1821 Census

[valspall]

Hello all.

I have been going through some of my very early research and have come across some details sent to me about my G-G-G-Grandparents George (1791-1846) and Mary (b1787) MANSELL. The information relates to them on the 1821 census for Wellington, Shropshire, with their 3 children Elizabeth (7) William (6-my g-g-grandfather) and George (3) and I wonder if anyone can tell me about the where abouts of this Census; I had always thought that 1841 was the first census available.

Thanks,
Val

[RobinC]

The 1801, 1811, 1821 & 1831 censuses were destroyed so you are correct in saying that the 1841 census is the first available.

[Sue Mackay]

1841 is generally the first census which names individuals. I believe Wellington was one of the few places where some named individuals were shown in 1821

http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/SAL...Notes1821.html

[Jan1954]

Hi Val,

If you have a read of this, you will see that censuses were taken every 10 years in England and Wales from 1801, but those prior to 1841 were really just headcounts. I am lucky in that I have some information from the 1821 census for some of my ancestors as they lived in East Hoathly (Sussex) where more detail was obtained.

However, as it also says, not all records have survived. Have you contacted the Shropshire Archives to see if they are able to help at all? This book may also be able to assist you.

[Coromandel]

The Shropshire FHS has published a transcript and index to the Wellington 1821 census. This publication has been filmed by the LDS as part of film no. 1145966:

https://
familysearch.org/films/lookup/products/view/film/1145966/

The Shropshire FHS have an '1821 census index' (no mention of transcript) in the Wellington section of their publications list. It seems to be a photocopy. It may be worth e-mailing them, as it sounds as if they may offer a look-up service.

http://www.
sfhs.org.uk/sites/default/files/SFHS_Publications%20120430.pdf

[Peter Goodey]

Have a look out for the book Local Census Listings 1522-1930: Holdings in the British Isles by Jeremy Gibson and Mervin Medlycott.

[Coromandel]

For more about survival of pre-1841 censuses see 'Local Census Listings 1522-1930: Holdings in the British Isles' by Jeremy Gibson and Mervyn Medlycott. It's available from Parish Chest here.

Edit: snap, Peter!

[valspall]

Thanks to all! I have much to go on now!