Ireland, Census Search Forms, 1841-1851

Historical Context

This collection includes records of census search forms for Ireland for the years 1841 and 1851. In 1908, the Old Age Pensions Act was introduced in Ireland for those aged 70 and over. Proof of age was essential in receiving the pension and, since civil registration was not introduced in Ireland until 1864, applicants did not have their own documentation to use as proof. As a result, they sent off forms to the Public Record Office which held the 1841 and 1851 census records with names and dates for them to confirm so that they could be entitled to the pension. These surviving census search forms are even more valuable given the 1922 fire at the Public Record Office and destruction of the majority of those census records.

This Collection

Details available vary but users may find:

• Name
• Father's Name
• Mother's Name
• Other Members of the Family
• Gender
• Birth Place
• Residence
• Age
• Marital Status
• Approximate Birth Year