Great Britain - Genealogy Research
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English Census Records

Neil D. Holden

The censuses of 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901 represent a valuable genealogical resource. Although censuses were conducted prior to 1841, the 1841 census was the first that recorded genealogically important information. From 1851 onwards, census records become increasingly more detailed. They record the names, ages, occupations, marital status and birthplaces of every person enumerated, as well as their relationship to the head of the household.  

Census records are an invaluable tool in tracing the movements of our ancestors. They provide a picture of our ancestral families as they existed in one moment in time. Census records are of particular importance in researching families that lived in big cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, and of course, London. Many census records also indicate an ecclesiastical parish in which people were residing, pointing to the churches that contain the records of baptism, marriage and burial for our ancestors.

Below you will find resources available online that assist the researcher in identifying their ancestors in census records. Many indexes found online require a subscription in order to access the records. There is, however, a growing volume of free census records slowly becoming available.

If you have reached a crossroads in your research, and you feel you need professional assistance, ProGenealogists is there to help. Please click here for a free estimate.

 

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