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 Westminster RegD/PLU table Golden Square SubD
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 116 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described) 2 Show data context -
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 10 Show data context -
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Police 77 Show data context -
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 16 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Other Local or County Official 1 Show data context -
  East Indian and Colonial Service 1 Show data context -
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 23 Show data context -
  Army Officer (effective/retired) 9 Show data context -
  Soldier and Non-commissioned officer 4 Show data context -
  Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers 2 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 4 Show data context -
  Seaman, R.N. 2 Show data context -
  Navy Pensioner 2 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 171 Show data context 81 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 11 Show data context -
  Roman Catholic Priest 2 Show data context -
  Minister, Priest of other religious bodies 1 Show data context -
  Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant 3 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Barrister, Solicitor 19 Show data context -
  Law Student 3 Show data context -
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 10 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 22 Show data context -
  Dentist 12 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Medical Student, Assistant 7 Show data context -
  Midwife - 1 Show data context
  Subordinate Medical Service - 29 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 7 Show data context 22 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer 5 Show data context 10 Show data context
  School Service, and others connected with teaching 1 Show data context -
  Author, Editor, Journalist 6 Show data context -
  Reporter, Short-hand Writer 1 Show data context -
  Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits 3 Show data context -
  Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c. 1 Show data context -
  Civil Engineer 4 Show data context -
  Land, House, Ship, Surveyor 1 Show data context -
  Painter (artist) 8 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Engraver (artist) 3 Show data context -
  Sculptor 2 Show data context -
  Architect 9 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 11 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Art Student - 2 Show data context
  Photographer 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Actor 3 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Art, Music, Theatre Service 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service 1 Show data context -
  Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service 3 Show data context -
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 308 Show data context 1,227 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 6 Show data context -
  Domestic Indoor Servant 156 Show data context 995 Show data context
  Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government) 3 Show data context -
  Inn, Hotel Servant 119 Show data context 58 Show data context
  College, Club Service 5 Show data context -
  Office Keeper (not Government) 3 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Cook (not domestic) 1 Show data context -
  Charwoman - 47 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service 10 Show data context 120 Show data context
  Hospital and Institution Service - 4 Show data context
  Others engaged in Service 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 219 Show data context 31 Show data context
  Merchant 8 Show data context -
  Broker, Agent, Factor 19 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 3 Show data context -
  Accountant 8 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified) 5 Show data context 12 Show data context
  Commercial Traveller 12 Show data context -
  Commercial Clerk 152 Show data context 16 Show data context
  Banker 5 Show data context -
  Bank Service 3 Show data context -
  Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent 2 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 2 Show data context -
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 435 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 8 Show data context -
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 39 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 52 Show data context -
  Seaman (Merchant Service) 7 Show data context -
  Ship Steward, Cook 1 Show data context -
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 19 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 308 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Telegraph, Telephone Service 1 Show data context 3 Show data context
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 7 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Farm Bailiff 1 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 3 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture 2 Show data context -
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist - 3 Show data context
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 31 Show data context -
  Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 25 Show data context -
  Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier 2 Show data context -
  Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman 1 Show data context -
  Vermin Destroyer 1 Show data context -
  Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c. 1 Show data context -
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 65 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer 5 Show data context -
  Bookbinder 4 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Printer 39 Show data context -
  Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper 2 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Lithographer, Lithographic Printer 6 Show data context -
  Map and Print - Colourer, Seller - 1 Show data context
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 53 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 4 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Cutler, Scissors Maker 1 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 13 Show data context -
  Philosophical Instrument Maker 4 Show data context -
  Surgical Instrument Maker 1 Show data context -
  Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer 1 Show data context -
  Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer 15 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker 6 Show data context -
  Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 191 Show data context 25 Show data context
  Builder 8 Show data context -
  Carpenter, Joiner 32 Show data context -
  Bricklayer 25 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 6 Show data context -
  Paperhanger 2 Show data context -
  Plumber 11 Show data context -
  Painter, Glazier 44 Show data context -
  Cabinet Maker 26 Show data context 13 Show data context
  French Polisher 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Locksmith, Bellhanger - 1 Show data context
  Gas Fitter 13 Show data context -
  House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker 1 Show data context -
  Wood Carver 1 Show data context -
