A census has been taken every ten years since 1801 [except for 1941] but information relating to individuals is not published until one hundred years have elapsed, to preserve confidentiality. The information from the individual forms filled in by the householder was transferred to sheets by the enumerators and it is these enumerators' sheets that are published. The National Archives has the census for the whole country and has a website that can be used to search the 1901 census and order copies.
Most local studies libraries and archive offices will have the 1841 to 1901 census for their own area [the 1841 census includes less detailed information than the later ones and is therefore less useful]. It will generally be on microfilm or fiche and it may be necessary to book a reader before you visit. It is usually possible to either take copies or order them.
See also the section on Find Sources
Follow any of the links below for more information on basic sources and ideas on how to use them
Studying Your Locality : Historic Maps : Trade Directories : Newspapers and Magazines : Government Commissions and Reports : Photographs : Official Guides : Estate Agent Records : Plans : Taxes and Rating Records : Probate Inventories : Church Registers