The census is a survey taken every 10 years to collect information on the population of the United Kingdom. From 1801 to 1831 the censuses were simply head counts with no personal information on individuals recorded (except in exceptional cases). From 1841 personal information on individuals was recorded.
From 1841 personal information was collected on individuals. Over time, more information was collected. Slightly different information was collected in the censuses for England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
A brief look at the 1841 Census for Stanford Rivers reveals a high proportion of the residents shown as Agricultural Labourers. Other occupations include Miller, Shoemaker, Hay Binder, Sadler, Grocer, Butcher, Wheelwright, Chimney Sweep.
John Barnard, aged 56 was the Publican of the White Bear; The Rev Dowdeswell, aged 77 was the Rector, with a Butler, Gardener, Housekeeper and housemaid to look after him. Robert Smitheman is the Miller at Toot Hill and Robert Humphreys, the Miller at Littlebury. John Woolmer is described as a Church Clerk. Thomas Nichols, aged 60 is the Publican at the Green Man, Toot Hill. The Taylor family are shown living at Little End. Isaac Taylor is described as a ‘Literary’ His daughter Jane (Twinkle Twinkle Little Star) is 13 years old.
The 1841 Census lists some 861 persons living in the parish and provides an interesting social insight into a rural village community.