1841 Census

Since census records began in 1801, the 1841 Census was the first one that gave us some additional, useful information. It would list all the occupants of an address, their age and occupation and if they were born in the county where the census was being taken. However, to confuse matters, there were no relationships recorded and the ages weren't very accurate. Children up to the age of 15 should have their appropriate age recorded, but after the age of 15 the ages were rounded down to the nearest 5 years, so a 16 year old and a 19 year old person would be recorded as aged 15.  In some areas, the Enumerator would forget about the rule regarding ages and would record the actual age. The 1841 Census was taken on the night of 6 Jun 1841 and below is an image of the questions that had to be completed. It may also be noted that, particularly in the more rural of areas, that specific addresses are not given and are generally listed under just "Hightown" or "Oakenshaw" or the like.