Population, economy and family structure in Hertfordshire in 1851Vol. 2: St. Albans and its region - v. 2 : St.Albans and Its Region

This title is the second volume in a series based on the work of the University of Hertfordshire Centre for Regional and Local History which with the help of local historians and genealogists has computerized the records for the 167,298 individuals recorded as living in Hertfordshire in the 1851 Census.

In addition to the detailed study of the city of St Albans itself, this second volume in the 12-volume series covers the surrounding hamlets of Sleapshyde, Smallford, Tyttenhanger, the Colneys, Bricket Wood, Park Street, Frogmore and Leverstock Green, and the neighbouring villages of Harpenden, Redbourn, Sandridge and Wheathampstead, a total population of 17,991.

Part One presents an historical analysis of the census, covering topics such as population, age, sex and marital structure, cottage industries, the straw and Brazilian hat trade, the employment of women and children, regional farming economy, migration, and the composition of the family and household.

It pays particular attention to the urban/rural contrasts that existed within an essentially symbiotic relationship.

Part Two contains the census returns themselves. This data provides opportunities for further historical analysis, some insights into the circumstances of particular individuals and their families, and should be of interest to both the family historian and genealogist.

The book is also appropriate for National Curriculum secondary school studies in local history.