Exploring the Scottish census records: unveiling insights into the 19th-century lives of the Goodsir family

Census records serve as invaluable historical artefacts, offering insights into the social fabric of bygone eras. This Compilation examines the Scottish census records spanning 1841 to 1891, unravelling the intricate details of the 19th-century lives of the Goodsir family.  Scotland in the 19th century witnessed profound transformations in industry, urbanisation, and societal structures. The census, evolving in scope and methodology, became an essential tool for capturing these changes and the lives of John, Joseph, Jane, Harry, and Robert Goodsir.

Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Fife, Anstruther stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Scottish history. From its humble beginnings as a fishing village to its current status as a charming coastal town, Anstruther has witnessed centuries of social, economic, and cultural evolution. Anstruther's history can be traced back to medieval times when it emerged as a vital fishing settlement. The town's proximity to the North Sea made it an ideal location for maritime activities, and the abundance of fish in the waters contributed to the growth of a thriving fishing community. The harbour, now known as Anstruther Harbour, became the lifeline of the town, fostering trade and connecting Anstruther to neighboring coastal communities. Anstruther's maritime heritage is exemplified by its historic buildings and landmarks. The Anstruther Lighthouse, standing sentinel at the entrance of the harbour, has guided ships safely for generations. The town's narrow streets, lined with historic cottages and warehouses, reflect the architectural charm of a bygone era.

The town is the ancestral birthplace of the Goodsir family who resided at what is now called “The Hermitage” which is situated at the end of Back Dykes, just above School Green. There is a plaque to commemorate John Goodsir (1814-1867), the Professor of Anatomy at the University of Edinburgh on the house.

Fig.1. The Hermitage, Anstruther Easter, Photograph Courtesy of Michael T. Tracy

John Goodsir (1782-1848) purchased the site of the Hermitage – then a malt steading and barn from the Black family in 1814 for £210.[1] Goodsir then built the fine three-storey house, which was completed in 1817.[2] Later, in 1839, Goodsir purchased the adjoining cottage, hayloft, and stable, known in James Melville’s time as “Baxter’s Barn,” which had been owned by a farming family from the mid-17th century.

1841 census: The pioneering year

The 1841 Scottish census marked the beginning of modern census-taking.  Conducted against a backdrop of industrialisation and societal changes, it recorded essential demographic information and occupations.  The Goodsir family is recorded in this census, with Henry Goodsir listed as 20 years of age, and his occupation listed as a surgeon as well as his mother, Eliza, age 55, his sister, Jane, age 24, and older brother, John age 27, and Margaret Bain, age 20, a female servant to the household.[3]

Fig.2. 1841 census for Anstruther, Fife, Scotland, listing the Goodsir family, Photograph Courtesy of the National Records of Scotland, Reference 402/2/19

In May of 1839, John returned to Edinburgh and resided in a flat adjacent to the University at No. 21 Lothian Street[4]with his brothers, Joseph, Harry, and Robert, together with Edward Forbes, John Reid,[5] John Hughes Bennett,[6] and George Edward Day which was close to the University.  

Their domicile “was approached by a public flight of stairs, to which six different families had access, and consisted of the half of a top flat or storey, with attics, rented at 17 [pounds] a year.”[7] It was here that their experiments, observations, and findings were discussed well into the evening. Joseph Goodsir is listed in the 1841 census with his age given as 25 years of age, and listed as a clergyman; his brother, Robert age 15 and [apprenticed] with a general merchant; Helen Wilson is listed as 35 years of age, and a female servant; and finally, Alexander Robertson, age 15, and is listed as a male servant.[8]

Fig.3. 1841 census for Edinburgh Canongate, Scotland, listing the Goodsir family, Photograph Courtesy of the National Records of Scotland, Reference 685/2 16/27

The University of Edinburgh’s Professor of Botany, John Hutton Balfour (1808-1884) recounted a story of John Goodsir’s days while residing at 21 Lothian Street stating “Goodsir used often to sit beside me while I was dissecting for him, and frequently let out fragments of his early days. One day the company in Lothian Street had invited a guest or two to dinner. Just before the hour, Goodsir thought he would look into the kitchen to see what the old housekeeper was about. ‘To my horror,’ he said, ‘there I found Jacko the monkey sitting in the potato-pot enveloped in steam.’”[9]

1851 census: unveiling household relationships

The 1851 census expanded its scope, delving deeper into societal structures by recording relationships within households. This provided genealogists and historians with a more comprehensive understanding of family dynamics. The census captured an evolving society, reflecting changes in family structures and relationships during a period of significant social and economic transformation.

