Why do ages vary so much, I have seen it quite often where the register says the

Question:

Why do ages vary so much, I have seen it quite often where the register says they were born, say 1885?

right so that would make them 6 at the 1891 census, and they are put down as being 8 why?.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Sometimes it's poor handwriting. Sometimes it's because the birthday hadn't occurred yet that year (so, in your example, the person may appear 5 in 1891 but have been born in 1885). Sometimes I think it's just misinformation. Also, some of the census workers were better than others and seemed to care more about getting really accurate information.

Whatever the reason, it's extremely frustrating!!