England and Wales, Census, 1871

What is in This Collection?

The 1871 census was taken on the night of 2 April, 1871. Census schedules consist of large sheets with pre-printed rows and columns. The schedules are arranged by county and then divided by civil parish, while some are further subdivided into smaller enumeration districts, each district being an area that could be enumerated in a day. For reference purposes, the National Archives assigned a piece number to each enumeration district and stamped a folio number in the upper right corner of each right-side page. The number refers to entries on both sides of the page.

The Registrar General created the national censuses. Enumerators went door to door collecting the data in census books. Censuses taken between 1851 and 1931 were conducted on a single day, sometime between March 31 and April 8. The census takers listed only those who spent the night in each household, so individuals who were traveling or at school were listed where they spent the night. Almost all the residents of England are included in the census. Non-citizens were also included.

The following civil parishes, townships, or places in the registration district of Gower in Glamorgan and the Sub-District of Gower Western are missing:

• Registration Sub-District 2B Gower Western
• Porteynon
• Penrice
• Oxwich
• Nicholaston
• Penmaen (3)
• Reynoldston
• Llandewy
• Knelston

The original schedules are well preserved and housed at the Public Records Office in Kew. The Registrar General created censuses for various reasons, including population studies, accessing military readiness, compiling lists of eligible voters, and tracking relief to the poor. The information gathered by the census taker is only as reliable as the person who provided the information. While some information may not be completely accurate, it can still provide important clues in locating an ancestor.

If you do not know what registration district you need, find your location in: UK BMD Registration Districts In England and Wales.

Additional records and/or images may be added to this collection in the future.

What Can These Records Tell Me?

The following information may be found in these records: