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".

Show Shifnal RegD/PLU table Shifnal SubD
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 23 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 9 Show data context -
  Police 5 Show data context -
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 6 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Army Officer (effective/retired) 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Soldier and Non-commissioned officer 3 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 2 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 60 Show data context 58 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 7 Show data context -
  Roman Catholic Priest 1 Show data context -
  Minister, Priest of other religious bodies 2 Show data context -
  Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher 1 Show data context -
  Barrister, Solicitor 5 Show data context -
  Law Student 1 Show data context -
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 8 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 3 Show data context -
  Medical Student, Assistant 2 Show data context -
  Subordinate Medical Service - 8 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 14 Show data context 34 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer - 16 Show data context
  Civil Engineer 4 Show data context -
  Mining Engineer 3 Show data context -
  Land, House, Ship, Surveyor 3 Show data context -
  Painter (artist) 1 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 2 Show data context -
  Photographer 2 Show data context -
  Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service 1 Show data context -
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 88 Show data context 486 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 52 Show data context -
  Domestic Gardener 9 Show data context -
  Domestic Indoor Servant 20 Show data context 425 Show data context
  Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government) 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Inn, Hotel Servant 5 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Office Keeper (not Government) - 2 Show data context
  Cook (not domestic) 1 Show data context -
  Charwoman - 22 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service - 24 Show data context
  Hospital and Institution Service - 2 Show data context
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 41 Show data context -
  Merchant 1 Show data context -
  Broker, Agent, Factor 1 Show data context -
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 4 Show data context -
  Accountant 4 Show data context -
  Commercial Traveller 1 Show data context -
  Commercial Clerk 24 Show data context -
  Bank Service 4 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 2 Show data context -
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 69 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Railway Engine Driver, Stoker 4 Show data context -
  Pointsman, Level Crossing Man 7 Show data context -
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 20 Show data context -
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 6 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 14 Show data context -
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 3 Show data context -
  Meter, Weigher 1 Show data context -
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 13 Show data context -
  Telegraph, Telephone Service 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 624 Show data context 21 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 61 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 33 Show data context -
  Farm Bailiff 21 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 428 Show data context 17 Show data context
  Shepherd 16 Show data context -
  Land Drainage Service (not in towns) 7 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant 3 Show data context -
  Woodman 15 Show data context -
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist 1 Show data context -
  Gardener (not domestic) 39 Show data context -
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 57 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 39 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier 2 Show data context -
  Gamekeeper 14 Show data context -
  Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer 1 Show data context -
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 3 Show data context -
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 1 Show data context -
  Printer 2 Show data context -
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 54 Show data context -
  Engine, Machine Maker 17 Show data context -
  Millwright 3 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 25 Show data context -
  Boiler Maker 6 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 2 Show data context -
  Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer 1 Show data context -
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 131 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Builder 6 Show data context -
  Carpenter, Joiner 50 Show data context -
  Bricklayer 47 Show data context -
  Mason 2 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 1 Show data context -
  Plumber 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Painter, Glazier 15 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Cabinet Maker 3 Show data context -
  Gas Fitter 2 Show data context -
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 21 Show data context -
  Wheelwright 12 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 9 Show data context -
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS. 1 Show data context -
  Sail Maker 1 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Chemist, Druggist 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 105 Show data context 14 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 20 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper - 1 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 1 Show data context -
  Maltster 5 Show data context -
  Brewer 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 4 Show data context -
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 2 Show data context -
  Milkseller, Dairyman 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 15 Show data context -
  Provision Curer, Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Fishmonger 1 Show data context -
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Corn Miller 1 Show data context -
  Baker 16 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 2 Show data context -
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 28 Show data context 2 Show data context
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 18 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Woollen Cloth Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Weaver (undefined) - 1 Show data context
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 17 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer - 1 Show data context
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 50 Show data context 72 Show data context
  Tailor 16 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker - 68 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress - 1 Show data context
  Hosier, Haberdasher - 1 Show data context
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 31 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Patten, Clog Maker 1 Show data context -
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 2 Show data context -
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES. 3 Show data context -
  Currier 3 Show data context -
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 10 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Sawyer 9 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 1 Show data context -
  Stationer, Law Stationer - 1 Show data context
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 619 Show data context 30 Show data context
  Coal Miner 230 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Ironstone Miner 29 Show data context -
  Miner, in other or undefined Minerals 9 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Mine Service 3 Show data context -
  [Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook] 2 Show data context -
  Coal Merchant 2 Show data context -
  Coalheaver 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer 4 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 3 Show data context -
  Stone Quarrier 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer - 4 Show data context
  Well Sinker, Borer 6 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 14 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Road Labourer 4 Show data context -
  Platelayer 8 Show data context -
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 15 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  [Iron Manufacture] 188 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Blacksmith 56 Show data context -
  Nail Manufacture 10 Show data context -
  Anchor, Chain Manufacture 11 Show data context -
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 4 Show data context -
  Other Iron and Steel Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  [Coppersmith] 1 Show data context -
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier 3 Show data context -
  Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer 9 Show data context -
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 243 Show data context 12 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 4 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller - 1 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 1 Show data context -
  General Labourer 184 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 28 Show data context -
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 17 Show data context -
  Apprentice (undefined) 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 6 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 36 Show data context 199 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 36 Show data context 199 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 51 Show data context 1,338 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] 1 Show data context -
  [Blank field, or illegible] 50 Show data context 1,338 Show data context

Click on the triangles for all about a particular number.

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".

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.


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.)