An interesting item from a local Oxford Newspaper: From Jackson's Oxford Journal, Saturday 12 June 1841 ---- THE CENSUS --- The general census was taken on Monday last, and the enumerators, to whom the duty was entrusted, must have had no easy task, for, in addition to the trouble consequent upon it, they had to contend with the fears and prejudices of many who conjured up all kinds of evils as likely to arise from this enquiry. Some who imagined so rigid an investigation as to age and number of individuals, under each roof, must contemplate an addition to the Assessed Taxes, took the precaution of sending a few of their inmates out to sleep; while others, entertaining a more charitable view of the matter, not only very kindly supplied all the information desired but a great deal more than the Registrar either required or expected! As it was compulsory to furnish the names of all who slept or abode in a house the previous night, it had an amusing effect, especially with the “fair and frail ones”, some of whom, we understand, were under the necessity of noting down names that were not meant for “open day or vulgar gaze”! The increase of the population in this place [Oxford] will be very considerable, for the number of inhabitants, huddled together in the largest and humblest parishes, is incredible. As proof of this we have only to mention that in one of the lodging houses alone, in St.Thomas's, there were no less than 27 strangers sojourning there. The 1841 enumerators pages, transcript and full index for Oxfordshire and North Berkshire will shortly be published on CD by Oxfordshire Family History Society. Besides the above there is a facsimile of the instruction to enumerators. I can send a copy as an attachment to anybody who would like it. Hugh Kearsey