Has anyone else noticed this or similar abberations? Examining census details for my ancestors at St. Briavels Common in 1841. I noticed that they, and a remarkable number of their neighbours had been marked down as not being born in the county, but with a 'N' followed by a tick in the next column for 'Whether born in Scotland, Ireland or Foreign Parts'. Parish records and subsequent census records indicate that the ancestors in question were 'local' in origin (well pre- 1781 at least.) Closer examination showed neat listing in alternating blocks of Y's and N's. Perhaps these records were completed later rather than on chilly doorsteps? Thank goodness our F.O.D. transcribers are more consciencious. Perhaps I am too cynical however. Has anyone a more charitable explanation?

Perhaps these records were completed later rather than on chilly doorsteps?

The images we "see" today on Ancestry are the books made up "post census" from the door to door tally books.

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Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster & Hereford Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>

Might not the 'N' stand for NO; & the 'Y' for YES?

Yes. My point exactly! Theses 'No's were family members who, according to parish records were born in the parish of St. Briavels within the county and not 'Scotland Ireland or Foreign parts'. I suppose it serves as a reminder of the fallibility of people when filling in forms, and the importance of cross referencing and checking data when doing family history.