Genealogy Chat

I think you're right Rachael,it probably is a transcription error. I can't get my head around the idea that he might of been a contortionist when he was younger!!

I may be wrong but the forms we see when we look at the census are what was written by the men who collected the census forms after people had filled theirs in. They put all the peoples details on the pages we see. (Which is why the handwriting is the same for every household on the page if that makes any sense). Maybe after your relatives had filled their sheets in, the people who collected the forms made a transcription error or simply misread the form. Otherwise perhaps he had a perculiar hobby??? Only joking Rachel

I wish it was that easy. The handwriting is very clear. I.t is definitely contortionist

In view of earlier e mails which advise that the transcription of the census was carried out overseas this may well explain it. If you finally resolve your problem let the 1901 census website know of their error and they will correct it. I had success with this recently where they put my grandfather's occupation as housekeeper when it fact he was a horsekeeper. Good luck.

Confectioner Contortionist Similar?

My grandfather was a baker,so when I found him on the 1901 census living with his sister and brother in law in their shop(confectioners & bakers) I was surprised to see his occupation listed as contortionist exhib. Is this a spelling mistake? Does anyone have any ideas. Chris.