The 1901 UK Census

And don't forget the women

The true test of civilization is, not the census, nor the size of the cities, nor the crops, but the kind of man that the country turns out.”

(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

The 1901 Census was taken on Sunday 31st March 1901.

The information collected was the same as in 1891 apart from one extra detail, whether someone was working at home. Also the language spoken question was extended to include the Isle of Man as well as Wales.

The 1901 census was the first to be completely transcribed as it became available to the public (well that was the plan but the public demand overwhelmed the Qinetiq developed web site so it was about six months before it became generally available).

Some interesting facts about the 1901 census in Scotland.

13,001 husbands were away from home on the night of the Census

Over half the female population of Linlithgow was under 20 years of age

41 people were 100 years of age and above (44 in 1891, 57 in 1881)

13,194 people lived in asylums (described as ‘Lunatics’ or ‘Imbeciles’)

11,797 people took shelter in poorhouses

3,104 people held in prisons and police cells

4,023 spent the night in barns, sheds, tents or caravans

22,627 Foreign Nationals resided in Scotland: 0.5% of the population

92.85% children aged 5-14 at school or studying at home

Discover more about all census returns by reading our guide on census returns.

The 1901 Census Gallery

Selecting the FAMILY NAME will display only those images for that family. Use the SEARCH box if no family name is selected. Enter the SURNAME first of the person you are looking for