Vision of Britain | 1861 Census: Ages

1861 Census of England and Wales, Ages (Sample Report Title: Population Tables. Ages, Civil Condition, Occupations and Birth-places of the People: with the Ages and Occupations of the Blind, of the Deaf-and-dumb, and of the inmates of certain public institutions Part I), Table 17 : " Occupations of Males aged 20 Years and upwards in Districts".

List Staffordshire RegC	West Bromwich RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS	[Males] [1]
Total of Males	23,391
1. Persons engaged in the General or Local Government of the Country	106
(1) Officers of National Government	37
Civ. Serv. not in Rev. Dep.	8
Post Office	15
Inland Revenue	14
Customs	0
Government Messengers, Workmen	0
Dockyard Artificers	0
Other Govt.	0
(2) Officers of Local Government	68
Magistrate	2
Police	45
Prison Officer	0
Union and Parish Officer	18
Officer of Local Board	0
Other Local Officers	3
(3) Officers of East India and Colonial Government	1
E. India and Col. Service	1
2. Persons engaged in the Defence of the Country	35
(1) Army	30
Army Officer	2
Army Half-pay Officer	0
Soldier	11
Chelsea Pensioner	16
Militia	0
Others	1
(2) Navy	5
Navy Officer	0
Navy Half-pay Officer	1
Seaman, R.N.	0
Royal Marine	2
Greenwich Pensioner	2
Others	0
3. Persons engaged in the Learned Professions or engaged in Literature, Art, and Science (with their immediate Subordinates)	376
(1) Clergymen, Ministers, and Church Officers	82
Clergyman	29
Protestant Minister	34
Roman Catholic Priest	4
Other Relig. Teachers	4
Parish Clerk	2
Other Church Officers	9
(2) Lawyers, Law Court Officers, and Law Stationers	83
Barrister	3
Solicitor	40
Law Student	0
Other Lawyers	0
Officers of Law Court	10
Law Clerk	28
Law Stationer	2
(3) Physicians, Surgeons, and Druggists	86
Physician	3
Surgeon, Apothecary	27
Medical Student, Assist.	8
Dentist	2
Druggist	44
Others	2
(4) Authors and Literary Persons	3
Author, Editor, Writer	2
Ors. eng. in Literature	1
(5) Artists	32
Artist, Painter	9
Sculptor	2
Engraver	18
Photographic Artist	3
Ors. Eng. in the Fine Arts	0
(6) Musicians, Teachers of Music	31
Musician	26
Music-master	4
Others	1
(7) Actors, Actresses	6
Actor	5
In Theatres, Exhibitions	1
(8) Teachers	45
Schoolmaster	44
Teacher of Languages	0
Profes. of Mathematics	0
Teacher (General)	0
Teacher of Dancing	0
Other Teachers	1
(9) Scientific Persons	8
Civil Engineer	6
Other Scientific Persons	2
4. Persons engaged in the Domestic Officers or Duties of Wives, Mothers, Mistresses of Families, Children, Relatives (not otherwise returned)	22
(3) Children and Relatives at home (not otherwise described)	16
Son, Grandson, Brother, Neph. (not oth. Des.)	16
(4) Scholars (so described)	6
Scholar (so described)	6
5. Persons engaged in entertaining, and performing Personal Offices for Man	465
(1) In Board and Lodging	297
Innkeeper, Hotelkeeper	24
Publican	216
Beerseller	52
Lodg., Boardg.-house K.	3
Coffee-house Keeper	1
Cook (not Domst. Serv.)	0
Others--Boarding, &c.	1
(2) Attendance (Domestic Servants, &c.)	168
Domst. Serv. (General)	60
Coachman	23
Groom	30
Gardener	24
Inn Servant	29
Hosp. Attent., Nurse, &c.	0
Others	2
6. Persons who buy or sell, keep, or lend Money, Houses or Goods of various Kinds	385
(1) Mercantile Men [Women]	305
Merchant	17
Banker	1
Insur., Ben. Soci. Offr.	5
Stock Broker, &c.	1
Ship Broker, Agent	0
Broker	3
Agent, Factor	41
Coal, Colliery Agent	14
Iron Merchant, Agent	27
Salesman	0
Auctioneer, Apprsr., Val.	16
Accountant	21
Commercial Clerk	136
Commercial Traveller	19
Other Mercantile Men	4
(2) Other General Dealers	80
Pawnbroker	13
Marine-store Dealer	21
Ge. Dlr., Costermonger	15
Shopkeeper	20
Hawker, Pedlar	9
Other General Dealers	2
