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Accessing and Mapping British Census Data: A Historical Overview

This comprehensive overview discusses the evolution of the UK Census, highlighting its significance in collecting vital statistics every ten years, from the first census in 1801 to modern practices. Key milestones include the introduction of standardized data collection methods in 1841, the shift to mechanical sorting in 1911, and the integration of questions on ethnicity and religion starting in 1991. The guide also explains data access protocols, emphasizing the confidentiality of individual returns for 100 years. Learn how census changes have shaped demographic understanding in the UK.

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Accessing and Mapping British Census Data: A Historical Overview

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  1. The Census Accessing and mapping British Census Data Nigel James Bodleian Library

  2. The UK Census • A census is normally taken every ten years

  3. The UK Census • A census is normally taken every ten years • The first census in 1801 enabled the compilation of essential statistics – such as how many men were available to fight in the Napoleonic War (Population was ca.10M)

  4. The UK Census • A census is normally taken every ten years • The first census in 1801 enabled the compilation of essential statistics – such as how many men were available to fight in the Napoleonic War (Population was ca.10M) • The first “modern” census ( name, age, occupation and where born ) was in 1841

  5. The UK Census • A census is normally taken every ten years • The first census in 1801 enabled the compilation of essential statistics – such as how many men were available to fight in the Napoleonic War (Population was ca.10M) • The first “modern” census ( name, age, occupation and where born ) was in 1841 • Records from 1801, 1811, 1821 and 1831 have been lost

  6. Everyone was included… From writers . . . Source: 1851 Census - National Statistics

  7. Everyone was included… . . . to Royalty Source: 1851 Census - National Statistics

  8. The 1881 census . . . The 1881 Census is available online at the CHCC Historical Census Collection http://ahds.ac.uk/history/collections/chccaccess.htm (ATHENS registration is required)

  9. The evolving census • 1911 – punch cards enabled mechanical sorting and counting

  10. The evolving census • 1911 – punch cards enabled mechanical sorting and counting • 1920 – The Census Act enabled a census to be held at any time, but not less than 5 years after the previous census (up to 1911 a new act was required each time)

  11. The evolving census • 1911 – punch cards enabled mechanical sorting and counting • 1920 – The Census Act enabled a census to be held at any time, but not less than 5 years after the previous census (up to 1911 a new act was required each time) • 1961 – Computers first used. Data recorded on magnetic tapes

  12. Ethnicity and religion • 1991 – Question on ethnicity first included (previously based on analysis of country of birth)

  13. Ethnicity and religion • 1991 – Question on ethnicity first included (previously based on analysis of country of birth) • 2001 - Question on religion first included

  14. Ethnicity and religion • 1991 – Question on ethnicity first included (previously based on analysis of country of birth) • 2001 - Question on religion first included • Religion by various categories down to ward level

  15. Ethnicity and religion • 1991 – Question on ethnicity first included (previously based on analysis of country of birth) • 2001 - Question on religion first included • Religion by various categories down to ward level • Religion by sex and broad age group only at output area level

  16. Religions in the census • 6.0% gave their religion as Christian (76% in Havering), followed by Muslim at 3.1% (36% in Tower Hamlets)

  17. Religions in the census • 6.0% gave their religion as Christian (76% in Havering), followed by Muslim at 3.1% (36% in Tower Hamlets) • 2.6% of Brighton & Hove’s population were Jedi Knights . . .

  18. Religions in the census • 6.0% gave their religion as Christian (76% in Havering), followed by Muslim at 3.1% (36% in Tower Hamlets) • 2.6% of Brighton & Hove’s population were Jedi Knights . . . • . . . and second was Oxford with 2.0%

  19. Religions in the census • 6.0% gave their religion as Christian (76% in Havering), followed by Muslim at 3.1% (36% in Tower Hamlets) • 2.6% of Brighton & Hove’s population were Jedi Knights . . . • . . . and second was Oxford with 2.0% • … but Easington had only 0.16%

  20. Accessing census data • Individual returns are confidential for 100 years

  21. Accessing census data • Individual returns are confidential for 100 years • Data is aggregated for release

  22. Accessing census data • Individual returns are confidential for 100 years • Data is aggregated for release • Thresholds for the release of data are 40 households and 100 persons for Census Area Statistics, and 400 hh and 1,000 persons for Standard Tables

  23. Accessing census data • Individual returns are confidential for 100 years • Data is aggregated for release • Thresholds for the release of data are 40 households and 100 persons for Census Area Statistics, and 400 hh and 1,000 persons for Standard Tables • Data which could risk identification of individuals is only available in standard tables

  24. The 2001 Census geography • A new geography was introduced

  25. The 2001 Census geography • A new geography was introduced • Output areas (based on postcodes) replaced enumeration districts. They are smaller and more homogenous so statistics are better

  26. The 2001 Census geography • A new geography was introduced • Output areas (based on postcodes) replaced enumeration districts. They are smaller and more homogenous so statistics are better • Each census area unit (OA, ward, district, county etc.) “nests” within the higher level unit

  27. Census geography areas Ward Output area Postcode Source: National Statistics

  28. How much data is there ? (2001) Source: National Statistics

  29. Census data at CASWEB • 2001 aggregate statistics datasets for England & Wales. (Boundary data is available in the Map Room and from UKBorders)

  30. Census data at CASWEB • 2001 aggregate statistics datasets for England & Wales. (Boundary data is available in the Map Room and from UKBorders) • 1991 GB Local Base Statistics and Small Area Statistics supplied with digital boundary data

  31. Census data at CASWEB • 2001 aggregate statistics datasets for England & Wales. (Boundary data is available in the Map Room and from UKBorders) • 1991 GB Local Base Statistics and Small Area Statistics supplied with digital boundary data • 1991 Northern Ireland Small Area Statistics

  32. Census data at CASWEB • 2001 aggregate statistics datasets for England & Wales. (Boundary data is available in the Map Room and from UKBorders) • 1991 GB Local Base Statistics and Small Area Statistics supplied with digital boundary data • 1991 Northern Ireland Small Area Statistics • 1981 GB Small Area Statistics

  33. Selecting an area - 1

  34. Selecting an area - 2

  35. Selecting an area - 3

  36. Selecting an area - 4

  37. Selecting a dataset table

  38. Selecting data variables

  39. Download the data Preview the selection: Data is downloaded in plain text format This can be used in Excel, Access or other software

  40. Visualising your data • Mapping census data reveals spatial patterns

  41. Visualising your data • Mapping census data reveals spatial patterns • Maps are an ideal way to present spatially referenced data

  42. Visualising your data • Mapping census data reveals spatial patterns • Maps are an ideal way to present spatially referenced data • A simple mapping tool is available on CASWEB (currently 1991 data only)

  43. Visualising your data • Mapping census data reveals spatial patterns • Maps are an ideal way to present spatially referenced data • A simple mapping tool is available on CASWEB (currently 1991 data only) • Census data can be mapped and combined with other features (roads, railways etc) in a GIS (Geographic Information System)

  44. Visualising data in a GIS Table view Map view

  45. Choosing an appropriate style Raw counts can be misleading . . .

  46. Choosing an appropriate style Raw counts can be misleading . . . . . . So use proportional values

  47. Displaying multiple variables

  48. Displaying multiple variables

  49. All data values for a selected area can be viewed with the Info Tool The Info Tool can also be used to modify values

  50. Using inflection

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