The first census was carried out in 1841, and censuses take place every 10 years. The records are confidential, and information is not released for a 100 years. The most recent census material available,just released, is from 1911. Census returns are kept on microfilm. They are available for London at the Public Records Office and outside London at County Records Offices.
You can access information about the 1901 census at 1901 Census Online. You can search by street as well as by name. They also have access to censuses from 1841.
You can access the 1911 census at www.1911census.co.uk. They have a "who lived in your house" search facility although some counties are not yet available.
A further useful and free searchable census database is at Freecen.
Ancestry.co.uk have a searchable database but you need a subscription to view anything helpful!
Kelly's Directories
You can search Kelly's Directories here. Kelly's directories are organised by county and contain information about towns and villages, tradespeople and the prominent citizens in the community.
