The Census is one of our most useful tools. Started in 1801, records survive for each of the surveys from 1841. (1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891)

The original records are in London but copies are available in Local Studies     Libraries and some Record Offices. The earlier ones were filmed so you will need to book a film reader (many offices have only a few of these), whilst the later ones were put on microfiche.

Indexes
For many years there were only really indexes produced to villages and sometimes streets so you will be able to find the order the village appears in on the film roll but that is all. In recent years Family History Societies have indexed local Census returns, these are often found in Local Studies Libraries but increasingly County archives have them as well. The 1881 Census was indexed Nationally and is  available on CD from the Church of Later Day Saints - although you should find a fiche copy in your local library.

Using the Census

• It is best to start with more recent names, and one that you know is yours. Try and find one that clearly is about your family. Although some names are  common is surprising how easy very common names came be to research.
  
• The ages are always doubtful. Few people knew their exact age in the early Nineteenth Century so check various entries from different years to check
  
• Places of birth can differ slightly from Census to census. Where they do change rarely is an error, usually it is a version of the truth, perhaps where they lived after they were born
  
• Occupations. These were the job they 'normally' did. It does not mean that they were employed at the time. This problem was removed in later censuses when an 'employed' column was added.
  
• Always note down all the relatives and their details carefully. You might be able to use them to see what happens to your family. For example a family where the male is away on Census night can be found by looking for another sibling.
  
• The 1841 Census is the worse one to use. Sadly it only records Yes or No for ' whether born in tis county'  but it does show family groupings. Also note that ages were rounded down to the nearest 5 after the age of 14. So 18 was      recorded as 15.
  
• Enumeration Districts. Each Census worker, the enumerator, was given about 200-300 people to work on. His district was carefully mapped out. (Some of the maps showing boundaries still exist in Local Record offices) Look at the start of each Enumeration District and write down the description. It should show the outlines of the section he did. In many cases you can get old maps and follow his footsteps along the roads, perhaps even isolating your ancestors actual house. (You can then check this using rating Books - see Other Sources)
  
• Finally it is often worth searching the area once you have located your ancestor as other relatives were very often living nearby.
  
• The Census Nights were :7 June 1841, 30 March 1851, 8 April 1861, 2 April 1871, 3 April 1881