The 1851 census showing the members of the Goodsir in Edinburgh is quite faded and shows that some members of the family are residing at 55 George Square in Edinburgh St. Cuthberts. John Goodsir is listed as the head and is listed as Professor of Anatomy with his age given as 37, born in Fife; Joseph Taylor, his brother, is listed as 35 years of age with no occupation listed, born in Fife; Robert Robertson, age 21, listed as a Butler, born in Newburn, Fife; Jane Adamson, age 22, listed as a House Servant, born in Newburn, Fife; Catherine McGregor, age 27, listed as a Cook, born in Fife; and Alexander Robertson, age 22, listed as a Anatomical Assistant, born in Edinburgh St. Cuthberts, Midlothian.[10]

Fig. 4. 1851 census for Edinburgh St. Cuthberts, Midlothian, Scotland, listing the Goodsir family, Photograph Courtesy of the National Records of Scotland, Reference 685/2 49/27

It was Alexander Robertson’s brother, Charles (Charlie) Robertson (1835-1907) who, at the age of twelve was brought to Oxford with Henry Acland. Employed by Acland in the Anatomical Department in Christ Church, Charles (Charlie) Robertson was engaged for the next twelve years preparing specimens for Acland which ultimately formed the nucleus of the Hunterian Collection in the University Museum. In 1860, Robertson was appointed Aldrichian Demonstrator of Anatomy until 1891, when he took up the position of Museum Assistant in the Department of Human Anatomy until only a few months before his death.[11]

Carnbee Parish, situated in the East Neuk region of Fife, holds a rich history and cultural significance. The parish boasts a history that spans centuries, with evidence suggesting human habitation dating back to ancient times. The name “Carnbee” is believed to have Celtic origins, reflecting the area's historical connections to early Scottish cultures. The parish has witnessed various historical events, contributing to its unique identity within the broader Fife region. The geographical features of Carnbee Parish are characterised by rolling hills, green pastures, and a tranquil countryside setting. One of the notable landmarks in the area is the Carnbee Tower, a historical structure that stands as a testament to the region's medieval past. The tower, with its stone walls and architectural significance, serves as a focal point for local history enthusiasts and visitors. The Goodsirs were frequent visitors to the parish, with their maternal uncle, the Reverend Anstruther Taylor (1793-1863), and aunt, Anna Taylor (1789-1864) residing at the manse. Reverend Anstruther Taylor served as minister of Carnbee for forty-seven years until his death on 28 October 1863.[12]

The 1851 census for Carnbee, Fife, records Reverend Anstruther Taylor as head, 56 years of age, Minister of Carnbee, and born in Caithness, Watten; his sister, Anna is shown as 60 years of age, born in Caithness, Watten; their niece, Jane Ross Goodsir as a visitor, age 33, born in Anstruther; James Henderson, age 18, an agricultural labourer, born in Kilrenny, Fife; Cicilia Tarvit, age 19, a housemaid, born in Anstruther, Fife; and Mary Taylor, age 19, also a housemaid, born in Crail, Fife.[13]

Fig. 5. 1851 census for Carnbee, Fife, Scotland, listing the Taylor family and Jane Ross Goodsir, Photograph Courtesy of the National Records of Scotland, Reference 413/1/2

1861 census: data collection

Building on previous years, the 1861 census further refined data collection, providing detailed insights into the workforce and societal changes. The emphasis on occupations offered a nuanced view of the evolving job landscape, showcasing the diversity of professions and trades in 19th-century Scotland. This census became a valuable resource for understanding the economic dimensions of the time.

