We see him here, we see him there

In England and Wales, the first census of the general population took place in 1801, then every ten years.  From 1841 onwards the given name and surname were recorded for each person.  The census date chosen was always a Sunday, when most people would be at home.  From 1851 onwards it was always at the end of March or beginning of April, before seasonal farm work would take many people away from their family.

Enumerators were recruited and each one was allocated a specific area, aiming for a route that could be covered in one day.  In the week before the census they delivered a form to every household and institution, such as hospitals and prisons.  It was the responsibility of the head of the household to ensure that the form was filled in.  They may have needed the help of someone who could read and write, which could have been a schoolchild in the family, or the enumerator themselves when they returned to collect the form.

The aim was to list the details of all the people who were living there, specifically those who slept in the house at midnight on the Sunday night.  Also recorded were night-workers who were away at midnight, but would be returning to sleep in that household.  The intention was certainly to count everyone, and count them once each.

On three occasions I have come across people who were counted twice - once with their family and also on a vessel.

• Joseph Dwyer in 1881:
• Star Inn, 4 Albert Terrace, Portland, Weymouth, Dorest - shipwright, lodger with wife.
• Vessel Boscawen, also Portland - skilled shipwright 3rd class.

• Enoch Stockwell in 1881:
• Peaked Elm, Kingstanley, Stroud, Gloucestershire - waterman bargee, head of household with wife and two sons.
• Canal Boat, Lower Mitton, Kidderminster, Worcestershire - boatman, with captain of the boat.
• Enoch Stockwell again in 1891:  
• Noahs Ark, Stonehouse, Stroud, Gloucestershire - waterman, head of household with wife and five children.
• Vessel Sea Breeze, Bathurst Basin, Bristol - able seaman, one of two crew with master of the sloop.

One can only speculate where they actually did sleep on census night.  In a contrasting example, Frederick Austin is not listed at his home address in the 1911 census, although he did sign the form for the household.  Instead, he is recorded at the Hotel Metropole, Bournemouth, occupation Hotel Porter.  If only all people who were away from home on census night were that easy to trace.