The 1881 census image is tricky to read as there are several pen strokes across the page, but it does look like Beadle rather than Bearer. Wikipedia has a good definition of what a beadle did, but agree that he was a civic functionary, working for the council. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beadle I suspect as the nineteenth century drew to a close, his job changed to be more ceremonial and less town crier/messenger. Ellen Hi Carol I think you need to carefully examine the census page images and not rely on the transcriptions My interpretation would be In 1891 Warwick Corporation Mace Bearer In 1901 he is a Mace Bearer to Warwick Town Council & Curator of Museum In 1911 he is a Sergt at Mace - Boro' Council I suspect the 1881 entry is Bearer & Town Crier (muni) Muni = Municipal (ie to do with the Town Council) Which is more in keeping with an occupation in 1881 In other words he worked for the Council and was the Official Mace Carrier at civic events (before the Mayor etc) Nivard Ovington in Cornwall (UK) > On the 1881 Census - Beadle And Town Crier (Muni) = have no clue what Beadle > or Muni means. > and the 1911 Census Sergt-at-home > > Thank You > Carol