Agricultural Census of 1803

This census was taken as a direct result of the Napoleonic Wars.

The census was conducted in order to ascertain what livestock and crops were available to confiscate. The food would either be used to feed a defending army, or destroyed to prevent to French from using it to feed theirs.

Only the rural parts of Counties Antrim and Down were included and not all returns have survived. The documents are held by PRONI on microfilm or in the papers of Lord Londonderry. The heir to this title was Lord Castlereagh who was British Foreign Secretary at the time.

However if you are fortunate you may be able to see the name of the head of household and a breakdown of all livestock and crops.

These records are found in the papers of The Londonderry family. They are certainly not complete but worth a search for those early 19th Century gems.

Family Ulster will, of course, make a search for you if necessary. Just let us know which area your family lived.