Brennans (Brannans) Documented as Being Born in County Mayo, Ireland in the 1881 London County England Census
Documentation of the County of Birth in Ireland was fairly uncommon in the earlier years of the England Census records but was noted on occasion and increased after the 1851 census. This is a work in progress that I will add to over time.
These records are in no means complete. as I have not had time to go through the individual districts of London County at this point. I've noticed that on many occasions a Townland was given in these records (such as Castlebar, Ireland). This record would not show up on a search of Brennans born in Mayo, Ireland even though Castlebar is in County Mayo. I have also seen many individuals give their Roman Catholic Parish as a place of birth in Ireland. Athalone, a Catholic Parish in County Roscommon wouldn't show up in a search of those living in England born in County Roscommon either. These factors and the incorrect interpretation of the census taker's handwriting pose serious challenges to this search. Betsy Brannan was listed as being born in Ancommon, Ireland; however, a quick look at the record showed her place of birth clearly as Roscommon, Ireland. As I get time I will go through the districts of the England Counties that have the greatest concentrations of County Mayo born immigrants and add to these records.
I have highlighted the first name in each residence whether it be a head of household, lodger or inmate to help differentiate the groupings.
James and Sarah Brennan Family in Plumstead Civil Parish: James is listed as being born in Milford, Ireland and Sarah in County Donegal. There is a Millford in Donegal (likely) and Galway and a Milford in Queens County, Tipperary as well as a Milford Demesne in County Mayo. I have not included this record because I believe it is likely it refers to Millford, Donegal.
| Address | Name | Age | Born | Occupation | Marital Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Marys Presbytery, Chelsea Civil Parish, District 11a | Brenan, John J. | 36 | County Mayo, Ireland | Roman Catholic Priest, St Marys, Chelsea | U |
| 11 Hill Road, Marylebone Civil Parish, District 21a | Brenan, Sarah E., Head | 52 | Claremorris, County Mayo, Ireland | Annuitant | W |
| 11 Hill Road, Marylebone Civil Parish, District 21a | Brenan, Mary A., Daughter | 27 | Islington, London, England | U | |
| 11 Hill Road, Marylebone Civil Parish, District 21a | Brenan, Joseph, Son | 21 | Kingsland, London, England | Piano Tuner | U |
| 10 Fanshaw St, St Leonard Shoreditch Civil Parish, District 4 | Brennan, Owen, Head | 48 | Mayo, Ireland | Police Constable | M |
| 10 Fanshaw St, St Leonard Shoreditch Civil Parish, District 4 | Brennan, Bridget, Wife | 51 | Roscommon, Ireland | M | |
| 10 Fanshaw St, St Leonard Shoreditch Civil Parish, District 4 | Brennan, Edward O, Son | 10 | Middlesex, Shoreditch, England | Scholar |
compiled from Ancestry.com 1881 England Census database on-line Provo, UT, USA; Ancestry.com operations, Inc 2004.