1911 census by Anne Astling (continued)
You will be familiar with the basic information that was previously asked for. The 1911 census focussed on two areas of concern: family fertility and employment.
- As well as giving the marital status of an individual, women were also asked to state the number of years they had been married, and how many children had been born to the marriage, including children who had died as well as the ones who had survived.
- With regard to employment, people were asked not only what trade or profession they followed, but also the industry in which they were employed.
There was also a concern to count the number of homeless people - and also to account for individuals whose home address was in this country, but who were not present on the night of census. So ships at sea (Royal Navy) and overseas military establishments were required to ensure schedules were completed for all these service personnel.
Viewing the images of the actual schedules is likely to prove worth every penny:
In most cases the form was completed in the householders’ own handwriting and without supervision. Consequently completion is also subject to an individual’s interpretation of what information was required. In many cases additional information was given - which will not appear in the transcript version. One example we were shown was a virtual life history of the employment (and otherwise) of the householder.
It was not unusual to find comments and drawings included on the forms, which give some insight into the attitudes and feelings of the householder. For example, this was the time of considerable concern about suffrage - and especially women’s suffrage. In some cases householders used the census form as a means of protest, perhaps by refusing to complete the schedule fully - or at all. There may be correspondence attached to the schedule, which has also been scanned.
I hope this will encourage you to go to the extra expense of viewing the transcripts or original forms of at least a few members of your family tree. Elizabeth and I would be very grateful to receive as much data from you as you would wish to have entered on to the T-T database.
Back to Previous Page