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The place name grabbed me because this is where my great grandfather came from. With the name of William Jackson he was not easy to trace! I first found him in the 1881 census---place of birth 'St Martins Shropshire' Then in 1891, p.o.b. 'Lodge, Shropshire' In 1901,Oswestry!!!! I finally found his place of birth during a visit to Shropshire, touring round the area. 'Lodge' was a small hamlet in the registration district of St Martins which came under the district of Oswestry. So I suggest you put together every p.o.b. you find and look for a common denominator---which place could apply to all those given in the census. Having said that of course, the comments above are also true. He may THINK he was born somewhere but only because he grew up there! So check the census to see where he was.

It also depended on how the eneumerator asked the question ie if he asked where did you come from? and they had moved, then they may answer the name of the previous area they lived in. At one of our Family History Soc meetings we had a skit done by two ladies that are in the research line and they showed how answers were obtained, was very funny but also gave an insight into taking census details ,sometimes, with a pinch of salt. Shirley

thanks Kath and Sylvia I have been very lucky with census reports actually they have been quite acurate for me but it made me think when I was researching gg grandfather that possibly he moved when young to Shrewsbury and lived there a few years

They would say anything that popped into their heads! The number of strange and random places of birth never ceases to amaze me! After a while I get to know my ancestors and (just like nowadays) some are very reliable - always say their age and birthplace consistently. Others are obviously either compulsive liars or don't really know or care about giving correct information to the census process (I suspect the latter). Others, I guess, just didn't know! Anne

Hi Reg and Jennifer Thats what I was thinking because I have been looking for a birth for a long time and now I think I have found him. thanks for your help Sylvie

Sylvia You cannot draw any conclusions from census information about birth places. It depended on who gave the information, whether they knew (or even cared) etc. Generally, the first census a person appears on is likely to be the most accurate - but not foolproof. I have one family who moved around a lot - on every census they say they were born in the place where the census is being taken. OC

People changed there birthplace all the time. Sometimes they give the exact place, sometimes a larger, more well known place that is close by. Sometimes it may be someone else giving the information and they will just give the details that they think are right. If all the other information on the census is correct then I wouldn't worry too much if the birthplace is slightly different. Kath. x

If they moved as a young child they often could not remember, or did not even know exactly where they were born. Sometimes the exact place of birth was given, another time they may just say the name of the nearest town. Nothing is set in stone when it comes to the information given on the census, you always have to keep an open mind and be prepared for discrepencies. Jennifer

If the person moved as a small child, he/she may well think that the place where they grew up was where the birth took place. The census enumerator only recorded the information given........he had no way of verifying it. Many people simply had no idea where they were born............that's why you see N K as the birthplace for so many people. Reg

Hi all Just a query I have. If someone was born in Oswestry Shropshire in 1869 and then moved to Shrewsbury Shropshire and lived there for longer, would that person years later having moved away from the area completely say they came from shrewsbury because they had lived there or would they say where they were actually born? Hope you understand what I mean Sylvie