Local censuses in the 18th century

Abstract Recent work on the population problems of the eighteenth century has been mainly based on the use of parish records. Another source, and one which, surprisingly, has received little attention is the local census. These are more numerous than is generally realised; and can be of great use in demographic studies. This paper examines 125 local censuses mainly taken in urban areas. They are discussed in terms of how they come to be taken, their reliability, extant manuscript material and their contents. Whilst most of the censuses confine themselves to the basic facts such as total population, number of houses and number of families, some give details of sex, age, marital status and occupation. Generally the information is given for the parish or local administrative unit, but in a few instances it is available by streets.