Age Abstract

Next Selection Previous Selection


AGE ABSTRACT.




As a mere return of the numbers living in each county at the respective ages can convey but little information without reference to the total population within the county, involving at the same time a tedious calculation, while a comparison between two or more counties would require to be repeated, we have had the subjoined tables prepared; one of which exhibits the proportions at each age to 10,000 for every county in Great Britain; and as a similar calculation was made by Mr. Rickman, in 1821 (the last occasion on which a detailed account of ages was attempted), we have shown the results obtained at each period in juxta-position, adding a second table for several principal towns, as in them the influence of particular employments in affecting the numbers at particular ages is more evidently traced. A third table is given, showing the proportion per cent. which the females bear to the males at each quinquennial period of life in the several counties of Great Britain.

It will be seen that, in Lancashire, where the large manufactories are supposed to include so large a juvenile population, the numbers between 15 and 20 are little above the average of England, and as nearly as possible the same as in Huntingdon; whereas in Manchester the proportion of the numbers between those ages nearly coincides with the average of all England. It will be remarked that the numbers below ten (or, in other words, those who have been born since the last Census) do not bear so large a proportion to the total population as was found to be the case in 1821, a result which may be ascribed by some to a diminished proportion of births to the total population, by others to an increased duration of life. Indeed, as a general result, the adult population (that is, the available strength of the country) is increased since 1821 in a greater proportion than that exhibited by the total population.


We have confined ourselves to thus shortly explaining the machinery by which these Returns have been produced, and calling attention to the principal facts and general results of the information furnished in each column. We have studiously avoided entering upon any speculative discussion as to the causes or consequences, deeming it better to rest contented with laying a foundation of facts, leaving it to others to build theories thereon.

TABLE I.— COMPARATIVE STATEMENT of the AGES of PERSONS in the several COUNTIES of GREAT BRITAIN on the 28th day of May, 1821, and on the 7th day of June, 1841, as deduced. from the Returns made under the respective Population Acts; showing what would be the Number of Persons of the several specified Ages, supposing (for the sake of comparison) the Number of MALES whose Ages were returned from each County to have been TEN THOUSAND, and the Number of FEMALES to have been TEN THOUSAND respectively.

TABLE II.— COMPARATIVE STATEMENT of the AGES of PERSONS living in the Principal CITIES and TOWNS in GREAT BRITAIN on the 7th day of June, 1841, as deduced from the RETURNS made under the POPULATION ACT, 3 and 4 Vic, c. 99; showing what would be the Number of Persons of the several specified Ages, supposing (for the sake of comparison) the Number of Males whose Ages were returned for each of these Towns to have been 10,000, and the Number of Females to have been 10,000, respectively.

TABLE III.— Showing the Proportion per Cent. of Females to Males, at each Quinquennial Period of Life, in the several Counties of GREAT BRITAIN.

[These lengthy tables occupy 15 pages, all giving ratios derived from counts of persons by age and gender, and will be added to Vision of Britain once those counts have been computerized.

Next Selection Previous Selection