Adults throughout the UK have been filling out 2021 Census forms to help compile a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.
The census asks questions about individuals and households to build a detailed snapshot of our society. Information from the census helps the government and local authorities to plan and fund local services, such as education, doctors’ surgeries and roads.
However, some people don't take it as seriously as others.
Research from Ancestry has delved through almost 200 years of census records to find some shining examples of the ‘Great British wit’ at its finest.
Childhood Occupations
The Segar family seemed to have their hands full with their two youngest children.
The father of the house likely answered all the “occupation” questions in this 1881 England Census, listing his children’s occupations as “eating, sleeping, talking, and getting into mischief.”
Meanwhile, James Reid’s niece, Rose Slater, had a talent for talking. She was listed as “chatterbox” in the 1911 England Census for her occupation as a six-year-old.
Family Pets
The 1911 England Census proved a popular time for family pets.
The Chubb family of Liverpool knew all the details of their pet dog, Brestowe, including his occupation as ‘’watchdog,’’ his marital status as “single,” and his place of birth as “Yorkshire.”
Similarly, Frances Catherine Stone of Nottinghamshire listed her two pets, Timothy the cat (age seven) and Jack the dog (age eight) – obviously very important members of the family.
Women’s Vote
Some of those in support of the suffragette movement in the UK made their views known on the 1911 England Census . Louisa Burnham of London was all business on her form stating, “No vote, no census. If I am intelligent enough to fill in this census form, I can surely make a X on a ballot paper.”
Census Doodle Pad
Whilst someone in the Figg household must have either been bored or trying to figure out the perfect eyebrow shape, as shown by the doodles on this 1911 England Census page.
Easter Inspired Names
Good Friday Nicholls from Staffordshire and London resident Esther Egg are just some of the names clearly inspired by the upcoming Easter weekend, showing British parents have never been afraid to have a little fun with their children’s names.
A Happy Mistake – 1901 England Census
“Mistake” Dowse, who was born eight years after her next oldest sibling, seemed to have an interesting name. Turns out she grew up as Edith Kathleen Dowse, but her father definitely had certain feelings about having a one-month old in the house in 1901.
Simon Pearce, Family History expert at Ancestry, said: ‘’The British sense of humour is one of the nation’s greatest attributes, so it’s no surprise when it comes to answering the Census that British households often added their own spin and personality to their entries.
"Seeing your ancestors as more than just facts and names is a wonderful part of researching family history and we hope these records encourage people to look further into their own past and see what discoveries can be made.’’
To find out more about your family history, visit www.ancestry.co.uk.
