The latest guide from AGI reflects on how the 1901 and 1911 census records capture evidence of the social, cultural and political changes occurring in early 20th-century Ireland.
With the release of the 1926 census just around the corner, Accredited Genealogists Ireland (AGI) recently published its fifth free guide as part of its Irish census record series. The most recent guide, titled “Social Context of the 1901 and 1911 Census Records”, examines the socio-political forces that shaped the census returns of 1901 and 1911.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
The publication provides family history researchers with essential background information on the Ireland their ancestors lived in at the turn of the 20th century – a period of profound change. Rather than treating census forms as dry administrative documents, the guide outlines how various social and political changes affected everyday life for those recorded in the census returns and how this is evident within the returns. It points to the transformation of land ownership under the Wyndham Land Act of 1903 and to the growth of urban working-class communities in Cork, Belfast and Derry – developments that shaped household structures and occupations as recorded in the census returns.
The guide addresses the implications of various legislative changes. For example, it notes that the introduction of the state pension in 1908 under the Old Age Pensions Act prompted some individuals to exaggerate their age in the 1911 census in order to qualify for the new welfare payment. This has created discrepancies between the 1901 and 1911 records.
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The guide also considers the cultural revival under way at the time and highlights the role of the Gaelic League, drawing attention to households that completed their forms in Irish.
It places particular emphasis on the role of women in early 20th-century Ireland. One example highlighted is Bridget Nugent from Aghagogan, Carrickmore, Co. Tyrone, who lists her occupation in 1911 as “suffragette” and recorded herself as head of the household despite her husband’s presence in the home. View the record here.
A F F I L I A T E A D
The full guide is available to download free of charge here. The 1901 and 1911 censuses can be searched online for free on the National Archives of Ireland website here.
Other guides by AGI
The very first instalment in the AGI census series provides an overview of Ireland’s censuses from 1813 to 1926 and is available for free download here. Their second instalment sets out what you can expect to find in the 1901 census and is available for free download here. Similarly, the third instalment sets out what you can expect to find in the 1911 census and how it differs from the previous census; it’s free to download here. Their fourth instalment looks beyond the household form and draws attention to the wealth of information contained in lesser-known census forms. It can be downloaded free of charge here.
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Who are AGI?
Accredited Genealogists Ireland (AGI) is the accrediting and representative body for professional genealogists on the island of Ireland. Its members, who carry out private research for clients worldwide, are recognized as leading experts in the field and contribute widely as advocates, authors, lecturers and media contributors within the genealogical community. All adhere to the AGI code of practice. For further information, visit their website accreditedgenealogists.ie.
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READ NOW
➤ AGI releases more free guides to Ireland’s censuses
➤ New guide to Ireland’s 1901 census available for free download
➤ Expert guide to Irish census records available for free download ahead of 1926 census release
➤ CSO releases 1926 census data on occupations
➤ A closer look at the public programme for the 1926 census release
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
