It’s been a while since I updated any information to my 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks, but with the release of the “1921 census” last week, I’m hoping to update when I can. Unfortunately the 1921 census is pay-per-view even if you have a membership with, Find My Past, as I do.
I must say I was a little disappointed, as I already pay quite a lot of money out on research subscriptions and to look at a transcript you think may possibly be the one you’re looking for, will cost you up to £6 per view, £2.50 for every record transcript and £3.50 for every original record image. Bearing that in mind unfortunately it’s going to be a very slow research game, as money doesnt grow on trees. 🌳
So far I’ve bought three transcripts and the ordinal records. One for Eleanor Mary Kirby, John Cornelius O’Connor and Jesse Townsend.
In truth I actually haven’t learnt that much from the 1921 cencus but I’m a firm believer in gathering as much documentation and sources as possible. It helps to confirm you are on the right track and researching the right family. mistakes are far to easy to make.

So without further ado, here is what I discovered from the 1921 census for Eleanor Mary Kirby, also known as Nellie Montague, Eleanor Mary Willats and Eleanor Mary Steele.

Eleanor Mary Steele nee Willats/Kirby, aged 39 years and 6 months, lived at Number 59, Spenser Road, Stoke Newington, Middlesex, England, on Sunday the 19th June 1921, with George Herbert Steele, aged 33 years and 6 months.

Eileen was working of her own account, at home, as a Dress & Mantle Maker. George was working as a Solicitor Clerk for Messrs Teeple Leviantley & Co Solicitors, 90 & 91 Queens Steet, Cheapside, London, England.

First name(s) Eleanor Mary
Last name Steele
Sex Female
Birth year 1882
Census date 19 June 1921
Age in years 39
Age in months 6
Age as transcribed 39 y 6 m
Relationship to head Wife
Marital status Married
Birth place Holloway, London, England
Birth county London
Birth country England
Transcribed birth place London, Holloway
Nationality British Born
Occupation Dress & Mantle Maker
Occupation code 425
Occupation code with suffix 425/5
Employer Own Account
Employer code 341
Place of work At Home
Language used to complete form English
Person making return George Herbert Steele
House number 59
Street Spenser Road
Address 59 Spenser Road
Full address as transcribed 59 Spencer Road, Stoke Newington
Parish Stoke Newington
Registration district Hackney
Registration district number 11
Sub-district Stoke Newington
Sub-district number 1
Enumeration district number 23
County London, Middlesex
Country England
Archive The National Archives
Archive series RG 15
Piece number 01093
Schedule number 350
Schedule type code E
Schedule type England household, single page, 10 entries
District reference RD 11 RS 1 ED 23
Other household member’s first name(s) George Herbert
Other household member’s last name Steele
Record set 1921 Census Of England & Wales
Category Census, land & surveys
Subcategory Census
Collections from Great Britain, England

A Mantle (from old French  mantel, from mantellum, the Latin term for a cloak) is a type of loose garment usually worn over indoor clothing to serve the same purpose as an overcoat. Technically, the term describes a long, loose cape-like cloak worn from the 12th to the 16th century by both sexes, although by the 19th century, it was used to describe any loose-fitting, shaped outer garment similar to a cape. For example, the dolman, a 19th-century cape-like woman’s garment with partial sleeves is often described as a mantle.

Dress making is a big step away from the Music Hall, I wonder why she made such a big occupational change? Or maybe she was making garments for the Music Hall? That would have been rather fun.

That’s all the updates for now but don’t forget you can read more about Eleanor Mary Kirby, life here, here and here.

Until next time,
Too-da-loo.

🎭🎭🎭