Recently-digitised census data from 1961 has unearthed a range of lifestyle changes over the past 50 years in Richmond.[.h2]

Hygiene

According to the Office for National Statistics, as many as 13.04% of Richmond's homes did not have a 'fixed bath' in 1961 - i.e. a bath inside a house that had waste water plumbing (showers were less common at the time).

Instead, these households would have used a standalone bath that had to be filled with hot water using a bucket.

Also, in England and Wales, around 7% of homes did not have an indoor toilet. Richmond was well above average in this regard however, with only 0.22% of homes without a flushing loo.

Home ownership

Comparing tenure in 1961 to 2011, there has been a rise in home ownership and a decrease in renting.

In Richmond in 1961, 29% were owned, 49.4% were privately rented, and 17.2% were owned by the council.

In 2011, 56.7% were owned, 25.4% were rented, and 3.05% were owned by the council.

NB. Percentages do not sum to 100% as some housing categories not included.

Population

In 1961, Richmond was home to 18,925 people. In 2011, the population increased to 22,099.

Divorce

These statistics are not localised to Richmond, but do give us a broader picture of social change.

In 1961, 68% of people aged 16 and over were married, and 0.8% were divorced.

In 2011, 49% of people aged 16 and over were married or in a same-sex civil partnership, and 9% were divorced or in a legally dissolved civil partnership.

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