People of Fovant

At the time of the first census in 1801, Fovant’s population numbered 514. In 1991 the figure stood at 641. Although the figure for Fovant’s population evened out over this period, the accompanying table and graph show two instances when the figures involved showed a comparatively large change in the statistics.

Firstly, from 1851 to 1901, there was a general decline in the population, which is probably associated with the opening of the Salisbury and Yeovil Railway Company, which had a station at Dinton. Undoubtedly, better, cheaper public transport encouraged the young to explore further afield.

Secondly, that the reverse situation could also have applied is indicated by the temporary ‘blip’ between 1961 and 1981, when the population increased by approximately 150. This was almost certainly due to the ‘infilling’ house building that occurred during this period – thereafter Fovant’s population statistic remained stable at well under a thousand.

1801514
1811470-8.6%
183155317.7%
184161611.4%
18516393.7%
1861608-4.9%
1871598-1.6%
1881558-6.7%
1891516-7.5%
1901414-19.8%
1911404-2.4%
192147417.3%
1931409-13.7%
19514161.7%
196148616.8%
197164532.7%
1981643-0.3%
1991641-0.3%

Fovant statistics calculated after the 2001 census are listed in conjunction with those of Tisbury, so, at the moment, it is a matter of conjecture as to how much our present population has increased since 1991.

J.O.H. 

2002