The Reverend Anstruther Taylor is listed in this census as being 66 years of age, a Clergyman, born in Watten, Caithness; his sister, Anna is recorded as being 71 years of age, and a spinster; and their niece, Jane R. Goodsir whose age is listed as 42, and also a spinster.[14]

Fig.6. 1851 census for Carnbee, Fife, Scotland, listing the Taylor family and Jane Ross Goodsir, Photograph Courtesy of the National Records of Scotland, Reference 413/2/8

In her later years, Jane Ross Goodsir would recall her childhood spent at Carnbee and her “rides on Jean the donkey, the first of our long line of petted animal friends.”[15] She would recall her first visit to Carnbee at the age of six writing years later:

 I had no idea where I was going until Mama told me that Aunt Anna was unwell, confined to bed and that she was taking me to Carnbee Manse to further care for her… there was a grotesquely long window which gave likely to two flats of the house.  Sitting at this window [the long window which Jane describes is located on the rear of the Manse] became a habit with me – looking out at the old trees of Elder… [the sounds of the whistling of these trees in the wind] never quite left me particularly at night, where obliged to go upstairs in the dark.  I thought or came to think it was some unhappy spirit that visited that particular room from time to time. That idea today professes my view that every afternoon and the steady ticking of the old clock only strengthened my feeling that some unseen spirit was near me – but it never frightened me...  It is rather unusual for a child of six years old… [Recalls her uncle Reverend Anstruther Taylor giving her gifts] tea cups for my two large dolls and a beautiful silver thimble, so small in appearance.  I cannot quite describe the state of my deposition that fell upon me during the first few weeks of my life at Carnbee.”[16] Jane would also recall another memory of when her uncle, Anstruther Taylor bought a brougham and John, Joseph, and she aptly gave the mare with the name of Emmeull, a Turkish name, of some lady named frequently of the time during the Crimean War.[17]

Fig.7. The Long Window at the rear of Carnbee Manse, Photograph Courtesy of HES Reference SC 1635668

1871 census: stability or shifts post-historical events

The 1871 census, conducted amid potential stability or shifts post-significant historical events, continued to focus on family structures and occupations. It provided researchers with a snapshot of Scotland as it grappled with the aftermath of events that shaped the mid-19th century. Examining this census allows for insights into how society adapted to changes and challenges during this period.

In July of 1867, Joseph and Jane Goodsir moved into their residence at Number 11 Danube Street in Edinburgh and also kept the South Wardie Cottage. They are listed in the 1871 Census with the Reverend Joseph T. Goodsir recorded as being 55 years of age, and an unemployed Clergyman, born in East Anstruther, Fife; his sister, Jane was listed as being 53 years of age, born in East Anstruther, Fife; Margaret Pringle, age 30, cook and domestic servant; and Isabella Ross, age 16, housemaid.[18]

Fig.8. 1871 census for Edinburgh, St. Cuthberts, Midlothian, Scotland, listing the Goodsir family, Photograph Courtesy of the National Records of Scotland, Reference 685/1 103/10

1881 census

The 1881 census offered a detailed look at regional variations and emerging occupational patterns. With a more refined understanding of occupations, researchers could discern specific trends in different parts of Scotland. This census became instrumental in uncovering regional nuances and economic disparities, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of 19th-century Scotland.

The Goodsir family are residing at Number 11 Danube Street in Edinburgh. Joseph Goodsir is listed as the head, age 66, a clergyman, born in Anstruther, Fife; his sister, Jane is recorded as being 64 years of age, born in Anstruther, Fife; Margaret Hodge, a servant is listed as being 25 years of age, born in Carnock, Fife; and Margaret Hodge, also a servant is listed as being 13 years of age, born in Carnock, Fife and they are sisters.[19]

Fig.9. 1881 census for Edinburgh, St. Cuthberts, Midlothian, Scotland, listing the Goodsir family, Photograph Courtesy of the National Records of Scotland, Reference 685/1 125/11

1891 census

The 1891 census marked the culmination of a transformative century.  It provided a comprehensive view of developed trends and emerging patterns in demographics, family structures, and occupations. Researchers examining this census gain a profound understanding of the factors influencing demographic shifts, shaping Scotland's societal landscape at the turn of the century.

By early January of 1882, Robert Goodsir was back from Australia and was residing in Edinburgh at Number 11 Danube Street with his sister. The 1891 census reflects this showing Robert as the head, age 60, a retired doctor, and born in Anstruther, Fife; his sister, Jane is now 74 years of age, also born in Anstruther, Fife; and finally, the servant, Margaret Hodge, age 35, born in Carnock, Fife.[20]

Fig.10. 1891 census for Edinburgh, St. Cuthberts, Midlothian, Scotland, listing the Goodsir family, Photograph Courtesy of the National Records of Scotland, Reference 685/1 19/21

The Royal Edinburgh Hospital, originally established as the Edinburgh Lunatic Asylum in 1792, holds a significant place in the history of psychiatric care in Scotland.  Founded in response to the increasing recognition of the need for specialised care for individuals with mental health disorders, the Edinburgh Lunatic Asylum opened its doors in 1792.[21] Initially located on Calton Hill, the hospital moved to its current site in Morningside in 1813 to accommodate the growing number of patients seeking treatment.[22] The hospital underwent several name changes, reflecting changing societal attitudes towards mental health. It became the Royal Edinburgh Asylum in 1814 and later adopted the name Royal Edinburgh Hospital in 1928.[23] These changes mirrored broader shifts in perceptions of mental health and the ongoing development of psychiatric care.

