488 eligible to serve as constables.  1523 saw the first census 10 wards of Coventry.

Cheers,
Pam
 

[newbie]

Hi Pam, Thank you for the offer can I ask for information on Wiltshire and Glamorgan?
Have made a note of the title and ISBN -  off to look for it now!
Newbie

[Boongie Pam]

Hiya,

There are 2 appendices the first is for census with names the second the Decennial ...

App 1
Wiltshire:

Bowerchalke 1834-36
Cheverall, Little 1785
Chisleden 1787
Colerne 1774
Corsham 1770
Ditchridge 1684
Donhead 1695
Haslebury 1684
Marlborough 1600, 1601
Salisbury 1635
Stanton St Bernard 1744
Swindon 1673, 1801, 1811, 1821, 1831

App 2

* = with names

1801: Wiltshire
Box*, Highworth, Horningsham, Keevil (part), Steeple Ashton (1800)

1811: Wiltshire
Foxley, Grittleton, Malmesbury (part), Manningford Abbots (1810), Woodborough

1821: Wiltshire
 Malmesbury (part), Steeple Ashton, Stourton*, Stratford sub Castle, Sutton Veny, Trowbridge.

1831: Wiltshire
Bromham, Downton, Malmesbury (part), Stockton (part), Stourton, Sutton Veny

There will be more detail in the text (maybe) I'd have to read the book again to find it all!  But the local records office would be able to advise better.

Nothing under Glamorgan - was that the county name back then?

Cheers,
Pam