Census

The Government conducted a head count in 1801 to estimate how many soldiers and sailors it could expect to raise from the population but the first reliable census was conducted in 1841 when each person was identified. The Wells Library has compiled a summary of the census results to show the decline in the population of the village.

Year Males Females Total  1801  1155

Year Males Females Total 1811  1225

Year Males Females Total 1821  1327

Year Males Females Total 1831  1315

Year Males Females Total 1841  1216

The 1841 census coincided with the reorganisation of tithes in between 1838-1840 which is the earliest date that a reliable picture who lived where can be produced for the whole village. The Kingsmill’s sale of 1848 provides additional information about the occupants of several properties bewteen the 1841 and 1851 census.

Year Males Females Total 1851  1139

Year Males Females Total 1861  976

Year Males Females Total 1871  938

Year Males Females Total 1881  824

Year Males Females Total 1891  379  369  748

Year Males Females Total 1901  333  338  748

Year Males Females Total 1911  371  357  728

Year Males Females Total 1921  340  341  681

The 1921 census data has not been made availbe to the public and the 1931 data was destroyed by German bombs in WW2.

Year Males Females Total 1931  325  321  646

Year Males Females Total 1951  286  315  601

Year Males Females Total 1961  272  288  560

Year Males Females Total 1971  275  260  535

Year Males Females Total 1981  480