Kellington Census – 1841

In June 1841 a National Census took place and the returns give an interesting insight into village life 163 years ago. John Vandravart, a forty-year-old farmer, who lived at Roall Farm, was appointed Enumerator and was given the responsibility for collecting certain relevant information on all Kellington residents. His task also included taking into account all people who on the night preceding the Enumeration slept within the boundaries of Kellington -

· In barges, boats, or other small vessels remaining stationary on canals or other inland navigable waters.
· In mines or pits.
· In barns, sheds or the like.
· In tents or in the open air.

Fortunately for him, his task was made much easier by submitting a nil return for the above mentioned categories.

The returns indicate that Kellington comprised of 69 houses, however, only 65 were in use at this particular time. The numbers of people living within the village boundaries amounted to 324 persons, namely174 males and 150 females.

It is a well-known fact that in Victorian times families tended to be larger than nowadays. There were 22 families living in the village that comprised of 6 or more members, however, the largest number of people living in one house numbered 12.

Trades and Professions

The following list indicates the variety of trades or professions pursued by individuals living within the village.

· 57 males were listed as agricultural labourers.
· 3 males were serving apprenticeships.
· 15 persons were listed as female servants.

Numbers of Persons residing in a House

This means that 40% of the village population lived in a house inhabited by 6 or more residents.

Age of Villagers in each Decade

Percentage of Villagers in each Decade Grouping

Over half of the village were aged 20 or less.

Ages of Males – in Decades

Percentage of Males in each Decade Grouping

Ages of Females – in Decades

Percentage of Females in each Decade Grouping

Christian Names of Male Villagers

There were 6 distinct popular Christian names namely –

This group represents 72% of the male population.

This was followed by –

· Richard 7 persons
· Robert 5 persons

Christian Names of Female Villagers

There were 4 distinct popular Christian names namely –

This group represents 57 % of the female population.

This was followed by –

Surnames

Many of the surnames can be identified with families still living in the village or surrounding areas

· Morley
· Hutchinson
· Copley
· Morritt
· Shillito
· Poskitt

Declaration

John Vandravart, the Enumerator, handed in his census returns to James Crabtree, the Registrar on 11th June 1841. Five days later when Mr. Crabtree had satisfied himself that the returns were correct he submitted them to his Superintendent Registrar, James Foster, on 19th June 1841.

James Foster then stated – I certify and declare that I have examined the Account of Population contained in this Schedule which is signed by the Registrar and was delivered to me on the nineteenth of June 1841, and that he has duly performed the duties required of him in regard to the same, and that no inaccuracies have been discovered therein which have not been duly corrected, as far as been possible.

Witness my hand this Fourth day of August 1841.

Jms Foster

Superintendent Registrar

The schedules submitted by Mr. Vandravart have been placed on film and these can be inspected at Selby Library. An appointment has to be made in order to view them.

E W Beechey.