1881 Census of England and Wales, Tables: Ages, Condition as to Marriage, Occupations and Birthplaces of people, Table 10 : " Occupations of Males and Females in the Division and its Registration Counties".

List Lancashire RegC	Prestwich RegD/PLU	Blackley Cheetham Failsworth Newton Prestwich

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	359	49
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	72	19
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	82	-
Prison Service, &c.	27	17
Police	88	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	80	13
Other Local or County Official	9	-
East Indian and Colonial Service	1	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	61	5
Army Officer (effective/retired)	2	4
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	28	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	4	-
Army Pensioner	22	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	3	-
Seaman, R.N.	-	1
Navy Pensioner	2	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	973	708
Clergymen (Established Church)	40	1
Roman Catholic Priest	10	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	34	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	17	9
Nun, Sister of Charity	2	-
Theological Student	12	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	24	6
Barrister, Solicitor	48	-
Law Student	5	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	106	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	45	-
Dentist	24	1
Medical Student, Assistant	17	1
Midwife	-	14
Subordinate Medical Service	17	121
Schoolmaster	149	403
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	19	77
School Service, and others connected with teaching	14	3
Author, Editor, Journalist	16	1
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	12	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	8	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	2	-
Civil Engineer	47	-
Mining Engineer	8	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	30	-
Painter (artist)	27	7
Engraver (artist)	71	-
Sculptor	1	-
Architect	47	-
Musician, Music Master	71	48
Art Student	11	5
Photographer	22	7
Actor	1	3
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	1	1
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	15	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	641	5,688
Domestic Coachman, Groom	115	-
Domestic Gardener	194	1
Domestic Indoor Servant	80	4,630
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	4	2
Inn, Hotel Servant	135	124
College, Club Service	7	2
Office Keeper (not Government)	3	13
Cook (not domestic)	11	5
Charwoman	1	337
Washing and Bathing Service	9	436
Hospital and Institution Service	70	135
Others engaged in Service	12	3
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	3,000	90
Merchant	127	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	267	5
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	57	-
Accountant	59	2
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	139	29
Commercial Traveller	527	1
Commercial Clerk	1,598	51
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	4	1
Banker	1	-
Bank Service	68	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	8	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	145	1
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	3,042	40
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	197	-
Railway Guard	71	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	34	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	554	6
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	6	1
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	18	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	165	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	850	1
Tramway Companies' Service	10	-
Inland Navigation Service	6	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	50	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	3	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	31	1
Ship Steward, Cook	2	1
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	3	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	553	11
Meter, Weigher	1	1
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	462	3
Telegraph, Telephone Service	26	15
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	534	24
Farmer, Grazier	124	14
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	50	-
Farm Bailiff	12	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	253	9
Shepherd	1	-
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	1	-
Agricultural Student	1	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	7	-
Gardener (not domestic)	85	1
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	188	1
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	13	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	142	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	15	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	6	-
Drover	3	-
Gamekeeper	1	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	4	1
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	4	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	435	52
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	34	8
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	6	1
Bookbinder	35	28
Printer	280	9
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	14	5
Others	3	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	61	1
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	2	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	1,744	50
Engine, Machine Maker	312	4
Millwright	71	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	463	1
Boiler Maker	141	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	464	28
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	1	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	35	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	8	1
File Maker	40	2
Saw Maker	8	-
Pin Maker	-	2
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	71	1
Philosophical Instrument Maker	9	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	26	3
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	23	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	2	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	12	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	29	-
Type Cutter, Founder	3	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	14	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	7	8
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	2	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	2,949	83
Builder	73	3
Carpenter, Joiner	1,033	2
Bricklayer	376	1
Mason	240	-
Slater, Tiler	52	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	70	-
Paperhanger	17	-
Plumber	294	-
Painter, Glazier	445	4
Cabinet Maker	170	33
French Polisher	20	10
Furniture Broker, Dealer	22	8
Locksmith, Bellhanger	16	-
Gas Fitter	22	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	13	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	9	1
Wood Carver	7	1
Carver, Gilder	42	2
Dealer in Works of Art	11	-
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	6	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	1	-
Artificial Flower Maker	10	18
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	695	2
Coachmaker	332	1
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	161	-
Wheelwright	131	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Others	14	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	54	1
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	8	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	3	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	2	-
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	1	-
Sail Maker	2	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	515	100
Dye, Paint Manufacture	33	3
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	15	1
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	47	75
Chemist, Druggist	83	5
Manufacturing Chemist	303	11
Alkali Manufacture	5	3
Drysalter	29	2
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	57	32
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	40	26
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	17	6
