Browsing through the images for Troston, there are many families with 'inmates' - it could possibly be the enumerator's idiosyncratic term for 'lodger'or a local usage. A good few of the 'inmates' seem to be paupers - maybe the local workhouse farmed them out ? He also uses the term 'son by law'(presumably stepson), which I haven't come across before. Anne South Australia Phil White wrote: > Hi Folks, I have come across an unusual enty, at least to me, and I > hope I can get some opinions. > An Immage for Troston 1851 Census HO107-1791F475p2 shows an OSBORN > family and the 7th line contains > " James Game inmate, age 45, mar Ag lab" > Under what circumstances would an individual be considered an > "inmate" in a private house