With his mental state diminishing, Joseph executed his last will on 6 July 1880 leaving his entire estate to his sister[24]and nine months later, on 29 April 1881, Joseph was admitted for being suicidal and in a depressed condition and would never again be released from the Royal Edinburgh Asylum where he spent the remainder of his life.[25] He is listed in the 1891 Census for Edinburgh Newington as being 73 years of age, a retired Minister of the Established Church of Scotland, born in Anstruther, Fifeshire, and listed as a lunatic.[26]

Fig.11. 1891 census for Edinburgh, Newington, Midlothian, Scotland, listing Joseph Taylor Goodsir, Photograph Courtesy of the National Records of Scotland, Reference 685/5 137/10

In delving into the Scottish census records spanning the transformative 19th century, our exploration of the Goodsir family's journey through time reveals a tapestry woven with threads of historical, social, and personal significance.  From the picturesque coastal town of Anstruther to the bustling streets of Edinburgh, the Goodsirs’ lives unfold against the backdrop of a changing Scotland.

The census records, like carefully preserved artefacts, illuminate the dynamic shifts in industry, urbanisation, and societal structures that characterised 19th-century Scotland. Through the lens of the Goodsir family—John, Joseph, Jane, Harry, and Robert—we witness the evolution of professions, relationships, and the very fabric of daily life.

The ancestral home, “The Hermitage,” stands as a testament to John Goodsir's vision, from its origins as a malt steading to a three-storey house that witnessed the gathering of minds in pursuit of knowledge. The Goodsir family's connection to Anstruther and Carnbee Parish, marked by familial bonds and the presence of Reverend Anstruther Taylor, adds layers to their narrative.

As we progress through the decades via the census snapshots, we see how the Goodsirs adapted to societal changes. The expanded scope of the 1851 census, detailing household relationships, offers a glimpse into familial dynamics, while the refined data collection of 1861 paints a nuanced picture of the evolving workforce.

The regional variations and occupational patterns depicted in the 1881 census highlight the Goodsirs’ continued presence in Edinburgh.  Yet, the culmination of the 1891 census is bittersweet. Robert Goodsir, returned from Australia, and Jane Goodsir, now elderly, find themselves at Number 11 Danube Street, a poignant reminder of the passage of time.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn with Joseph Goodsir's tragic descent into mental health struggles, leading to his confinement at the Royal Edinburgh Asylum.  His story, captured in the census records, becomes a poignant reflection of the challenges faced by individuals during an era where mental health care was evolving.

In unraveling the Goodsir family's 19th-century lives through the lens of the Scottish census, we not only witness the ebb and flow of their personal journeys but also gain a profound understanding of the broader societal currents that shaped their destinies.  These census records serve as portals, allowing us to traverse the corridors of time and peer into the lives of those who navigated the complexities of a bygone era. The Goodsir family, with its triumphs and tribulations, becomes a microcosm of the larger Scottish narrative—a narrative that continues to echo through the annals of history.

Useful links

• ScotlandsPeople website
• ScotlandsPeople census search page (requires log-in in order to search)
• ScotlandsPeople census returns guide

Footnotes

[1] Kilrenny & Anstruther Burgh Collection. Historic Anstruther People & Places (Buckhaven: Levenmouth Printers, 1999): 12.

[2] Kilrenny & Anstruther Burgh Collection. Historic Anstruther People & Places (Buckhaven: Levenmouth Printers, 1999): 12.

[3] 1841 Scotland Census for Anstruther, Fife, National Records of Scotland 402/2/19.

[4] According to the Edinburgh Post Office Annual Directory and Calendar 1841-42, it listed “John Goodsir, Surgeon, 21 Lothian street.” (Edinburgh Post Office Annual Directory and Calendar 1841-42.  Accessed at:  https://digital.nls.uk/87345426)  No. 21 Lothian Street once stood where the back corner of the National Museum Scotland stands presently and was demolished sometime around 1919 to make way for the extension to the Museum.  The residence was next door to the University of Edinburgh’s Old College.