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	1,765	529
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	103	18
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	8	103
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	14	6
Maltster	1	-
Brewer	83	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	114	43
Cellarman	14	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	20	1
Milkseller, Dairyman	59	13
Cheesemonger, Butterman	4	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	278	20
Provision Curer, Dealer	93	77
Poulterer, Game Dealer	10	3
Fishmonger	74	11
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	37	1
Corn Miller	25	1
Baker	236	16
Confectioner, Pastrycook	48	86
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	144	27
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	2	1
Sugar Refiner	4	2
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	377	100
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	17	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	5,135	6,922
Woolstapler	3	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	19	18
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	2	-
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	17	24
Flannel Manufacture	2	-
Blanket Manufacture	2	-
Fuller	1	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	54	2
Others	-	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	291	803
Silk Dyer, Printer	62	4
Ribbon Manufacture	1	-
Crepe, Gauze Manufacture	-	1
Silk Merchant, Dealer	22	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	2,205	4,819
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	1,217	182
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	215	4
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	35	88
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	13	9
Fustian Manufacturer, Dealer	101	71
Tape Manufacturer, Dealer	5	30
Thread Manufacturer, Dealer	2	17
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	4	-
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	52	16
Mat Maker, Seller	-	2
Net Maker	-	1
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	-	1
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	2	2
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	2	1
Weaver (undefined)	28	143
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	373	74
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	80	222
Felt Manufacture	2	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	11	6
Manchester Warehouseman	68	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	206	165
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	18	25
Trimming Maker, Dealer	10	103
Embroiderer	2	47
Others	8	41
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	1,425	2,412
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	173	104
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	6
Tailor	603	286
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	27	1,487
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	22	414
Hosiery Manufacture	3	4
Hosier, Haberdasher	18	9
Glover, Glove Maker	-	1
Button Maker, Dealer	3	9
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	342	29
Patten, Clog Maker	117	1
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	69	5
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	46	53
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	2	4
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	324	54
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	6	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	24	4
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Manure Manufacture	2	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	5	-
Others	3	2
Furrier, Skinner	12	6
Tanner, Fellmonger	90	-
Currier	62	7
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	47	4
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	4	3
Brush, Broom, Maker	55	17
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	7	11
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	743	318
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	35	3
Oil and Colourman	4	1
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	51	-
Japanner	12	5
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	86	24
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	51	4
Others	6	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	18	2
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	5	1
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	53	2
Sawyer	99	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	7	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	42	151
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	89	1
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	6	2
Others	2	-
Paper Manufacture	46	26
Envelope Maker	-	1
Stationer, Law Stationer	59	42
Card, Pattern Card Maker	51	1
Paper Stainer	4	9
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	10	42
Ticket, Label Writer	7	1
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	4,718	134
Coal Miner	703	2
Ironstone Miner	1	1
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	1	-
Mine Service	13	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	2	-
Coal Merchant	103	6
Coalheaver	27	1
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	3	-
Gas Works Service	97	1
Stone Quarrier	5	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	8	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	1	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	4	-
Well Sinker, Borer	5	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	3	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	300	3
Paviour	65	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	25	-
Railway Contractor	8	-
Platelayer	53	1
Railway Labourer, Navvy	196	-
Others	2	1
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	20	2
Glass Manufacture	181	19
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	27	9
Waterworks Service	6	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	67	2
Gold, Silver, Beater	3	-
Lapidary	1	-
Others	11	27
[Iron Manufacture]	1,602	14
[Steel Manufacture]	18	-
Blacksmith	498	1
Whitesmith	14	-
Nail Manufacture	9	5
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	4	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	72	7
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	31	-
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	9	-
[Coppersmith]	11	1
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	131	3
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	19	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	26	2
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	65	3
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	1	5
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	5	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	223	13
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	34	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	1	3
Others	2	2
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	3,154	590
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	110	162
Pawnbroker	51	12
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	133	56
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	62	14
Contractor (undefined)	17	-
General Labourer	1,852	10
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	417	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	280	53
Apprentice (undefined)	43	5
Factory Labourer (undefined)	156	94
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	33	184
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	59	-
Town Drainage Service	19	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	15	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	18	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	7	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	496	2,709
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	496	2,709
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	336	16,429
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	57	25
[Blank field, or illegible]	279	16,404

Notes:

The following notes to the table appeared in the original report.

