Census listings

The census records information on the country's population and has been taken every ten years since 1801, with the exception of 1941.  Records may only be inspected after 100 years, and the census returns presently available for public scrutiny are 1841-1901.  The census is essentially a snapshot of the people in a household on a given night and as such can provide details of a particular family and anyone else who happens to be in the house at the time, for example, servants, lodgers or visitors.  Census records can be used, not only to further the search for direct ancestors, but also to broaden knowledge of the wider family and to bridge the gap between statutory and old parish records.  They can also give an indication of how the family lived.  Geographic mobility can be tracked through the given birthplaces, and social mobility through addresses and occupations.