Census returns provide a very useful resource for both the family and local historians, those for Wanlip are no exception.
The oldest surviving census returns start with 1841 and were repeated every 10 years thereafter except in 1941. The detailed household information is closed to public viewing for 100 years. Hence the most recent census to be opened for public scrutiny was the 1911 Census.
There is some suggestion that, given the amount of personal information that is now held at local and national government level, the recent 2011 census might be the last. This would be a sad loss to future family and local historians because they provide a valuable resource in building family trees and historical insight into local communities.
The 1921 census was taken on the 19th of June 1921 at a time when the population for England and Wales stood at over 37 million.
The 1921 census gives greater detail than any previous census. In addition to the questions asked in the 1911 census, the 1921 census included more information about the profession and branch within it. It asked what materials they worked in, place of work and their employer’s name. For those over the age of 15 information about marital status, including if divorced was given. For those under 15 the census recorded whether both parents were alive or if either or both parents had died. It also had detailed questions on education including whether you were in full-time or part-time education.
The 1911 census return is available to the public. It can be accessed via http://www.1911census.co.uk. The indexes can be searched free of charge but the detailed returns for individual households are only available on a pay-to-view basis. Information that is held includes;
The 1901 census clearly illustrates that the village is still an estate village where all the inhabitants are either serving the Lord of the manor directly or his tenants.
At that time, the only landowners were Sir Archdale R Palmer and William H Palmer, Rector. As a consequence, there was no basis of inheritance of property or employment, so the majority of the inhabitants were listed as 'Ag. Lab.' (agricultural workers) mainly born outside the parish of Wanlip.
Of the 110 inhabitants only 13 were born in Wanlip, 54 in Leicestershire, 65 in the East Midlands and 36 were born elsewhere in England. The lady of the manor, Lady Augusta Palmer was born in France as a British citizen.
The average age of the inhabitants was 28 years - a little different from today (2008)!
The 1891 Census Return for Wanlip uses the terms 'Birstall Lane' and 'Syston Lane' which helps to identify the houses or cottages to which they refer.
It would appear that what is currently called Rectory Road was then referred to as Syston Lane to the north of the school house and Birstall Lane to the south (the school is listed as Birstall Road). The terms 'Church Road' and 'Butchers Lane' are not used.
WANLIP COMMUNITY NATURE GROUP
The Wanlip Community-Nature Charter asks residents to support the Community Nature Group and to do what they can to encourage and support Nature in their gardens and around the village.
The proposed Plan subject to ratification by the Village Meeting
The Nature Group was formed to identify, advise and implement initiatives that the Parish Meeting and residents can do to bring about improvement in our environment. Specifically, it will:
Identify environmental supporting actions that residents could do in their gardens.
Give guidance on where residents can get practical environmental advice.
Form links with local organisations such as Severn Trent and The Wildlife Trust to exchange information.
Report to the Parish Meeting concerning actions being taken by the government and local councils to improve the environment.
Support the Parish Chairperson on issues relevant to nature.
Use village Fayres to promote practical ideas, particularly those that children can engage with to improve their knowledge.
Organise talks on relevant subjects of interest.
Lead any special nature projects.
To implement the above plan the group will
Nominate a member of the group to be a lead person for each element of the plan.
Produce information sheets to support residents find information to improve their garden environment.
Report on progress, as things develop, to the Parish Meeting and residents.
Manage a small budget for practical items.
Welcome suggested subjects for investigation from residents.
Wanlip Nature Group April 2026