‘The 1851 Religious Census of England and Wales ; the Staffordshire returns’

Join local expert Richard Totty as he explores the fascinating 1851 religious census and sheds light on local history for the 2025 Staffordshire Record Society Lecture.

‘On the same day in 1851 as the population census a census of places of religious places of worship took place with the intention of determining if there were sufficient places of worship in the country to allow all the inhabitants to attend a service.  It became rather muddled as other questions were added on but it evoked an almost complete response (after some reminding) that now tells us a lot about religious practices at the time and sheds light into some very interesting aspects of local history. Respondents were asked to make comments, which some did with enthusiasm, often to record perceived grievances. It was never repeated so it remains the sole thorough survey of religious worship ever carried out in the country. A parish history is not complete without reference to the findings.’

This event takes place in the activity room at the Staffordshire History Centre.

Tickets are £5 per person, please book ahead via our online shop.