1	This table is a very special case: The original Table 10 as published by Division in the 1881 census reports was limited to data for Registration Divisions, their component Registration Counties, and just those Urban Sanitary Districts with populations of over 50,000. Data presented here for counties and higher-level units are taken from the published reports, as usual, but we also include in A Vision of Britain through Time data for Registration Districts, sub-Districts and Civil Parishes which never appeared in the original reports. These were specially created for us by the History Data Service at the University of Essex and derive from the complete transcription of the individual-level Enumerators Book data coordinated by the Genealogical Society of Utah.
2	In creating these data, each occupation listed in the enumerators books has been assigned as far as possible to the relevant category used in the published reports, but some additional categories with labels in square brackets unavoidably appear. Unlike the published statistics for higher-level units, these specially-calculated data for districts and parishes include persons under 15 or over 65. For these and other reasons, no attempt has been made to ensure that county totals for the districts or parishes match the published county totals. The remaining notes are those that appeared below the original published table.
3	NOTE.--Persons returned as engaged in more than one occupation have been referred to the one that appeared to be of most importance; or if there was no difference in this respect, to the one first given by the person in his or her return. In some cases special rules have been followed: e.g. "Clergyman and Schoolmaster" in combination has always been referred to "Schoolmaster"; a Member of Parliament or Peer engaged in any branch of commerce or industry has always been referred to this latter, not to "Peer, M.P.".
4	The numbers returned under any heading include Labourers, Apprentices, and Assistants, as well as Masters, but not Clerks, Messengers, Errand boys, Porters, or Watchmen, for which occupations there are special headings. Civil, Military, and Naval Clerks, Law, Bank, Insurance, and Railway Clerks, and Government and Railway Porters, are, however, exceptions to this rule. Many young persons, being Apprentices or Assistants, have therefore been referred to occupations usually followed by adults. Women also, chiefly widows or orphans carrying on the business of their deceased husbands or fathers, will sometimes be found under occupations commonly followed by men only.
5	Persons returned as retired from any business have not been referred to that business. Inmates of workhouses have been referred to their trades, unless their age or infirmities showed that they were past work. But persons who might be supposed to be only temporarily separated from their usual employment, such as Prisoners, and Patients in General Hospitals, have been classed under their usual occupations.
6	In some cases, for convenience of space, the male designation, e.g. "Schoolmaster", alone is given, instead of "Schoolmaster, Schoolmistress".

Click on the triangles for all about a particular number.

This website does not try to provide an exact replica of the original printed census tables, which often had thousands of rows and far more columns than will fit on our web pages. Instead, we let you drill down from national totals to the most detailed data available. The column headings are those that appeared in the original printed report. The numbers presented here, which are the same ones we use to create statistical maps and graphs, come from the census table and have usually been carefully checked.

The system can only hold statistics for units listed in our administrative gazetteer, so some rows from the original table may be missing. Sometimes big low-level units, like urban parishes, were divided between more than one higher-level units, like Registration sub-Districts. This is why some pages will give a higher figure for a lower-level unit: it covers the whole of the lower-level unit, not just the part within the current higher-level unit.

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Acknowledgments:

We are grateful to the following contributors. If you make use of the data in your own work, please follow any instructions given here on acknowledgment and re-use.

(1) Kevin Schurer (Department of Geography, University of Cambridge). Role: editor. Restrictions on use: the data cannot be accessed, although the Vision of Britain system may present them graphically (any other use requires the contributor's permission.)

(2) Matthew Woollard (UK Data Service, University of Essex). Role: editor. Restrictions on use: the data cannot be accessed, although the Vision of Britain system may present them graphically (any other use requires the contributor's permission.)

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