Census
The Census for England and Wales began in 1801 and has been taken every ten years since then with the exception of 1941 (it was cancelled as a result of World War Two). The Census gives details of individuals at a specific address from 1841-1901 as it is then confidential for 100 years. The 1901 Census is the last available for public consultation.
Bradford Local Studies library holds all the microfilm/fiche copies for the area now covered by the City of Bradford Metropolitan District from 1841-1901. Printed Census street indexes and some name indexes are available.
All libraries in the Bradford Metropolitan District now have access to Ancestry.com which provides free access for all customers to the 1841-1901 Censuses for the whole country (N.B. this database is searchable by surname - see staff for details).
The full 1911 Census will not be available until 2012. A restricted access is available under a Freedom of Information Request for a specific address at a cost of £45.00, please contact the National Archives at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
A surname searchable on-line service is being developed by the National Archives with the external partner Findmypast.com. This service is anticipated to be available from 2009.
The 2001 Census (statistics only) is available online at www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/census/census-2001/index.html
