1921 Census Entries That Will Make You Chuckle!

Ten years ago, I wrote a blog about numbers being included in people names, Unbelievable Continued…. The memory popped up on Facebook today and I couldn’t help myself but to have a look at the 1921 census and see if there were any amusing entries, as the 1921 census was not available in 2013.

Back then, I wrote about all the William Harris’ who were numbered. Sure enough, the 1921 census brings us, “William Number Four Harris” and his wife, “Ellen Gertrude”, at 35 Northbrook Street, Newbury.

There are no other search results for ‘Number’ but, on entering individual numbers, some fascinating and amusing entries can be located, including:

• “Two unchrist” in Ecclesall Bierlow (Yorkshire, West Riding) who should be “two unchristened daughters” of John William and Alice Mason.
• “Three persons” in Sheffield, which comes about as in the first line of the schedule, is written those precise words before the three people are actually listed.
• Sir George Halifax Cuyler who is transcribed as “Six George Hallifrex Cuyler” in Clun, Shropshire.
• Thomas and Dinah Cleary of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, who record “six children alive, one dead, leaving five living”.
• “Rutherford John Six”, a member of Parliament, recorded living at the Royal Automobile Club (transcribed as “Royal Automobile Chch”), London, St James, Westminster, who undoubtedly should be Sir John Rutherford.

And then there are names which actually DO include a number, and should do:

• “Joseph Twentyman O’Prey” and his family at 52 High Street, Burnley.
• “Anna Six” born in Bruges, Belgium visiting The Convent, Pymore Road, Bridport, Bradpole, Dorset.
• 150 entries for the surname Eighteen.

The animal kingdom is also well represented, though mainly crossed out after being written, including:

• “Jack” (a dog, aged one year, two months), born in East Ham whose occupation is noted at “cat and bird hunter” employment “at home” and place of work “back garden and outdoors” living with his owners, the Roach family.

• “Tom” (a cat, aged 6 months), born in Branksome and living with the Dunning family at St Margaret, Pembroke Road, Rossmore, Dorset. Occupation “pet” and his place of work is “no fixed abode”.

If you haven’t already accessed the 1921 census, it is an absolute gem. It’s only available on Findmypast at the moment and you will either need a Premium subscription, or you can access it via the pay-per-view using Findmypast micropayments. Happy searching!