What is the Census?

The census is a survey taken by the government every 10 years to collect information on the population of the United Kingdom.

The National Archives holds census returns for England, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

The census is subject to a one hundred year closure period because it contains personal information.

From 1801 to 1831 the censuses were simply head counts with no personal information on individuals recorded (except in exceptional cases). From 1841 personal information on individuals was recorded.

If you want to learn more about censuses and the Victorian age see our schools exhibitions at http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/focuson/census/default.htm and http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/victorianbritain/default.htm.

For more information on starting your family history see www.familyrecords.gov.uk

The 1901 Census was released to the public on 2 January 2002. The Census returns are available for public view on microfiche (without a person name index) at The National Archives, Kew. Many local libraries and record offices in England and Wales also have microform copies of the 1901 returns for their local areas. In addition, the new Census Online service enables searching and viewing of images and transcribed details.

What is the Census?

What is the 1901 Census ?