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Where Famous People Lived
Want to know where some famous people lived?
Well you’ve come to the right place.
I have compiled a map showing where some famous people lived at the time of the 1891, 1901, 1911 and 1921 censuses as well as the 1939 register*
Just click the button on the right to view the map or to one of the census lists buttons for a bit more information about the famous people I have included. The coloured location icons next to each census title correspond to where those listed are located on the main map.
If you want to know where someone famous lived at the time of a particular census then don’t hesitate to get in touch and I will try and find them. Please note that some people listed on the 1939 register have their names blanked out. This is due to them either still being alive or the National Archives have not been informed of their death. Consequently finding where someone lived in 1939 cannot be guaranteed.
*The 1939 register was a list of people names rather than a census count and was required due to the impending war and the need to produce ID cards. Further information on the 1939 register can be found HERE
Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, Bram Stoker, Florence Nightingale, H.G. Wells, Lillie Langtry, Oscar Wilde, Rudyard Kipling, W.G. Grace, Winston Churchill
Alfred Hitchcock, Boris Karloff, Charlie Chaplin, Clement Attlee, Dr. Crippen, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, Emmeline Pankhurst, Harold Abrahams, Herbert Asquith, Stan Laurel
A. A. Milne, Alexander Fleming, Amy Johnson, Cpt Edward Smith, Cary Grant, David Niven, Ian Fleming, J. Bruce Ismay, J.R.R. Tolkien, Laurence Olivier
Albert Pierrepoint, Alf Ramsey, Arthur Lowe, Edward Heath, Harold Wilson, John Le Mesurier, Peggy Mount, Peter Cushing, Stanley Matthews, Vera Lynn
Christopher Lee, Daphne Du Maurier(Lady Browning), Eric Morecambe, Ernie Wise, Hattie Jacques, Joan Sims, John Logie Baird, Kenneth Williams, Ronnie Barker, Spike Milligan
1891 Census
Agatha Christie (1890 – 1976)
Ashfield, Barton Road, Torquay, Devon
Crime novelist Agatha Christie(born Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller) was recorded as living here in 1891.
Agatha was almost 1 year old at the time of the census and was living with her Mother, Father, older sister and brother. She was recorded as still living there in both the 1901 and 1911 censuses.
The original ‘Ashfield’ no longer exists but a blue plaque indicating that Agatha lived there is on a post next to where it used to be.
Arthur Conan Doyle (1859 – 1930)
23 Montague Place, Bloomsbury, London
Sherlock Holmes creator Arthur Conan Doyle(born Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle) along with his wife Louisa were recorded as living here in 1891.
He was listed as an Ophthalmic Surgeon as he had studied medicine before becoming more famous for his writing.
23 Montague Place no longer exists and the whole north side of the street has been replaced by Senate House
Bram Stoker (1847 – 1912)
18 St Leonard’s Terrace, London
Dracula creator Bram Stoker(born Abraham Stoker) was recorded as living here in 1891.
At the time he was 43 years old and living with his wife Florence and 2 female servants.
A blue plaque indicating that he lived there is in the middle of the 2 windows on the ground floor.
Florence Nightingale (1820 – 1910)
10 South Street, St George Hanover Square, London
Lady of the Lamp Florence Nightingale was recorded as living here in 1891. Florence was 70 years old and although there were no members of her family living there 5 female servants were listed.
Florence lived at this address until she passed away in 1910. Although the house she lived in no longer exists, there is a blue plaque on the wall where it used to stand.
H.G. Wells (1866 – 1946)
46 Fitzroy Road, St Pancras, London
H.G. Wells(born Herbert George Wells) author of War of the Worlds, The Time Machine amongst others, was recorded as living here in 1891.
He was 24 years old and listed as a magazine writer. The Time Machine was his first book and that was published 4 years later.
He was living here with his Aunt, female cousin and female servant.
Lillie Langtry (1853 – 1929)
18 Pont Street, Belgravia, London
Actress, socialite and mistress to Edward VII, Lillie Langtry(born Emillie Charlotte Le Breton) was recorded as living here in 1891.
Despite being listed as married, her husband was not living there at the time of the census. However she did live there with 5 female and 3 male servants.
There is a blue plaque above the front window of the property indicating that Lillie lived there.
Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900)
16 Tite Street, Chelsea, London(16 is now 34)
Dramatist and wit Oscar Wilde(born Oscar Fingal O’Ffahertie Wills Wilde) was recorded as living here in 1891, in fact all of the time he was in London was spent in Tite Street.
Although he was listed as married, he was living there alone apart from 2 female servants.
There is a blue plaque to the right of the ground floor window indicating that Wilde lived there.
Rudyard Kipling (1865 – 1936)
Sandrock Hotel, Niton, Isle of Wight
The Jungle Book author Rudyard Kipling(born Joseph Rudyard Kipling) was recorded as living here in 1891. He was 25 years old.
American writer Wolcott Balestier and his sister Carolyn were also listed as living there in 1891. Later that same year Carolyn married Kipling and the unfortunate Wolcott died in Germany.
The Sandrock Hotel was destroyed by fire in 1984 and was subsequently demolished. Three houses now stand on the site.
W.G. Grace (1848 – 1915)
Thrissell House, Stapleton Road, Bristol, Gloucestershire
Cricketer W.G. Grace(born William Gilbert Grace) was recorded as living here in 1891. He was 42 years old and living with his Wife, 2 sons and daughter. Also recorded as living there was his Aunt and 2 female servants.
Despite being at his cricketing peak, Grace was listed as a General Practitioner as he was an amateur cricketer.
Thrissell House no longer exists and is now the car park of a leisure centre. A plaque indicating that Grace used to live there is on the car park railings.
Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965)
Banstead Manor, Broad Green, Newmarket, Cambridgeshire
Britain’s World War 2 Prime Minister Winston Churchill(born Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill) was recorded as living here in 1891.
He was 16 years old at the time and lived here with his Mother, younger brother and Grandmother. As to be expected from the standing of the Churchill family, also living there were 6 female and 6 male servants.
