UK modern Census for England started in 1841.

Census Records are taken every 10 years and were completed on the following dates:

• 1841 - 6th June
• 1851 - 30th March
• 1861 - 7th April
• 1871 - 2nd April
• 1881 - 3rd April
• 1891 - 5th April
• 1901 - 31st March
• 1911 - 2nd April
• 1921 - 19th June
• 1931 - destroyed by fire
• 1941 - cancelled due to 2nd World War

There were earlier census taken in 1801, 1811, 1821 and 1831, however the lists of names were not collected centrally. 

The later census data is protected for 100 years and is held by The Office of National Statistics where it remains closed to the public until its release date.

The National Registration Act of 1939 recorded every civilian member of household, their full birth date, full name and occupation. The Index looks very much like a census and was taken 29th September 1939.