First Gleanings From the 1921 Census

 

It’s Census day!  Not the day when the census is taken of course but the day that the 1921 Census has been released for us to view (at a price).

In my own family history there are many people who I want to pin down in 1921.  Most of these will have to wait, but there are a couple of early pieces of information which look interesting.

On 19^th June 1921 my Great Grandfather, Great Grandmother and Great Aunts were living at 86 Chesterford Road East Ham.  Thomas TRENDALL (B1855) was then aged 66.  He describes himself as a Corn Dealer’s Salesman.  For many years he had worked for Sanders Bros but on the night of the census he was ‘out of employment’.  His wife, my Great Grandmother, Agnes TRENDALL (SHARP B1856) is described as the ‘housekeeper’. 

The next entry is then mis transcribed, showing two Minnie TRENDALLs.  By looking at the original form we can see that Minnie TRENDALL (B 1893) (who emigrated to Australia a short time later) was a Milliner, working for herself at 670 Romford Road with her sister Beatrice TRENDALL (B) who was a dressmaker. Their sister Victoria TRENDALL (B1897) (transcribed as ‘Victor’) is shown as being out of work and having previously worked as a Draper’s Counter Assistant for M HISENTHALL at 395 Green Street, Upton Park. The last sister. Grace TRENDALL (B 1903) was also out of work and also a Draper’s Counter Assistant.  Her last employer was S DEAN of 783 Romford Road.  This address is next door to the shop formerly managed by her Father, Thomas TRENDALL.

Things were obviously difficult in for the family in 1921.

My Grandfather, Frederick TRENDALL (B1890) and his family – including my Father Frederick Alfred TRENDALL (B1914) - is not shown on the domestic census.  By this time he was serving as a sergeant in 3^rd Bn, King’s Royal Rifle Corp in Mhow, India.  The overseas census returns show him in Wellesley Barracks.  Only serving officers and other ranks are shown – not families.   The barracks forms what is now the site of the Indian Army’s War College.

I am sure there will be a lot more to report……………………..