1901 Census
Alfred Hitchcock (1899 – 1980)
517 High Road Leytonstone, Leytonstone, London
Master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock(born Alfred Joseph Hitchcock) was recorded as living here in 1901 along with his Mother, Father, older Brother and Sister. He was almost 2 years old at the time. As the building was a greengrocers, three members of staff also lived there.
The building has since been replaced by a petrol station and next door has a birds mural referencing Hitchcock’s film of the same name.
Boris Karloff (1887 – 1969)
Norgrove, The Ridgeway, Enfield, Middlesex
Boris Karloff(born William Henry Pratt) famous for playing the part of Frankenstein’s monster lived here in 1901. At the time he was 13 years old and was living with his parents and elder brother. A male cousin was also living there.
Although Karloff will always be remembered for Frankenstein, it wasn’t until his 82nd film that he first appeared as the monster. In total he appeared(or provided his voice) in 174 films co-starring with a number of other ‘horror’ actors such as Bela Legosi, Christopher Lee and Vincent Price.
Charlie Chaplin (1889 – 1977)
94 Ferndale Road, Brixton, London
Silent film star Charlie Chaplin(born Charles Spencer Chaplin) was recorded as living at this address in 1901 along with 10 other people with all but one being mmembers of a clog dancing troupe.
By the time of the 1911 census, Chaplin was part of Fred Karno’s company and was touring North America along with Stan Laurel.
Clement Attlee (1883 – 1967)
Haileybury College, Great Amwell, Hertfordshire
UK Prime Minister from 1945 to 1951 Clement Attlee(born Clement Richard Attlee) was recorded as living here in 1901. He was 18 years old at the time.
Attlee’s time as Prime Minister saw the introduction of the National Health Service. At 20 years, Attlee remains the longest serving leader of the Labour party.
Dr. Crippen (1866 – 1946)
34 Store Street, London
Dr. Crippen(born Hawley Harvey Crippen) was recorded as living here in 1901 along with his wife Corrine who he later murdered.
What made Crippen famous was that he was one of the first criminals to be apprehended using wireless telegraphy(radio). Fearing that he was going to be arrested for the murder, Crippen and his mistress Ethel Le Neve(born Ethel Clara Neave) fled to Brussels before boarding the Canada bound SS Montrose from Antwerp. Despite disguising themselves(Ethel dressed as a boy) the Captain of the Montrose recognised them and sent a radio message to the British authorities. Both Crippen and Ethel wee arrested once the Montrose had docked in Canada
They were sent back to Britain to stand trial for the murder of Corrine. Crippen was hanged in Pentonville prison and Ethel was acquitted as she was charged with accessory after the fact.
Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (1900 – 2002)
The Bury, St Pauls Walden, Hitchin, Hertfordshire
Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon(born Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon) the future Queen to King George VI, Mother to Elizabeth II and Grandmother to King Charles III was recorded as living here in 1901.
Elizabeth was not quite 1 year old at the time and she was living with her Mother, Father, 2 Sisters and Brother. As befitting the Bowes-Lyon family, also recorded as living there were 13 servants with 10 of them being female.
Emmeline Pankhurst (1858 – 1928)
62 Nelson Street, Manchester
Suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst was recorded as living here in 1901.
Emmeline was 42 years old and was living there with her 3 Daughters, her Son, 2 Brothers, a Nephew and 2 servants.
The meeting that started the suffragette movement took place here and the building is now a museum known as The Pankhurst Centre.
Harold Abrahams (1899 – 1978)
30 Rutland Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire
100M Gold medallist at the 1924 Paris Olympics and played by Ben Cross in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, Harold Abrahams(born Harold Maurice Abrahams) was recorded as living here in 1901.
Harold was just 2 years old at the time and lived with his Mother, Father, 3 older brothers and 2 older Sisters.
Although the blue plaque above the front door does indicate that Harold not only lived but was born there, it also says that the current house is on the site of as it is clearly more modern.
Herbert Asquith (1852 – 1928)
20 Cavendish Square, London
Herbert Asquith(born Herbert Henry Asquith) Britain’s prime minister at the start of World War 1 was recorded as living here in 1901. He was living here with his wife, 2 daughters, a governess and 13 other servants of which 9 were female. A blue plaque is situated to the right of the front entrance indicating that Asquith lived there.
Asquith is the Great Grandfather of actress Helena Bonham Carter.
20 Cavendish Square is now the head office for the Royal College of Nursing.
Stan Laurel (1890 – 1965)
8 Dockwray Square, North Shields, Northumberland
Stan Laurel(born Arthur Stanley Jefferson) was recorded as living here in 1901. He lived there with his Mother, Father, elder Brother and Grandmother. Also residing at the same address were 3 servants.
Although there is a No 8 there today, it is not where Stan lived as it is a modern building. The green area in the middle of the square is known as Laurel Park and there is a statue of Stan in the middle.
1911 Census
A. A. Milne (1882 – 1956)
Broadgates, Church Street, Steeple Bumpstead, Essex
Winnie the Pooh author A. A. Milne(born Alan Alexander Milne) was recorded as living here in 1911. He was 29 years old and lived with his Mother, Father and 2 servants.
Milne was listed as a journalist on this census and it wasn’t until 1925 when the Winnie the Pooh stories were first published.
Alexander Fleming (1881 – 1955)
Flat 7L Hydepark Mansions, Cabbell Street, Marylebone, London
The man who discovered penicillin, Alexander Fleming was recorded as living here in 1911. He was 29 years old and listed as a physician. He was living there with another physician Edward Beaton and Katherine Corbett a housekeeper.
The location of Hyde Park Mansions is very convenient for St Mary’s Hospital where Fleming worked.
Amy Johnson (1903 – 1941)
48 Alliance Avenue, Kingston-Upon-Hull, Yorkshire
Pilot Amy Johnson who was the first female to fly solo from London to Australia was recorded as living here in 1911. She was 3 years old at the time and lived with her Mother, Father and younger Sister.
Although there is no plaque indicating that Amy lived at this address in 1911 by the time of the next census in 1921 the family had moved to 85 Park Avenue, Hull where there is one above the front door.
