When is a census taken?

Census returns have been taken every 10 years from 1801, but the first one that has generally survived is that of 1841.

The most recent which can be accessed is the 1911 census, which is available online at Ancestry (free on library computers), Find my past (this is a pay to view site) or by personal visit to the National Archives.

Except for the 1841 census, which was taken at the end of June, the census is usually at the end of March or beginning of April. This was to avoid distortion of the population figures due to seasonal work in agriculture. This could affect the age of an individual on the census depending when their birthday was.

Page last updated: 23 February 2024