Another step in finding grandad and Nana ..... the 1921 census

Now the hearts of many historians, and especially family historians will beat just a bit faster with the news that there is just 70 days to the publication of the 1921 census.

Granddad and Nana, circa 1930s

I could say more but instead I will let the National Archives say it.

Today we can announce that the 1921 Census for England and Wales will be published online by Findmypast on 6 January 2022.

Taken between two world wars, during a period of economic turmoil and at a time when women had just won the right to vote, the 1921 Census will provide some fascinating insights about society and how it has evolved over the past 100 years.

In preparation for the online publication, a team of hundreds of Findmypast conservators, technicians and transcribers have worked for almost three years to complete the invaluable task of getting the census ready. 

It is the largest project ever completed by The National Archives and Findmypast, consisting of more than 30,000 bound volumes of original documents stored on 1.6 linear kilometres of shelving.

Dad and friend, circa 1930s

You can find out more about what to expect from the 1921 Census of England and Wales by visiting www.findmypast.co.uk/1921-census.

Neil Curtis, Chief Operating Officer at The National Archives, said: ‘Census releases are keenly anticipated and create a period of collective curiosity about the past, generating a national moment of reflection.

‘The 1921 Census will offer us a glimpse into the lives of individuals and communities between the wars, recovering from a great influenza pandemic, and embarking on a new era where everyday rights and roles were changing.

‘What makes the 1921 Census even more vital is that it will be the last census release for England and Wales for 30 years, with the 1931 Census lost in a fire and the 1941 Census never taken.'"

Well in the case of granddad and Nana ... not quite, both were still in Germany with my mother and uncle, and would not return for another two years.

Still there will be plenty of others to go looking for.

Pictures; Nana and granddad, Derby, and Dad, Gateshead, circa 1930.

*The National Archives, https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/news/1921-census-online-publication-date-announced/?utm_source=emailmarketing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=census_announcement__27_october_2021&utm_content=2021-10-27