Cpt Edward Smith (1850 – 1912)
‘Woodhead’, Winn Road, Southampton, Hampshire
Titanic Captain Edward Smith(born Edward John Smith) was living here at the time of his last census record. He was 60 years old and listed as a Master Mariner. He was living with his wife and daughter.
‘Woodhead’ no longer exists as it was destroyed like the rest of the street by heavy bombing during World War 2. On the site now is a non-descript block of flats.
Cary Grant (1904 – 1986)
5 Seymour Avenue, Bishopston, Gloucestershire
Hollywood actor Cary Grant(born Archibald Alec Leach) was recorded as living here in 1911. He was 7 years old and living with his Mother, Father and 3 female cousins.
Grant became attracted to the theatre at an early age and by the time of the next census in 1921 he had decided to stay in the US after previously touring with the Pender Troupe.
There is no plaque outside this address but there is one at 8 Hughenden Road, Bristol where Grant was born.
David Niven (1910 – 1983)
Golden Farm, Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Oscar winning actor David Niven(born James David Graham Niven) was a 1 year old when recorded as living here in 1911. He was living here with his Mother, Father, 2 older sisters and brother. Also recorded living at the same address were 7 female servants.
After resigning his army commission in 1933 on his way to the US, Niven first became an unsuccessful whisky salesman before reaching Hollywood in 1934. He then established himself as a supporting actor before being the only US based British actor to return to the UK to rejoin the army at the start of World War 2.
After the war, Niven returned to Hollywood and became a leading actor eventually culminating in his Oscar win for Separate Tables in 1958.
As for Golden Farm, it still stands but it is now a pub.
Ian Fleming (1908- 1964)
Wyfold Court, Nr Reading, Berkshire
James Bond creator Ian Fleming(born Ian Lancaster Fleming) was recorded as living at this address in 1911. He was 3 years old and lived with his Mother, Father and 2 Brothers. As Flemings Father was an MP, there was a total of 12 servants living there as well.
In 1932 Wyfold Court was sold to the government and it bacame a hospital. The hospital closed in 1993 and it was converted into apartments
J. Bruce Ismay (1862 – 1937)
‘Sandheys’, Mossley Hill Road, Liverpool
White Star Line Chairman and Titanic survivor, J. Bruce Ismay(born Jospeh Bruce Ismay) was recorded as living at this address in 1911. He was 48 years old and was living there with his son and daughter as well as 7 female servants.
Ismay was branded a coward after surviving the sinking of the Titanic as there were women and children still on board when he got into the lifeboat. However he claimed that there were none left in the vicinity of the lifeboat when he got into it.
Ismay was heavily criticised at the Titanic enquiry and in 1913 he resigned as Chairman of the White Star Line. He became a virtual recluse after resigning and did not talk about the disaster until shortly before his death.
‘Sandheys’ was demolished in the 1920s and the area was turned into a residential estate.
J.R.R. Tolkien (1892 – 1973)
4 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham
Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien(born John Ronald Reuel Tolkien) was recorded as living here at this address in 1911. He was 19 years old and listed as a boarder along with his brother Hilary as both their Mother and Father had passed away.
There is a blue plaque outside the house indicating that Tolkien lived there however it is now a day nursery and pre-school.
Laurence Olivier (1907 – 1989)
86 Elgin Crescent, Kensington, London
Regarded as England’s greatest ever actor, Laurence Olivier(born Laurence Kerr Olivier) was recorded as living here in 1911. He was 3 years old and lived with his Mother, Father and Sister and Brother. Also living there were 3 female servants with one being a governess.
There is no blue plaque outside no 86 but there are ones for former Indian Prime Minster Jawaharlal Nehru at no 60 and one for cartoonist Osbert Lancaster at no 79.
1921 Census
Albert Pierrepoint (1905 – 1992)
41 Mill Street, Failsworth, Manchester
Albert Pierrepoint was an English hangman who executed around 500 people over a 25 year career. His father and Uncle were also hangmen.
He was 16 years old in 1921 and was recorded as living at this address along with his Mother, Father, 2 older sisters and 2 younger brothers.
The house no longer exists and the area where it was appears to be waste ground.
Alf Ramsey (1920 – 1999)
Five Elms Cottages, Five Elms Road, Dagenham, Essex
Englands World Cup winning manager Alf Ramsey(born Alfred Ernest Ramsey) was recorded as living here in the 1921 census. He was only 1 year old at the time and he lived there with his Mother & Father 2 elder brothers and an uncle from his father’s side of the family.
The cottages no longer exist and there is now a health centre on the site.
Arthur Lowe (1915 – 1982)
112 Hemmons Road, Manchester
Dad’s Army actor Arthur Lowe was recorded as living here in 1921. He was 5 years old and was living with his Mother and Father(also called Arthur Lowe).
According to his Dad’s Army co-stars the pompous Cpt Mainwaring character he played was very much like his real self.
Edward Heath (1916 – 2005)
106 Green Walk, Crayford, Kent
Conservative Prime Minister Edward Heath(born Edward Richard George Heath) was recorded as living here in 1921. He was 4 years old and was living with his Mother, Father and younger Brother.
Heath was Prime Minister from 1970-74 and can be remembered for 2 things. Taking the UK into the EC and the 3 day week caused by the miners strike.
There is a plaque next to the front door indicating that Heath lived there but it is black and rectangular rather than the normal round blue version.
Harold Wilson (1916 – 1995)
40 Western Road, Milnsbridge, Yorkshire
Ex Labour Prime Minster Harold Wilson(born James Harold Wilson) was recorded as living here in 1921. He was 5 years old and lived here with his Mother, Father and older Sister.
By the time of the 1939 register, Wilson was recorded as living at Oxford University.
John Le Mesurier (1912 – 1983)
Grenham House School, Birchington, Kent
Dad’s Army actor, John Le Mesurier(born John Elton Le Mesurier Halliley) was recorded as living here in 1921. He was 9 years old.
Grenham House was a boarding/prep school and John hated being there as pupils would be beaten for minor offences.
Grenham House was demolished in 1985 and the site is now a retirement housing complex called Homebirch House.
Peggy Mount (1915 – 2001)
15 East Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
Peggy Mount(born Margaret Rose Mount) was recorded as living here in both 1921 and 1939 in fact she remained at this address until moving to the actors retirement home Denville Hall a few years before she died in 2001.
