Enumerators' books
Although the printed census returns allow us to undertake a good deal of occupational analysis, they do not do so for every locality. It is true that they break down occupational details to districts within counties, but not below the level of main towns. Accordingly, to undertake more localised investigations, the entries contained in the census enumerators' books must be used.
To help appreciate the possibilities, look at the copy shown here of an actual page from one of these books. Looking towards the bottom of the sheet the name of the enumerator, John Pearson, can be seen in the original, although it is too faint to be reproduced clearly.
'... made full use of the abbreviation 'do' (short for ditto), thereby saving himself a great deal of time and effort. '
By looking through the census enumerator's book that John Pearson compiled, it is possible to find the details he recorded about himself and his family. He wrote down these details in a fairly clear hand and, as instructed, made full use of the abbreviation 'do' (short for ditto), thereby saving himself a great deal of time and effort.
Published: 2004-11-04
