Libraries
Great news for local and family history researchers
Published on
From Tuesday 1 November 2022, the 1921 Census of England and Wales is now available on Find My Past to search on computers within the Council’s libraries for free.
Regular users of Walsall Council’s library service will know that the libraries have a subscription to both the Find My Past and Ancestry websites. From Tuesday 1 November 2022, the 1921 Census of England and Wales is now available on Find My Past to search on computers within the Council’s libraries.
Seasoned researchers may have private subscriptions, but in these challenging financial times, many residents will no doubt welcome the opportunity to explore the records for free.
“ This is fantastic news. Giving library users free access to unlock the secrets of the past will benefit so many Walsall residents. Not all councils have a subscription, so I’m really pleased that we’re able to offer this service.
It’s mind-boggling to think that our library users can now search almost 37.8 million records for their ancestors living in England and Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, as well as those serving in the British armed forces overseas on 19 June 1921. “
These records can reveal a detailed snapshot of people’s lives at that time including where they lived, who they lived with, their age, marital status, where they were born, employment details and so much more.
Councillor Perry added, “I was fascinated to read that the 1921 Census was originally planned for 24 April 2021, but was postponed until 19 June 1921, because coal miners were on strike and there was very real concern there would be a national strike involving transport workers. This led the Prime Minister Lloyd George to call a state of emergency on 5 April 1921, mobilising the Army Reserve and a new Defence Force from 8 April. The crisis was averted and the Census Office really had to spring into action then before summer came and whole factories closed down, with workers and their families perhaps being in seaside towns and thus distorting the population distribution data.”
This will be the last census to be released until 2052. The 1931 Census was lost in a fire and there was no census undertaken in 1941 because of the Second World War.
Notes to Editor
How to join Walsall library service
Those who prefer to join in person can visit their local library and a member of staff will help them to complete an application form. Proof of name and address (for example, a driving licence, utility bill, bank statement or letter from an official authority/organisation) is required. Under 13s will need someone over 18 to sign their form.
Once new joiners have received their library card, they can:
- Borrow books or talking books from any library in Walsall.
- Get free access to computers and the internet.
- Access information for study, hobbies and leisure activities.
- Access online resources 24 hours a day.
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