Monday 28 May 1821 & Monday 30 May 1831
The first two censuses of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) to be undertaken on a national basis were in 1801 and 1811, but in most cases these were little more than a headcount.
1821 The third census was taken on Monday 28th May 1821. The returns show a population of 14.4 million people, an increase of 1.8 million over 1811. This census was the first to try and measure the age range of the population in bands of 5 years up to 20 years, and then in 10 year bands. At the time approximately 50% of the population was under 20. Details of individuals and their names were not recorded in the official census returns.
It is estimated that 231 lists detailing households, 32 lists detailing individuals plus 8 others for 1821 have survived. The household lists typically included the surname of the head of the household, but no others.
Only record for the Reffell family has survived from the census of 1821:-
Marylebone
45 Molyneux Street
Inhabitants
3 Families – 2 In Trade
5 Males – 1 5-10; 2 15-20; 1 20-30
9 Females – 2<5;1 5-10; 2 10-15; 1 15-20; 1 20-30; 2 40-50
1831 The fourth census was taken on Monday 30th May 1831. The returns gave a population of 16.54 million people, an increase of 1.9 million over 1821. There were 2.85 million inhabited buildings, occupied by 3.41 million families. Details of individuals and their names were not recorded in the official census returns again, although it was attempted to obtained detailed information about occupations, but this was restricted to only those males over 20.
Again, only one record has survived from the census of 1831:-
Hamlet of Hammersmith
Shepherd’s Bush
Joseph REFFELL 1 male, 1 female, 1 family, Occupation: Victualler