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1921
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Unlock unlimited access to the 1921 Census

There is no end to the secrets and surprises hidden in the 1921 Census and now there is no limit to the access you can enjoy. With our new Premium subscription, you can delve into this century-old snapshot of England and Wales to your heart's content. Start solving those mysteries in your family story today.

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Collage of life in the 1920s

What is the 1921 Census?

The 1921 Census of England & Wales is a detailed snapshot of 38 million lives, available online only at Findmypast. We're delighted to have been chosen by The National Archives to bring it to you.

Was your grandma one of the first policewomen? Or your grandpa one of the last knocker uppers? Not only does the 1921 Census reveal what they did for a living, it shows you where they did it and who with. With advanced search, you’ll uncover occupations and employers that open a never-before-seen window to 1920s Britain.

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Exploring the 1921 Census

Watch our handy video to see how easy it is to unlock incredible census stories. From pinpointing unique occupations to tracing the history of the brands and businesses we know and love, this must-see guide will get you started and keep you on track.

1921 Census discoveries

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We loaf that breadwinner Henry Boardman was so proud of his job as a baker for us that he wrote it in extra-large writing on the 1921 Census.

@Warburtons

Twitter post
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My gran's workplace in 1921 is now a hotel hosting Afghan refugees. Ironically, I now work with evacuated Afghans in a different hotel.

@futurestand

Twitter post
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The 1921 Census helped me to break down the most life-changing of ‘brick walls’. I've discovered my mum's birth mother and family.

Sally Colegrove

Facebook post

Life and labor in the 1920s

Employment in Britain in the 1920s

Your go-to guide to jobs in 1920s Britain

10 amazing finds and faces in the 1921 Census

Life in the 1920s Britain

What was life like in 1920s Britain?

1920s style: class, controversy, and liberation

Diversity and diaspora in the 1921 Census

Who worked at The Savoy Hotel in 1921?

40 staff were recorded at London’s iconic Savoy Hotel in the 1921 Census, 28 women and 12 men. Among them was Giulio Gelardi, the general manager at the time. Gelardi worked his way up the ranks at The Savoy, eventually securing the top job. The Gelardi family still runs some of the world’s most famous luxury hotels today.

Another notable worker with deep roots in the service industry was part-time clerk, Mary Bauwens. Her Belgian grandparents ran a London boarding house and laundry dating back to the 1870s. Overcoming orphanhood, Mary put herself through education, and by the time of the Second World War, she was managing a wine and spirit shop with her husband. 

‘The king of cocktails’, Harry Craddock started his career at The Savoy after returning to Britain from the United States during Prohibition. Craddock was involved in the publication of the famous Savoy Cocktail Book and became a founding member of the Bartender’s Guild, which still runs to this day. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore the full list of 1921 Census frequently asked questions for further information.

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