In 1921 Peggy was 6 years old and living with her Father, older Sister and Aunt.
Despite Peggy playing the quintessential overbearing battleaxe in most of her TV work, she never married and was by all accounts nothing like the characters she used to play
Peter Cushing (1913 – 1994)
‘Ventnor’, Whytecliffe Road, Purley, Surrey
Actor Peter Cushing(born peter Wilton Cushing) was recorded as living here in 1921. He was 8 years old at the time and attending school. He was living there with his Mother, Father and elder Brother. Also living at the address was the family servant.
It is unclear where ‘Ventnor’ was in Whytecliffe Road as the whole street is either modern flats or houses what appear to be built after 1921.
Stanley Matthews (1915 – 2000)
89 Seymour Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
England’s greatest ever footballer Stanley Matthews was recorded as living here in 1921. He was 6 years old and was living with his Mother, Father and 2 older Brothers.
There is a plaque above and to the left of the front door indicating that Stanley not only lived but was born there.
Vera Lynn (1917 – 2020)
38 Ladysmith Avenue, East Ham, Essex
”Forces Sweetheart” Vera Lynn(born Vera Margaret Welch) was registered as living here in 1921.
Vera was 4 years old at the time and was living here with her Mother, Father and older Brother.
There is no plaque outside of no 38 but there is a note on the street name plate to say that Vera lived there but doesn’t mention the number. Ironically there is a placque outside no 36 indicating that ex West Ham United manager Charlie Paynter lived there!
1939 Register
Christopher Lee (1922- 2015)
Rambler Cottage, Knowle Hill, Egham, Surrey
Christopher Lee(born Christopher Frank Carandini Lee) was recorded as living here in 1939 along with his Mother. He was 17 years old at the time and was seeking work.
Lee’s parents divorced when he was 6 years old and in 1930 his Mother married banker Harcourt George St Croix Rose the uncle of James Bond creator Ian Fleming. Fleming recommended his step cousin for the title role of the first Bond film Dr No. Producers had already selected Joseph Wiseman and it wasn’t until The Man with the Golden Gun when Lee finally got to play a Bond villian.
Daphne Du Maurier(Lady Browning) (1907 – 1989)
Small Arms School, Military Road, Hythe, Kent
Daphne Du Maurier author of Rebecca and Jamaica Inn amongst others was recorded as living here at the time of the 1939 register. The reason she was living here was her husband Frederick Browning who was an army officer. He went on to become the commanding officer during the WW2 Operation Market Garden in Arnhem, Holland and which was the subject of the film A Bridge Too Far.
The Small Arms School or the School of Musketry in Hythe no longer exists and has been replaced by a Sainsburys supermarket.
Eric Morecambe (1926 – 1984)
43 Christie Avenue, Morecambe, Lancashire
One half of the arguably the greatest ever comedy double act Eric Morecambe(born John Eric Bartholomew) was recorded as living at this address in 1939. He was 13 years old and lived with his Mother and Father.
A gold plaque showing that he lived there is above the front door.
It was a year later that Eric met Ernie Wise who was performing in in the same Jack Hylton show.
Ernie Wise (1925 – 1999)
‘Villa Daheim’, Gorse Avenue, Kingston Gorse, Sussex
One half of the arguably the greatest ever comedy double act Ernie Wise(born Ernest Wiseman) was recorded as living at this address in 1939. He was 13 years old and listed at school.
He was living with theatre impresario Jack Hylton and his wife and a number of servants
Ernie went on to be part of Jack’s touring show. A year later Ernie met Eric Morecambe who was also performing in Jack’s show.
Hattie Jacques (1922 – 1980)
32 Elm Bank Gardens, Barnes, Surrey
Carry On actress Hattie Jacques(born Josephine Edwina Jaques) was recorded as living at this address in 1939.
She was 17 years old at the time and listed as a hairdresser.
It wasn’t until near the end of World War 2 that Hattie made her debut as an actor. It was her first acting role that Hattie added the ‘c’ to her surname and was billed as Josephine Jacques. In 1946 and after blacking up for a minstrel show, she was compared to American actress Hattie McDaniel and from that point she became Hattie Jacques.
Joan Sims (1930 – 2001)
Station House Cottage, Laindon, Essex
Carry On actress Joan Sims(born Irene Joan Marion Sims) was recorded as living here in 1939.
She was 9 years old at the time and lived there with her Mother and Father who was the station master at Laindon station. There is a blue plaque on the station building indicating that Joan lived there until 1952.
John Logie Baird (1888 – 1946)
23 Christ Church Mount, Epsom, Surrey
The inventor of television, John Logie Baird was recorded as living here in 1939.
He was 51 years old but despite being married, his wife was not recorded as living there. He was instead living with a married couple as a lodger.
Baird died 7 years later in Bexhill.
Kenneth Williams (1926 – 1988)
22 Portland Road, Luton, Bedfordshire
Kenneth Williams(born Kenneth Charles Williams), star of the Carry On films and radio’s Round the Horne amongst many others was recorded as living here in 1939.
He was 13 years old and listed as going to school.
It is not known why he was there as a blue placque at 57 Marchmont Street, London shows that he lived there with his parents and sister.
Ronnie Barker (1929 – 2005)
23 Church Cowley Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire
Ronnie Barker(born Ronald William George Barker) aka Fletcher, Arkwright and 1 half of the Two Ronnies was recorded as living here in 1939. A blue plaque is outside indicating that Ronnie lived there.
Ronnie was 9 years old and was living with his Mother and older Sister. Two other people were listed as living there at the same time but their details are unavailable.
Spike Milligan (1918 – 2002)
50 Riseldine Road, Honor Oak Park, London
Goon Show performer/writer, poet, author and playwright Spike Milligan(born Terence Alan Milligan) was 21 years old when recorded as living here in 1939.
He lived here with his Father. His Mother was recorded as living in Cheltenham.
Spike was called-up soon after the register took place. He went into the Royal Artillery eventually meeting Harry Secombe.
If you have enjoyed looking at this page and want to have a map showing where your ancestors lived at the time of a census then get in CONTACT with me today.
