Hampsthwaite parish is a mainly agricultural area, also known for the linen industry. The main villages are Hampsthwaite, Birstwith, Darley and Felliscliffe, with many smaller villages and settlements such as Menwith, Kettlesing, Swincliffe, Thornthwaite and Padside plus numerous farms. The returns presented here are in their original order where possible and are seperated into Hampsthwaite, Birstwith, Thornthwaite with Padside, Darley with Menwith and Felliscliffe townships.

The 1841 census is the oldest surviving census for Hampsthwaite, taken on the 7th June 1841. All the members of the household were listed, but their age, if over 15, was normally rounded down to the nearest five years. Place of birth wasn't given nor was relationship to the head of the household.

The 1851 census, taken on the 30th of March, was a vast improvement, listing occupations, correct age, place of birth and relationships.

The indexes here vary as to material included. All include the folio number enabling you to find an entry in the original census films. Some include the schedule number, which denotes individual households.

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