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Census Records Research Hints

Extract of Census record, showing total schoolchildren

How can a Census record help with further research?

— It can tell you how many children and siblings your ancestor had at that time.

— By the ages given it can narrow down a date of birth.

— If a person disappears between censuses it can give a clue as to when they died or moved away.

— Parent's names can be used to look up marriage records although no maiden names were normally recorded.

— By giving the place of birth the census record helps narrow down the search for birth records. This can be helpful if it shows a person was born outside Scotland and can save wasted effort, and if a surname has an unusual spelling the given place of birth can be used to check this fact.

— It can show if and where your ancestors moved around and what changes of occupations happened.

— The 1841 and 1851 census records can provide a good bridge between the statutory records of 1855 onwards and the Old Parish Registers.

— Remember not all dates will tie in exactly with the statutory records, ages especially, so be prepared to widen your search if taking the age stated on the census to find a birth certificate for example!