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Where Famous People Lived
Want to know where some famous people lived?
Well you’ve come to the right place.
I have compiled a map showing where some famous people lived at the time of the 1891, 1901, 1911 and 1921 censuses as well as the 1939 register*
Just click the button on the right to view the map or to one of the census lists buttons for a bit more information about the famous people I have included. The coloured location icons next to each census title correspond to where those listed are located on the main map.
If you want to know where someone famous lived at the time of a particular census then don’t hesitate to get in touch and I will try and find them. Please note that some people listed on the 1939 register have their names blanked out. This is due to them either still being alive or the National Archives have not been informed of their death. Consequently finding where someone lived in 1939 cannot be guaranteed.
*The 1939 register was a list of people names rather than a census count and was required due to the impending war and the need to produce ID cards. Further information on the 1939 register can be found HERE
Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, Bram Stoker, Florence Nightingale, H.G. Wells, Lillie Langtry, Oscar Wilde, Rudyard Kipling, W.G. Grace, Winston Churchill
Alfred Hitchcock, Boris Karloff, Charlie Chaplin, Clement Attlee, Dr. Crippen, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, Emmeline Pankhurst, Harold Abrahams, Herbert Asquith, Stan Laurel
A. A. Milne, Alexander Fleming, Amy Johnson, Cpt Edward Smith, Cary Grant, David Niven, Ian Fleming, J. Bruce Ismay, J.R.R. Tolkien, Laurence Olivier
Albert Pierrepoint, Alf Ramsey, Arthur Lowe, Edward Heath, Harold Wilson, John Le Mesurier, Peggy Mount, Peter Cushing, Stanley Matthews, Vera Lynn
Christopher Lee, Daphne Du Maurier(Lady Browning), Eric Morecambe, Ernie Wise, Hattie Jacques, Joan Sims, John Logie Baird, Kenneth Williams, Ronnie Barker, Spike Milligan
1891 Census
1891 Census
Agatha Christie (1890 – 1976)
Ashfield, Barton Road, Torquay, Devon
Crime novelist Agatha Christie(born Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller) was recorded as living here in 1891.
Agatha was almost 1 year old at the time of the census and was living with her Mother, Father, older sister and brother. She was recorded as still living there in both the 1901 and 1911 censuses.
The original ‘Ashfield’ no longer exists but a blue plaque indicating that Agatha lived there is on a post next to where it used to be.
Arthur Conan Doyle (1859 – 1930)
23 Montague Place, Bloomsbury, London
Sherlock Holmes creator Arthur Conan Doyle(born Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle) along with his wife Louisa were recorded as living here in 1891.
He was listed as an Ophthalmic Surgeon as he had studied medicine before becoming more famous for his writing.
23 Montague Place no longer exists and the whole north side of the street has been replaced by Senate House
Bram Stoker (1847 – 1912)
18 St Leonard’s Terrace, London
Dracula creator Bram Stoker(born Abraham Stoker) was recorded as living here in 1891.
At the time he was 43 years old and living with his wife Florence and 2 female servants.
A blue plaque indicating that he lived there is in the middle of the 2 windows on the ground floor.
Florence Nightingale (1820 – 1910)
10 South Street, St George Hanover Square, London
Lady of the Lamp Florence Nightingale was recorded as living here in 1891. Florence was 70 years old and although there were no members of her family living there 5 female servants were listed.
Florence lived at this address until she passed away in 1910. Although the house she lived in no longer exists, there is a blue plaque on the wall where it used to stand.
H.G. Wells (1866 – 1946)
46 Fitzroy Road, St Pancras, London
H.G. Wells(born Herbert George Wells) author of War of the Worlds, The Time Machine amongst others, was recorded as living here in 1891.
He was 24 years old and listed as a magazine writer. The Time Machine was his first book and that was published 4 years later.
He was living here with his Aunt, female cousin and female servant.
Lillie Langtry (1853 – 1929)
18 Pont Street, Belgravia, London
Actress, socialite and mistress to Edward VII, Lillie Langtry(born Emillie Charlotte Le Breton) was recorded as living here in 1891.
Despite being listed as married, her husband was not living there at the time of the census. However she did live there with 5 female and 3 male servants.
There is a blue plaque above the front window of the property indicating that Lillie lived there.
Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900)
16 Tite Street, Chelsea, London(16 is now 34)
Dramatist and wit Oscar Wilde(born Oscar Fingal O’Ffahertie Wills Wilde) was recorded as living here in 1891, in fact all of the time he was in London was spent in Tite Street.
Although he was listed as married, he was living there alone apart from 2 female servants.
There is a blue plaque to the right of the ground floor window indicating that Wilde lived there.
Rudyard Kipling (1865 – 1936)
Sandrock Hotel, Niton, Isle of Wight
The Jungle Book author Rudyard Kipling(born Joseph Rudyard Kipling) was recorded as living here in 1891. He was 25 years old.
American writer Wolcott Balestier and his sister Carolyn were also listed as living there in 1891. Later that same year Carolyn married Kipling and the unfortunate Wolcott died in Germany.
The Sandrock Hotel was destroyed by fire in 1984 and was subsequently demolished. Three houses now stand on the site.
W.G. Grace (1848 – 1915)
Thrissell House, Stapleton Road, Bristol, Gloucestershire
Cricketer W.G. Grace(born William Gilbert Grace) was recorded as living here in 1891. He was 42 years old and living with his Wife, 2 sons and daughter. Also recorded as living there was his Aunt and 2 female servants.
Despite being at his cricketing peak, Grace was listed as a General Practitioner as he was an amateur cricketer.
Thrissell House no longer exists and is now the car park of a leisure centre. A plaque indicating that Grace used to live there is on the car park railings.
Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965)
Banstead Manor, Broad Green, Newmarket, Cambridgeshire
Britain’s World War 2 Prime Minister Winston Churchill(born Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill) was recorded as living here in 1891.
He was 16 years old at the time and lived here with his Mother, younger brother and Grandmother. As to be expected from the standing of the Churchill family, also living there were 6 female and 6 male servants.
