Census records

The census is a population survey taken every 10 years, starting in 1801. From 1841, census records provide information on individuals and may indicate or confirm that your ancestor was a nurse or midwife. The census will record their address which may be a hospital or nurses’ home. For many 19th century nurses, the census is the only surviving record of their career. Hospital, workhouse and asylum entries list everyone present in the building on census night, although sometimes only initials are given for patients or inmates.

The definition of the term ‘nurse’ can vary from census to census. On some censuses nurses were classed as domestic servants with responsibilities for childcare. Some of the terms used include:

  • subordinate or subsidiary medical services (SMS).
  • nurses at poor law hospitals were sometimes referred to as ‘poor law officials’. 
  • monthly nurse
  • sick nurse
  • attendant or ward attendant
  • London Obstetrical Society (LOS), which provided midwifery training.

It should also be noted that a person recorded in the census as a ‘nurse’ did not necessarily have any formal training or qualifications.

Accessing census records

You can access some of the census returns online, for example a transcription of the 1881 British census is available for free on the Family Search website.

  • England and Wales: Census records for 1841-1911 are available online (pay-to-view) via the National Archives website. Local county record offices also have returns for their own county and sometimes adjoining counties. 
  • For advice on searchng for records of births, marriages, deaths, adoptions and civil partnerships, refer to the Directgov website.
  • Scotland: Go to the General Register Office for Scotland’s genealogical website Scotland's People for further information and a pay-to-view online service for some of the later censuses.
  • Ireland: Unfortunately little has survived for Ireland 1841 to1891. Contact the Public Record Office for Northern Ireland and the National Archives of Ireland for further details and for access to the 1901 census returns.

There are beginners guides and more specialised publications available to buy from the Federation of Family History Societies bookshop.