Parish Population, Households and Houses

These figures have been gathered from a range of sources. They are estimates or extrapolations based on relevant data. However, the methodologies and accuracy of the figures for the early dates are hotly debated. Interestingly though, they tend to average out to a basic population of 250-350, from 1086 until 1775, with the occasional peak or dip, but generally not a large population.

The Census was first taken in 1801 and then every ten years thereafter. It provides accurate counts. The nineteenth century saw a steady increase in population, reaching a peak in 1871 and then reducing with the impact of the great Agricultural Depression, forcing people to move away from country parishes to find employment elsewhere. After that decline there was a levelling out at a steady population, until the big jumps in the 1970s and 80s.

Interestingly, a population of 1000 people in 1871 required 200 houses. The same population in 2011 needed 470 houses! Five people to a house and now just over two.

Year Population Households Houses Background and Origin
1086 309 55 male adults
1279 475 95+ tenants
1327 246 41 taxpayers
1347 89 taxed on wool
1377 332 249 adults paying Poll Tax
1524 68 people ass’d for Subsidy
1563 220 44 households ass’d for Tax
1630 300 60 houses
1660 325 195 adults
1664 200
1676 350 206 adults
1685 300 60 houses
1728 340 70 families
1801 430 Census
1811 483 Census
1821 614 Census
1831 645 133 Census
1841 797 159 Census
1851 888 173 Census
1861 913 Census
1871 1018 Census
1881 981 218 Census
1891 810 203 Census
1901 713 167 182 Census
1911 704 178 Census
1921 696 179 178 Census
1931 643 198 198 Census
1941 —– No Census
1951 642 224 222 Census
1961 630 226 226 Census
1971 835 Census
1981 1097 Census
1991 1070 Census
2001 963 Census
2008 970 SCDC estimate
2010 1070 470 SCDC estimate
2011 1078 470 Census
2015 1099 SCDC estimate
2021 1190 Census

Last Updated on September 7, 2023