[5] John Reid (1809-1849) studied medicine at Edinburgh University and was a skilled demonstrator to Dr. Robert Knox and close friend of John Goodsir.  He was appointed in 1830, as assistant physician in the clinical wards of Edinburgh Infirmary.  Reid was later appointed to the Chandos Chair of Anatomy in the University of St. Andrews.  On 31 August 1848, John Goodsir assisted in the operation to remove one-third of Reid’s tongue which had cancer and by 29 November 1848, a second operation was performed at Goodsir’s residence at 55 George Square in which Goodsir assisted in removing the glands of the neck where the cancer then spread.  John Reid died on 30 July 1849, after protracted suffering from cancer of the tongue. (Harris, D. A. “St. Andrews Physiologist of the Past.  The Opening lecture in the class of Physiology, in the United College, University of St. Andrews,” Edinburgh Medical Journal, 8, 5, (November 1900): 425). 

[6] John Hughes Bennett (1812-1875) was an English physician, physiologist, and pathologist.  As a student he was one of the famous Brotherhood or “Order” founded chiefly by Edward Forbes.  Bennett’s main contribution to medicine was his first description of leukemia as a blood disorder.  He died on 25 September 1875 at Norwich. (The British Medical Journal, 9 October 1875: 473).

[7] Gray, James.  History of the Royal Medical Society, 1737-1937 (Edinburgh: University Press, 1952), 161.

[8] 1841 Scotland Census for Edinburgh Canongate, Midlothian, National Records of Scotland 685/3 16/27.

[9] Banks, William Mitchell, Sir.  Introductory Address to the Anatomical Society of the University of Liverpool, Delivered 15 January 1904 (Liverpool:  C. Tinling and Company, 1904), 13.

[10] 1851 Scotland Census for Edinburgh, St. Cuthberts, Midlothian, National Records of Scotland 685/2 49/27.

[11] The Oxford Magazine, Volume XXVI (24 October 1907): 19.

[12] Death Record of Anstruther Taylor, 28 October 1863, Carnbee Parish Records, Statutory Deaths 413/17.

[13] 1851 Scotland Census for Carnbee, Fife, National Records of Scotland 413/1/2.

[14] 1861 Scotland Census for Carnbee, Fife, National Records of Scotland 413/2/8.

[15] Letter of Jane Ross Goodsir, undated, Goodsir Papers, Gen 35/5, Centre for Research Collections, Edinburgh University Library, Edinburgh, Scotland.

[16] Small notebook, childhood recollections of “R. ? Goodsir Bakers Book,” Goodsir Papers, Gen 302, Box 1, Folder 3, Centre for Research Collections, Edinburgh University Library, Edinburgh, Scotland.

[17] “Anstruther,” Jane Ross Goodsir, Goodsir Papers, Gen 306, Folder 2, Centre for Research Collections, Edinburgh University Library, Edinburgh, Scotland.

[18] 1871 Scotland Census for Edinburgh, St. Cuthberts, Midlothian, National Records of Scotland 685/1 103/10.

[19] 1881 Scotland Census for Edinburgh, St. Cuthberts, Midlothian, National Records of Scotland 685/1 125/11.

[20] 1891 Scotland Census for Edinburgh, St. Cuthberts, Midlothian, National Records of Scotland 685/1 19/21.

[21] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Edinburgh_Hospital Accessed on 8 December 2023.

[22] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Edinburgh_Hospital Accessed on 8 December 2023.

[23] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Edinburgh_Hospital Accessed on 8 December 2023.

[24] Last Will and Testament of Joseph Taylor Goodsir, 6 July 1880, Edinburgh Sheriff Court SC70/4/268.

[25] Asylum Records of Joseph Taylor Goodsir, LHB7/35/5, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, General Register of Patients, Volume 4, 22 September 1876-14 April 1882, Lothian Health Services Archives, Edinburgh, Scotland; LHB7/51/36, Royal Edinburgh Hospital Case Book, Volume 36, April 1880-November 1883, Lothian Health Services Archives, Edinburgh, Scotland.

[26] 1891 Scotland Census for Edinburgh, Newington, Midlothian, National Records of Scotland 685/5 137/10.