1861 Census 


The Census Return Layout

The heading at the top now includes the Ecclesiastical District. This is useful as you can now find the Parish in which people were born. All the titles remain the same as in 1851, except for the addition of the housing column. For the first time those who worked and lived on canal boats had to be included in the count.

The local institutions also had to fill out a census form for all those there at that time. This is particularly useful when looking for people who were in the workhouse. 

Local workhouses were opened, after the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which created 600 unions of Parishes. Under this Act, a board of guardians, elected by ratepayers, was set up. All outdoor relief ceased, and all paupers were forced into the workhouse, whose conditions were particularly harsh.

 


 

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