1911 Census now available to read

THOUSANDS of people have been accessing the internet as the 1911 census, taken on the night of Sunday 2nd April 1911, became available on-line this week.

Many people are expected to want to trace relatives/ancestors, check out former occupants of their homes, or simply see who lived in their street, as the census, which contains records of over twenty seven million people became available - three years early.

According to the official website the count on the 2nd April included, "all individual households, plus institutions such as prisons, workhouses, naval vessels and merchant vessels, and it also attempted to make an approximate count of the homeless."

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The census contains a wealth of information including where an individual lived, their age at the time, what relatives they were living with, their place of birth, and occupation. Additional information could include guests on the night of the census, servants (if any) and details of nationality.

An added bonus for many will be that the 1911 records have been preserved in each individuals original hand writing, "complete with mistakes and additional comments."

However, a large number of women boycotted the census due to their frustration over the governments refusal to allow women to vote; just how many isn't known exactly but estimates claim to be in the thousands.

In addition to the suffragette movement, other national events in 1911 included the coronation of the Prince and Princess of Wales, who were crowned George V and Queen Mary, at Westminster Abbey; the Official Secret Act was passed and Manchester United won the 1910-1911 First Division title.

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Locally, to commemorate the coronation of King George V, the Colonnade on Bexhill's 'central parade' was built.

Snippets of news from the early months of 1911, taken from the Bexhill Chronicle, gives some idea of what Victorian life was like locally at the time of the census.

Articles include a review of performances by the St Barnabas Dramatic Society '“ a comedy called "Elopement" and a farce, "Thrice Married".

There was a Fancy Dress Carnival at Bexhill Skating Rink in Buckhurst Road, which not only included an "exhibition of figure and fancy skating", but offered prizes for "the best and most original costumes."

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There were a number of job vacancies, including: "Three temporary housemaids at once; good wages. Mrs Driscolls, Western Road."

And: "Wanted, nice General, private house; four in family De La Warr Road."

For those looking to get a foot on the property ladder 950 would buy a, "Choice Bijou Residence" in the old town, with eight rooms and bath."

And articles for sale included: "A fine collection of British and foreign birds eggs to be disposed of, cheap." (!)

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Or, for concerned Mum's with those troublesome children: "Important to Mothers. Every Mother who values the health and cleanliness of her child should use Harrison's "Reliable" nursery pomade. One application kills all Nits and Vermin '“ a bargain at 41/2d or 9d a tin".

A bargain indeed.

For more information on the census, visit the website at: www.1911census.co.uk

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