1901 Census
1901 Census
Alfred Hitchcock (1899 – 1980)
517 High Road Leytonstone, Leytonstone, London
Master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock(born Alfred Joseph Hitchcock) was recorded as living here in 1901 along with his Mother, Father, older Brother and Sister. He was almost 2 years old at the time. As the building was a greengrocers, three members of staff also lived there.
The building has since been replaced by a petrol station and next door has a birds mural referencing Hitchcock’s film of the same name.
Boris Karloff (1887 – 1969)
Norgrove, The Ridgeway, Enfield, Middlesex
Boris Karloff(born William Henry Pratt) famous for playing the part of Frankenstein’s monster lived here in 1901. At the time he was 13 years old and was living with his parents and elder brother. A male cousin was also living there.
Although Karloff will always be remembered for Frankenstein, it wasn’t until his 82nd film that he first appeared as the monster. In total he appeared(or provided his voice) in 174 films co-starring with a number of other ‘horror’ actors such as Bela Legosi, Christopher Lee and Vincent Price.
Charlie Chaplin (1889 – 1977)
94 Ferndale Road, Brixton, London
Silent film star Charlie Chaplin(born Charles Spencer Chaplin) was recorded as living at this address in 1901 along with 10 other people with all but one being mmembers of a clog dancing troupe.
By the time of the 1911 census, Chaplin was part of Fred Karno’s company and was touring North America along with Stan Laurel.
Clement Attlee (1883 – 1967)
Haileybury College, Great Amwell, Hertfordshire
UK Prime Minister from 1945 to 1951 Clement Attlee(born Clement Richard Attlee) was recorded as living here in 1901. He was 18 years old at the time.
Attlee’s time as Prime Minister saw the introduction of the National Health Service. At 20 years, Attlee remains the longest serving leader of the Labour party.
Dr. Crippen (1866 – 1946)
34 Store Street, London
Dr. Crippen(born Hawley Harvey Crippen) was recorded as living here in 1901 along with his wife Corrine who he later murdered.
What made Crippen famous was that he was one of the first criminals to be apprehended using wireless telegraphy(radio). Fearing that he was going to be arrested for the murder, Crippen and his mistress Ethel Le Neve(born Ethel Clara Neave) fled to Brussels before boarding the Canada bound SS Montrose from Antwerp. Despite disguising themselves(Ethel dressed as a boy) the Captain of the Montrose recognised them and sent a radio message to the British authorities. Both Crippen and Ethel wee arrested once the Montrose had docked in Canada
They were sent back to Britain to stand trial for the murder of Corrine. Crippen was hanged in Pentonville prison and Ethel was acquitted as she was charged with accessory after the fact.
Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (1900 – 2002)
The Bury, St Pauls Walden, Hitchin, Hertfordshire
Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon(born Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon) the future Queen to King George VI, Mother to Elizabeth II and Grandmother to King Charles III was recorded as living here in 1901.
Elizabeth was not quite 1 year old at the time and she was living with her Mother, Father, 2 Sisters and Brother. As befitting the Bowes-Lyon family, also recorded as living there were 13 servants with 10 of them being female.
Emmeline Pankhurst (1858 – 1928)
62 Nelson Street, Manchester
Suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst was recorded as living here in 1901.
Emmeline was 42 years old and was living there with her 3 Daughters, her Son, 2 Brothers, a Nephew and 2 servants.
The meeting that started the suffragette movement took place here and the building is now a museum known as The Pankhurst Centre.
Harold Abrahams (1899 – 1978)
30 Rutland Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire
100M Gold medallist at the 1924 Paris Olympics and played by Ben Cross in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, Harold Abrahams(born Harold Maurice Abrahams) was recorded as living here in 1901.
Harold was just 2 years old at the time and lived with his Mother, Father, 3 older brothers and 2 older Sisters.
Although the blue plaque above the front door does indicate that Harold not only lived but was born there, it also says that the current house is on the site of as it is clearly more modern.
Herbert Asquith (1852 – 1928)
20 Cavendish Square, London
Herbert Asquith(born Herbert Henry Asquith) Britain’s prime minister at the start of World War 1 was recorded as living here in 1901. He was living here with his wife, 2 daughters, a governess and 13 other servants of which 9 were female. A blue plaque is situated to the right of the front entrance indicating that Asquith lived there.
Asquith is the Great Grandfather of actress Helena Bonham Carter.
20 Cavendish Square is now the head office for the Royal College of Nursing.
Stan Laurel (1890 – 1965)
8 Dockwray Square, North Shields, Northumberland
Stan Laurel(born Arthur Stanley Jefferson) was recorded as living here in 1901. He lived there with his Mother, Father, elder Brother and Grandmother. Also residing at the same address were 3 servants.
Although there is a No 8 there today, it is not where Stan lived as it is a modern building. The green area in the middle of the square is known as Laurel Park and there is a statue of Stan in the middle.
1911 Census
1911 Census
A. A. Milne (1882 – 1956)
Broadgates, Church Street, Steeple Bumpstead, Essex
Winnie the Pooh author A. A. Milne(born Alan Alexander Milne) was recorded as living here in 1911. He was 29 years old and lived with his Mother, Father and 2 servants.
Milne was listed as a journalist on this census and it wasn’t until 1925 when the Winnie the Pooh stories were first published.
Alexander Fleming (1881 – 1955)
Flat 7L Hydepark Mansions, Cabbell Street, Marylebone, London
The man who discovered penicillin, Alexander Fleming was recorded as living here in 1911. He was 29 years old and listed as a physician. He was living there with another physician Edward Beaton and Katherine Corbett a housekeeper.
The location of Hyde Park Mansions is very convenient for St Mary’s Hospital where Fleming worked.
Amy Johnson (1903 – 1941)
48 Alliance Avenue, Kingston-Upon-Hull, Yorkshire
Pilot Amy Johnson who was the first female to fly solo from London to Australia was recorded as living here in 1911. She was 3 years old at the time and lived with her Mother, Father and younger Sister.
Although there is no plaque indicating that Amy lived at this address in 1911 by the time of the next census in 1921 the family had moved to 85 Park Avenue, Hull where there is one above the front door.
