Q: AN old beer bottle found in Eldon Lane, near Bishop Auckland, is inscribed Eldon Lane Brewery. Can you tell me if there was such a brewery, and was it situated in Eldon Lane village? - V Gallagher, Bishop Auckland.

A: I haven't come up with anything on this. Are you certain it is a beer bottle? Breweries were very common at one time but most were mineral water or lemonade manufacturers, called "botanical brewers". I often get queries about bottles turning up inscribed with the name of a brewery but many of these went out of business when clean-piped tap water became available. It may be that your particular bottle was made for beer, so if any reader knows anything about this brewery, please let me know.

Q: MY grandson and I have been researching our family tree. I have a book on the Durham City census in 1851 which tells you who lived in each house, where they were born and how old they were. Is there a similar book covering Chester-le-Street? I would also be interested to know if it is possible to search the census on a computer? - Bill Hutchinson, Chester-le-Street.

A: I am familiar with the book you mention but do not know of a similar publication on Chester-le-Street. The census was held every ten years from 1801, however early surveys were little more than numerical totals of men and women for each parish, while occupations are only given in broad categories. The names of individuals were not included until 1841. The 1841 census also gives ages, although they are rounded down by five years. Ages, relationships and occupations are more precise in the censuses from 1851 to 1901. The general public cannot view the details of any later census until 100 years after the date of the survey. This is for the protection of individual privacy.

From January 2002, it will be possible to search the 1901 census online using the website of the Public Record Office (PRO) at Kew. There will be charges for certain searches to pay for the high cost of the project. However, if the project proves successful, the PRO will make other censuses available online. One other census is available for use on your computer. The entire 1881 UK census has been published on CD Rom by the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons). It is available, price £30, from the church's Family History section in Birmingham.

If you have a Burning Question, or can improve on any of the answers above, please write to Burning Questions, The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF or e-mail david.simpson@nne.co.uk

Published: Monday, August 6, 2001