Genealogy Chat

I don't know how many people are aware of this - but I've just received an E-mail

"Dear Family Historian,

Thank you for registering on the 1911census.co.uk website.

In this, the first of our update e-mails, we'll examine the background to the project and explain why the census is being released early. We'll also run through the exciting new features that make this census more insightful than its predecessors.

It's three years early

As you're probably already aware, from 2009 the information contained in the 1911 census will be released, in batches, in the form of both high-quality digital images and fully searchable transcriptions, online. Thanks to a ruling by the Information Commissioner the census is being released (bar the withholding of some sensitive information) three years earlier than its expected 100 year closure period.

This is great news for family historians, and so too is the news that findmypast.com, the market leader in online genealogy, is managing the project.

A giant of genealogical data

The 1911 census is gargantuan in stature: in its physical form it occupies two kilometres of shelving at The National Archives, or, for the analogically minded, that's the combined length of 200 double-decker buses - though assuredly the census holds more people. There are 36,070,492, in fact, and among them are the forebears of family historians the world over.

Invaluable new information

As with previous censuses the 1911 census shows the name, age, gender, and marital status of each person, as well as detailing their occupation and birthplace. But for the first time ever the following information is also included:

Details of nationality
Duration of current marriage
How many children have been born to that marriage - including children no longer living at home and those who died
Details of the precise branch of a profession or trade an individual worked in. For instance, whether a carpenter worked in a colliery, a ship works, or was a house carpenter and joiner
Household schedules have survived so we can see our ancestors' own handwriting, complete with any unsolicited additional comments they might have made
First UK census in colour

1911 will be the first ever UK census to be scanned in colour, making its images far sharper and more faithful to the original document than those of any that has preceded it.

Spread the word

1911census.co.uk will be, at launch and for some considerable time after, the only place to access the 1911 census online. If you have friends or colleagues who share your interest in family history, then be sure to tell them to register on the site so that they don't miss out on the launch.

Between now and the 2009 launch we'll be sending you regular updates and imparting some useful tips and background information to ensure you get the most from this exciting new census.

Our best wishes,

The 1911census.co.uk team"

This is old news Louise. There have been several threads recently about it.

It seems that just certain parts of the census will be released early (mainly large conurbations), but not sure if it will cost extra to view these early releases.

Kath. x

Doesn't that break the 100 year closure promise?

Hi Louise, thank-you for the information. I had read somewhere that it would be released early but hadn't known all the details you supplied.

I think as they are not releasing any "sensitive" information the 100 year closure has been "got round". They will release the other info after 2011.

Jill

hi how do you register on this web site keith

Hi Keith

Just go to http://1911census.com/

and on the right hand side is a box called "Register for 1911 Census information"

thank you so much regards keith

I've registered and I'm countin down the days! I want to see if my grandad was working for his uncle or had left by then.
I also want to know where his Mother was at the time.

Thanks Louise, have registered as well. Wishing my life away waiting for these census details lol.

Liz

Yep, 2009 will be an interesting year. Not only will the 1911 census start to appear, but London Metroplitain Archives will start to have some parish records online.

At least I'll have something to do if I can't afford to go out because of the credit crunch! :-)

Ancestry have added some parish records Rob - not sure of the coverage but I've found a couple of interesting bits on there.

Jill

Thanks for all that Louise -certainly new for some of us! ..Valerie