Hebden Census 1891 - Age Profiles

The following chart shows the percentage of the population over a given age. It gives an indication of mortality rates and life expectancy. The indication from these figures is that 64% of the population were now living beyond their teens, with 50% surviving to 32. The average age was a little over 33. Life expectancy would seem to be much improved since the previous census, but this may have been because as the mining and textile industries declined and employment opportunities were markedly reduced, many of the economically active younger families moved away, leaving a higher proportion of older people behind.

Hebden Census 1891 - Surnames

A number of family names dominate the census, but less so than in previous years, with five surnames being shared by a quarter of the population. Some previously prominent names such as Bains have disappeared off the list altogether, The following surnames occur ten or more times in the census. This table can be sorted by clicking on a column heading.

Hebden Census 1891 - Employment

As with the previous census, an attempt has been made to record the occupation for the whole population. Some people record more than one occupation, especially the farmers with small holdings. If a farmer works in the lead mining industry, for example, both his employments will be included in the statistics below, but this will not have a significant effect on the figures.

People with no recorded occupation

114 people, or 55% of the population, are recorded as having no paid occupation or are scholars. All those without such occupation are children, wives, a few young daughters, and a few retirees. Nobody claims to be unemployed.

The main industries

The main occupations recorded relate to the textile industry, the lead mining industry, and farming. The following figures indicate the occupations that can be definitively assigned to an industry. The mining and textile industry has had its heyday, but those employed in farming has increased despite the 30% reduction in population.

Farming

41 people, or just under 50% of the working population, were employed in the farming industry, a much higher proportion than in previous years. Unlike like previous year, the sizes of the farms were not recorded.

The Children

All but 4 of the 41 children aged between 3 and 12 were recorded as being scholars. There is one 'School master' recorded. The youngest child employed was a 11-year old 'farmer's son'.

Where people were born

The following chart depicts the 'localness' of the population in terms of where they were born. Region 1 is Hebden and the surrounding villages Appletreewick, Burnsall, Cracoe, Grassington, Greenhow Hill, Hartlington, Linton, Thorpe and Threshfield. Region 2 encompasses the area within an easy day's travel and the Skipton hinterland, and includes Pateley Bridge. Region 3 includes the neighbouring large towns such as Leeds, Bradford, and Burnley and Dales villages slightly further afield, and Region 4 covers anything further afield.