Census

[tobyaw]

Our census questionnaire arrived this evening. I’m looking forward to filling it in online.

Having spent a couple of years working with the 1911 England & Wales census, I know what a wonderful source of information a census is. From sweeping statistical conclusions drawn across the data set, to personal stories explored through individual entries, a census is a fantastic thing. Make sure you fill in your questionnaire wisely. Your descendants may find delight or despair in your answers in centuries to come.

Comments

[pogbody.livejournal.com]

This is why I don't understand how some people object to filling it in. It is such a wonderful resource for future generations!

[tobyaw]

I’ve been getting very annoyed at people protesting against the census because some of the contractors involved are American multinationals that have defence interests. Some people just don’t have a sense of perspective!

There were similar protests against the 1911 E&W census — some suffragettes deliberately spoiled their census forms — which means that potentially interesting records are incomplete.