Cpt Edward Smith (1850 – 1912)
‘Woodhead’, Winn Road, Southampton, Hampshire
Titanic Captain Edward Smith(born Edward John Smith) was living here at the time of his last census record. He was 60 years old and listed as a Master Mariner. He was living with his wife and daughter.
‘Woodhead’ no longer exists as it was destroyed like the rest of the street by heavy bombing during World War 2. On the site now is a non-descript block of flats.
Cary Grant (1904 – 1986)
5 Seymour Avenue, Bishopston, Gloucestershire
Hollywood actor Cary Grant(born Archibald Alec Leach) was recorded as living here in 1911. He was 7 years old and living with his Mother, Father and 3 female cousins.
Grant became attracted to the theatre at an early age and by the time of the next census in 1921 he had decided to stay in the US after previously touring with the Pender Troupe.
There is no plaque outside this address but there is one at 8 Hughenden Road, Bristol where Grant was born.
David Niven (1910 – 1983)
Golden Farm, Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Oscar winning actor David Niven(born James David Graham Niven) was a 1 year old when recorded as living here in 1911. He was living here with his Mother, Father, 2 older sisters and brother. Also recorded living at the same address were 7 female servants.
After resigning his army commission in 1933 on his way to the US, Niven first became an unsuccessful whisky salesman before reaching Hollywood in 1934. He then established himself as a supporting actor before being the only US based British actor to return to the UK to rejoin the army at the start of World War 2.
After the war, Niven returned to Hollywood and became a leading actor eventually culminating in his Oscar win for Separate Tables in 1958.
As for Golden Farm, it still stands but it is now a pub.
Ian Fleming (1908- 1964)
Wyfold Court, Nr Reading, Berkshire
James Bond creator Ian Fleming(born Ian Lancaster Fleming) was recorded as living at this address in 1911. He was 3 years old and lived with his Mother, Father and 2 Brothers. As Flemings Father was an MP, there was a total of 12 servants living there as well.
In 1932 Wyfold Court was sold to the government and it bacame a hospital. The hospital closed in 1993 and it was converted into apartments
J. Bruce Ismay (1862 – 1937)
‘Sandheys’, Mossley Hill Road, Liverpool
White Star Line Chairman and Titanic survivor, J. Bruce Ismay(born Jospeh Bruce Ismay) was recorded as living at this address in 1911. He was 48 years old and was living there with his son and daughter as well as 7 female servants.
Ismay was branded a coward after surviving the sinking of the Titanic as there were women and children still on board when he got into the lifeboat. However he claimed that there were none left in the vicinity of the lifeboat when he got into it.
Ismay was heavily criticised at the Titanic enquiry and in 1913 he resigned as Chairman of the White Star Line. He became a virtual recluse after resigning and did not talk about the disaster until shortly before his death.
‘Sandheys’ was demolished in the 1920s and the area was turned into a residential estate.
J.R.R. Tolkien (1892 – 1973)
4 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham
Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien(born John Ronald Reuel Tolkien) was recorded as living here at this address in 1911. He was 19 years old and listed as a boarder along with his brother Hilary as both their Mother and Father had passed away.
There is a blue plaque outside the house indicating that Tolkien lived there however it is now a day nursery and pre-school.
Laurence Olivier (1907 – 1989)
86 Elgin Crescent, Kensington, London
Regarded as England’s greatest ever actor, Laurence Olivier(born Laurence Kerr Olivier) was recorded as living here in 1911. He was 3 years old and lived with his Mother, Father and Sister and Brother. Also living there were 3 female servants with one being a governess.
There is no blue plaque outside no 86 but there are ones for former Indian Prime Minster Jawaharlal Nehru at no 60 and one for cartoonist Osbert Lancaster at no 79.
1921 Census
1921 Census
Albert Pierrepoint (1905 – 1992)
41 Mill Street, Failsworth, Manchester
Albert Pierrepoint was an English hangman who executed around 500 people over a 25 year career. His father and Uncle were also hangmen.
He was 16 years old in 1921 and was recorded as living at this address along with his Mother, Father, 2 older sisters and 2 younger brothers.
The house no longer exists and the area where it was appears to be waste ground.
Alf Ramsey (1920 – 1999)
Five Elms Cottages, Five Elms Road, Dagenham, Essex
Englands World Cup winning manager Alf Ramsey(born Alfred Ernest Ramsey) was recorded as living here in the 1921 census. He was only 1 year old at the time and he lived there with his Mother & Father 2 elder brothers and an uncle from his father’s side of the family.
The cottages no longer exist and there is now a health centre on the site.
Arthur Lowe (1915 – 1982)
112 Hemmons Road, Manchester
Dad’s Army actor Arthur Lowe was recorded as living here in 1921. He was 5 years old and was living with his Mother and Father(also called Arthur Lowe).
According to his Dad’s Army co-stars the pompous Cpt Mainwaring character he played was very much like his real self.
Edward Heath (1916 – 2005)
106 Green Walk, Crayford, Kent
Conservative Prime Minister Edward Heath(born Edward Richard George Heath) was recorded as living here in 1921. He was 4 years old and was living with his Mother, Father and younger Brother.
Heath was Prime Minister from 1970-74 and can be remembered for 2 things. Taking the UK into the EC and the 3 day week caused by the miners strike.
There is a plaque next to the front door indicating that Heath lived there but it is black and rectangular rather than the normal round blue version.
Harold Wilson (1916 – 1995)
40 Western Road, Milnsbridge, Yorkshire
Ex Labour Prime Minster Harold Wilson(born James Harold Wilson) was recorded as living here in 1921. He was 5 years old and lived here with his Mother, Father and older Sister.
By the time of the 1939 register, Wilson was recorded as living at Oxford University.
John Le Mesurier (1912 – 1983)
Grenham House School, Birchington, Kent
Dad’s Army actor, John Le Mesurier(born John Elton Le Mesurier Halliley) was recorded as living here in 1921. He was 9 years old.
Grenham House was a boarding/prep school and John hated being there as pupils would be beaten for minor offences.
Grenham House was demolished in 1985 and the site is now a retirement housing complex called Homebirch House.
