The 1921 Census – A Talk by Paul NIXON of FindMyPast 

Our February meeting welcomed Paul NIXON, UK Content Licensing Manager for FindMyPast, who gave an absorbing and hugely informative presentation on a very topical subject – The 1921 Census.

Paul started his talk by providing an overview of the size of the task undertaken to digitise the recently released survey, backed up with some truly mind-boggling statistics.   For example, we learned that the original census schedules were bound into 280,000 volumes, and filled 14,000 boxes that, in turn, occupied 1.6km of shelving at the Titchfield premises of the Office for National Statistics.

The commentary next turned to the complex process of transcription and the equally robust ‘clean up’ régime that has seen many thousand reported errors corrected within just month of launch.

Thereafter, Paul encouraged those new to FindMyPast’s exclusive collection to take time to understand the various means by which individual records may be located and associated additional material accessed.  In the latter regard, beyond the core schedules recording the occupants of a single address, he pointed to the availability of historic maps showing the location of interest over time, extracts from contemporary gazetteers and a whole range of demographics, including analysis by occupation and surname distribution, in the immediate vicinity of an ancestor’s home.

In many instances drawing upon his own family history, Paul then highlighted some of the more unique data offered by the 1921 Census, including the detailed enumeration of the Armed Forces in Ireland at a politically delicate time, identification of the occupants of certain institutions, e.g. Workhouses and the inclusion of the precise name and address of an individual’s employer.

Poignantly, the talk drew to a close with some deeply moving statistics evidencing the impact of World War One on our nation.  The census schedules list 192,000 widows, 360,000 children who lost their father during the conflict and 5,541 men who gave their occupation as ‘Disabled Soldier’.

A lively question and answer session followed, during which Paul encouraged the attendees to share any unexpected or interesting discoveries they make while scrutinising the last decennial census that will see the light of day for thirty years.  [These can be emailed to FMP at discoveries@findmypast.com.]

Chris Broom  

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The 1921 Census of England and Wales is here!  Join Findmypast (FMP) for an unmissable exploration of the biggest new arrival in family history.  After years spent digitising and transcribing this unique snapshot of our recent history, discover the stories and secrets contained within.  Along with the historical context, tips for effective searching and using it to trace elusive relatives, we'll learn how the 1921 Census will help you understand your ancestors’ lives better — and your own.

This afternoon talk, at 2:30pm, will be given by Paul Nixon, UK Head of Licensing for FMP.  We had hoped to resume physical meetings as long ago as December but, in view of the ever-changing Covid situation, we've successively abandoned those plans.  This Zoom-based event is free to members, but is also available to non-members at a cost of £3.00.  If you wish to ‘attend’ (and maybe join too if you're not already a member), please register via our «Book for our next Zoom talk» page by Friday, 18th February, and you'll be sent joining instructions in acknowledgement.  

The Zoom link will be emailed to you around 2:00pm on the afternoon of the talk —
slightly later than usual on this occasion.

 FMP will be interested in any 'gems' you might uncover from the 1921 Census!