Cheltenham in History

In 1801 Cheltenham's total population was 4,339, in 1901 it was 52,019 (compared with today’s population of over 110,000). The dramatic increase in population in the 19th century was the result of Cheltenham’s increased popularity as a spa town, the highest increase of population being between 1821 and 1841, the period of building of fashionable large estates of Lansdown, Pittvile, Suffolk, Bayshill and Park. The increase in the 20th century accounts for both the natural growth of the town and the further expansion of its boundaries to include Charlton Kings in 1974 and Leckhampton, Prestbury, Up Hatherley, The Reddings and Swindon Village in April 1991.

In 1851, 138 babies in every thousand died in their first year. In 1911 it was 119, in 1951 40. By 2001 the rate was 7. We can compare that with Gloucester's 152 babies in 1851, 106 in 1911 and 6 in 2001 or London's 152 in 1951, 125 in 1911 and 7 in 2001.

Male unemployment in 1931 was 11.0% (12.7% nationally). In 2001, it was 4.7% (6.0% nationally). By comparison, Gloucester's male unemployment in 1931 was 15.3% and 5.7% in 2001. London' s male unemployment in 1931 was 9.8% and 7.6% in 2001.

In 1841, 14.0% of male workers had middle class jobs - now 54.4% do. By comparison Gloucester had in 1841 15.4% of male workers with middle class jobs (now 44.3%), London then had 16.8% male workers with middle class jobs in 1841 (now 58.2%).

In 1951, 15.5% of households lacked their own toilet. By 2001, this had dropped to under 0.5%. By comparison, Gloucester had 18.5% of households without their own toilet (0.6% in 2001). London had in 1951 24.8% of households without their own toilet (1.1% in 2001).

In 1851, 3,810 children were attending Sunday School, 4,631 were not attending. In 1951 the number of persons with a university degree or equivalent qualifications was 623, in 1971 4,770 and in 2001 21,176 Cheltonians had a degree.

In 1851, 2,850 Cheltonians attended Baptist churches, 19,005 attended Church of England churches, 1,029 attended Catholic churches, 1,756 attended Wesleyan Methodist churches and 3,589 attended other churches.