Peggy Mount (1915 – 2001)
15 East Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
Peggy Mount(born Margaret Rose Mount) was recorded as living here in both 1921 and 1939 in fact she remained at this address until moving to the actors retirement home Denville Hall a few years before she died in 2001.
In 1921 Peggy was 6 years old and living with her Father, older Sister and Aunt.
Despite Peggy playing the quintessential overbearing battleaxe in most of her TV work, she never married and was by all accounts nothing like the characters she used to play
Peter Cushing (1913 – 1994)
‘Ventnor’, Whytecliffe Road, Purley, Surrey
Actor Peter Cushing(born peter Wilton Cushing) was recorded as living here in 1921. He was 8 years old at the time and attending school. He was living there with his Mother, Father and elder Brother. Also living at the address was the family servant.
It is unclear where ‘Ventnor’ was in Whytecliffe Road as the whole street is either modern flats or houses what appear to be built after 1921.
Stanley Matthews (1915 – 2000)
89 Seymour Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
England’s greatest ever footballer Stanley Matthews was recorded as living here in 1921. He was 6 years old and was living with his Mother, Father and 2 older Brothers.
There is a plaque above and to the left of the front door indicating that Stanley not only lived but was born there.
Vera Lynn (1917 – 2020)
38 Ladysmith Avenue, East Ham, Essex
”Forces Sweetheart” Vera Lynn(born Vera Margaret Welch) was registered as living here in 1921.
Vera was 4 years old at the time and was living here with her Mother, Father and older Brother.
There is no plaque outside of no 38 but there is a note on the street name plate to say that Vera lived there but doesn’t mention the number. Ironically there is a placque outside no 36 indicating that ex West Ham United manager Charlie Paynter lived there!
1939 register
1939 Register
Christopher Lee (1922- 2015)
Rambler Cottage, Knowle Hill, Egham, Surrey
Christopher Lee(born Christopher Frank Carandini Lee) was recorded as living here in 1939 along with his Mother. He was 17 years old at the time and was seeking work.
Lee’s parents divorced when he was 6 years old and in 1930 his Mother married banker Harcourt George St Croix Rose the uncle of James Bond creator Ian Fleming. Fleming recommended his step cousin for the title role of the first Bond film Dr No. Producers had already selected Joseph Wiseman and it wasn’t until The Man with the Golden Gun when Lee finally got to play a Bond villian.
Daphne Du Maurier(Lady Browning) (1907 – 1989)
Small Arms School, Military Road, Hythe, Kent
Daphne Du Maurier author of Rebecca and Jamaica Inn amongst others was recorded as living here at the time of the 1939 register. The reason she was living here was her husband Frederick Browning who was an army officer. He went on to become the commanding officer during the WW2 Operation Market Garden in Arnhem, Holland and which was the subject of the film A Bridge Too Far.
The Small Arms School or the School of Musketry in Hythe no longer exists and has been replaced by a Sainsburys supermarket.
Eric Morecambe (1926 – 1984)
43 Christie Avenue, Morecambe, Lancashire
One half of the arguably the greatest ever comedy double act Eric Morecambe(born John Eric Bartholomew) was recorded as living at this address in 1939. He was 13 years old and lived with his Mother and Father.
A gold plaque showing that he lived there is above the front door.
It was a year later that Eric met Ernie Wise who was performing in in the same Jack Hylton show.
Ernie Wise (1925 – 1999)
‘Villa Daheim’, Gorse Avenue, Kingston Gorse, Sussex
One half of the arguably the greatest ever comedy double act Ernie Wise(born Ernest Wiseman) was recorded as living at this address in 1939. He was 13 years old and listed at school.
He was living with theatre impresario Jack Hylton and his wife and a number of servants
Ernie went on to be part of Jack’s touring show. A year later Ernie met Eric Morecambe who was also performing in Jack’s show.
Hattie Jacques (1922 – 1980)
32 Elm Bank Gardens, Barnes, Surrey
Carry On actress Hattie Jacques(born Josephine Edwina Jaques) was recorded as living at this address in 1939.
She was 17 years old at the time and listed as a hairdresser.
It wasn’t until near the end of World War 2 that Hattie made her debut as an actor. It was her first acting role that Hattie added the ‘c’ to her surname and was billed as Josephine Jacques. In 1946 and after blacking up for a minstrel show, she was compared to American actress Hattie McDaniel and from that point she became Hattie Jacques.
Joan Sims (1930 – 2001)
Station House Cottage, Laindon, Essex
Carry On actress Joan Sims(born Irene Joan Marion Sims) was recorded as living here in 1939.
She was 9 years old at the time and lived there with her Mother and Father who was the station master at Laindon station. There is a blue plaque on the station building indicating that Joan lived there until 1952.
John Logie Baird (1888 – 1946)
23 Christ Church Mount, Epsom, Surrey
The inventor of television, John Logie Baird was recorded as living here in 1939.
He was 51 years old but despite being married, his wife was not recorded as living there. He was instead living with a married couple as a lodger.
Baird died 7 years later in Bexhill.
Kenneth Williams (1926 – 1988)
22 Portland Road, Luton, Bedfordshire
Kenneth Williams(born Kenneth Charles Williams), star of the Carry On films and radio’s Round the Horne amongst many others was recorded as living here in 1939.
He was 13 years old and listed as going to school.
It is not known why he was there as a blue placque at 57 Marchmont Street, London shows that he lived there with his parents and sister.
Ronnie Barker (1929 – 2005)
23 Church Cowley Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire
Ronnie Barker(born Ronald William George Barker) aka Fletcher, Arkwright and 1 half of the Two Ronnies was recorded as living here in 1939. A blue plaque is outside indicating that Ronnie lived there.
Ronnie was 9 years old and was living with his Mother and older Sister. Two other people were listed as living there at the same time but their details are unavailable.
Spike Milligan (1918 – 2002)
50 Riseldine Road, Honor Oak Park, London
Goon Show performer/writer, poet, author and playwright Spike Milligan(born Terence Alan Milligan) was 21 years old when recorded as living here in 1939.
He lived here with his Father. His Mother was recorded as living in Cheltenham.
Spike was called-up soon after the register took place. He went into the Royal Artillery eventually meeting Harry Secombe.
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