Extract from "The Cheshire Township of Kelsall 1841-1891": An Example of Demographic Change

Methods

The 1841-1891 census were compared to provide sub sets giving the original inhabitants together with identification of in-migrants and out-migrants.

Nominal Record Linkage was used to establish identity and kin relationship by comparison between households of name, age, birthplace and occupation. Data for each of the successive CEBs were compared and links established between names in the original 1838 Tithe Apportionment records, parish registers (where available), and trade directories. Figure 5 provides a pictorial representation of the process developed for determining the levels of migration in Kelsall.

Using this method it was possible to establish a "benchmark" of families resident in 1841 from which to determine migration and demographic data up to and including 1891.

Socio economic groupings (SEGs) were established using Armstrong's method previously described. Individual's occupations not identified in CEBs or trade directories were ignored. Although some SEG classification could have been estimated (Gately 1997), in this instance the estimates would be very subjective and subject to error. Occupational data for those listing more than one occupation, e.g., Farmer & Builder, had the first occupation recorded for the household head. It was noted that often the secondary occupation was attributed to another member of the household. The final assumption made for analysis is that of "apprentice" where I have accorded the SEG classification below that of the "master" for the apprentice. Thus apprentices would achieve social mobility upon completion of their indenture.

Migration data was determined by noting the birthplace of each individual and comparing the radii for 5, 10, 20 miles round Kelsall, whether in or outside Cheshire, Ireland or Scotland. The Welsh county of Flintshire is adjacent to Cheshire and individuals born in Flintshire were classed as "outside Cheshire", that is within either Wales or England.

Copyright D G Dickson 1998