  Carver, Gilder 9 Show data context -
  Dealer in Works of Art 4 Show data context -
  Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Artificial Flower Maker 1 Show data context 9 Show data context
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 25 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Coachmaker 7 Show data context -
  Wheelwright 4 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 14 Show data context 1 Show data context
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 28 Show data context -
  Dye, Paint Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Chemist, Druggist 17 Show data context -
  Manufacturing Chemist 9 Show data context -
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES. 14 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist 14 Show data context 4 Show data context
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 258 Show data context 54 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 51 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper 8 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 18 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Brewer 2 Show data context -
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Cellarman 9 Show data context -
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 12 Show data context -
  Milkseller, Dairyman 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Cheesemonger, Butterman 8 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 23 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Provision Curer, Dealer 6 Show data context -
  Poulterer, Game Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Fishmonger 9 Show data context -
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Corn Miller 1 Show data context -
  Baker 51 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 10 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Sugar Refiner 1 Show data context -
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 26 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer 1 Show data context -
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 197 Show data context 96 Show data context
  Woollen Cloth Manufacture 4 Show data context -
  Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Silk Dyer, Printer 1 Show data context -
  Silk Merchant, Dealer 32 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Lace Manufacturer, Dealer 2 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Weaver (undefined) 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Factory Hand (textile, undefined) 1 Show data context -
  Carpet, Rug Manufacture 4 Show data context -
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 132 Show data context 62 Show data context
  Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Trimming Maker, Dealer 12 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Embroiderer - 9 Show data context
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 928 Show data context 920 Show data context
  Hatter, Hat Manufacture 6 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Tailor 697 Show data context 422 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker 6 Show data context 387 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress 4 Show data context 68 Show data context
  Hosier, Haberdasher 12 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Button Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 166 Show data context 24 Show data context
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 30 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Accoutrement Maker 4 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Old Clothes Dealer, and others - 5 Show data context
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES. 28 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Furrier, Skinner 2 Show data context -
  Currier 3 Show data context -
  Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer 17 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer - 2 Show data context
  Brush, Broom, Maker 3 Show data context -
  Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer 1 Show data context 4 Show data context
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 39 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Oil and Colourman 9 Show data context -
  Others 1 Show data context -
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Sawyer 1 Show data context -
  Wood Turner, Box Maker 5 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 2 Show data context -
  Paper Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Envelope Maker - 1 Show data context
  Stationer, Law Stationer 14 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker 2 Show data context -
  Ticket, Label Writer 1 Show data context -
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 136 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Mine Service 1 Show data context -
  Coal Merchant 6 Show data context -
  Coalheaver 3 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 2 Show data context -
  Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Paviour 1 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Glass Manufacture 5 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 6 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Waterworks Service 2 Show data context -
  Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller 55 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Others 3 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Blacksmith 10 Show data context -
  Whitesmith 5 Show data context -
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Other Iron and Steel Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 6 Show data context -
  Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier 9 Show data context -
  Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer 1 Show data context -
  White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer 4 Show data context -
  Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer 2 Show data context -
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 157 Show data context 102 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 18 Show data context 42 Show data context
  Pawnbroker 2 Show data context -
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller - 1 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 11 Show data context 3 Show data context
  General Labourer 61 Show data context -
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 5 Show data context -
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 32 Show data context 19 Show data context
  Apprentice (undefined) 7 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 14 Show data context -
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) 7 Show data context 33 Show data context
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 17 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper 7 Show data context -
  Rag Gatherer, Dealer 5 Show data context -
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 54 Show data context 125 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 54 Show data context 125 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 91 Show data context 1,412 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] - 2 Show data context
  [Blank field, or illegible] 91 Show data context 1,410 Show data context

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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.)