7. Persons engaged in the Conveyance of Men, Animals, Goods, and Messages	973
(1) Carriers on Railways	121
Rail. Engine Driver, &c.	4
Railway Official	39
Railway Servant	71
Railway Police	7
Ors. eng. in	0
(2) Carriers on Roads	377
Toll Collector	10
Coach, Omn., Cab, Ownr.	6
Livery Staple Keeper	1
Coachman (not domstc.)	19
Cabman, Flyman	2
Carm., Carr., Carter, Dray.	338
Others	1
(3) Carriers on Canals and Rivers	347
Canal and River Service	179
Bargeman, Waterman	166
Others	2
(4) Carriers on Seas and Rivers	8
Shipowner	0
Seaman (Mercht. Serv.)	5
Pilot	0
Boatman on Seas	0
Dock Servant, Labourer	3
Wharfinger	0
Others	0
(5) Engaged in Storage	37
Warehsmn. (not Manch.)	26
Others in Storage	11
(6) Messengers and Porters	83
Messr., Port., Ernd. Boy	82
Telegraph Service	1
Others in Messages	0
8. Persons possessing or working the Land, and engaged in growing Grain, Fruits, Grasses, Animals, and other Products	989
(1) In Fields and Pastures (Agriculturists)	813
Land Proprietor	20
Farmer, Grazier	137
Farmer's "Son", "Brother", "Grandson"	22
Farm Bailiff	14
Agricultural Labourer	530
Shepherd (out-door)	1
Farm Servant (in-door)	60
Land Surv., Estate Agt.	22
Others in Agriculture	7
(2) In Woods (Arboriculturists)	0
Woodman	0
Others in Arboriculture	0
(3) In Gardens (Horticulturists)	176
Gardener	170
Nurseryman	5
Others in Horticulture	1
9. Persons engaged about Animals	126
(1) Persons engaged about Animals	126
Horse Dealer	11
Horsebreaker	3
Horsekpr., Grm., Jockey	72
Farrier, Veterinary Sur.	8
Cattle, Sheep,--Dealer	6
Drover	12
Pig Merchant, Dealer	4
Gamekeeper	6
Vermin Destroyer	0
Fisherman	0
Others about Animals	4
10. Persons engaged in Art and Mechanic Productions, in which Matters of various kinds are employed in combination	3,571
(1) In Books	53
Bookseller, Publisher	7
Bookbinder	2
Printer	39
Newspaper Agent	5
Others in Publications	0
(2) In Musical Instrument	7
Musical Instr. Mak., Dlr.	5
Others	2
(3) In Prints and Pictures	11
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	1
Others	10
(4) In Carving and Figures	6
Wood-carver	1
Others	5
(5) in Tackle for Sport and Games	4
Toy Maker, Dealer	4
Bow, Bat, Tackle,--Mak.	0
(6) In Designs, Medals, and Dies	26
Pattern Designer	9
Others	17
(7) In Watches and Philosophical Instruments	64
Watchmkr., Clockmkr.	46
Optician	7
Weight or Measure Mkr.	11
Others	0
(8) In Surgical Instruments	1
Surgical Instrmt. Maker	1
Others	0
(9) In Arms	425
Gunsmith, Gun Manuf.	404
Others	21
(10) In Machines	798
Eng. and Mach. Maker	596
Spindle-maker	0
Needle manufacture	0
Scissors-maker	0
Tool Maker, Dealer	73
File-maker	32
Saw Smith, Maker	2
Cutler	4
Blade Maker, Forger	2
Knife-maker	0
Razor-maker	0
Others in Tools, Mchns.	89
(11) In Carriages	379
Coachmaker	284
Others	95
(12) In Harness	42
Saddler, Harness-maker	39
Whip-maker	3
(13) In Ships	57
Shipbldr., Shipwright	0
Block, Oar, Mast,--Mak.	2
Boat, Barge,--Builder	54
Sailmaker	1
Others	0
(14) In Houses and Buildings	1,250
House Proprietor	41
House Agent	10
Architect	12
Surveyor	7
Builder	46
Carpenter, Joiner	442
Bricklayer	436
Marble Mason	2
Mason, Pavior	39
Slater, Tiler	12
Plasterer	35
Paperhanger	1
Plumber, Painter, Glazr.	166
Others	1
(15) In Furniture	65
Cabinet Maker, Uphol.	34
Undertaker	2
Chair-maker	0
Picture-frame Maker	1
Carver, Gilder	5
Bedstead, Mattress,--Mak.	11
Furniture Broker	9
Others	3
(16) In Implements	121
Wheelwright	65
Millwright	41
Other Implement Mkrs.	15
(17) In Chemicals	262
Manuf. Chemist, Laborer	255
Dye, Colour,--manuf.	0
Dyer, Calenderer	2
Others	5
11. Persons working and Dealing in the Textile Fabrics and in Dress	874
(1) In Wool and Worsted	14
Woolstapler	0
Felt manufacture	0
Woollen Cloth manuf.	6
Clothier	5
Fuller	0
Wool, Woollen,--Dyer	0
Worsted manufacture	0
Stuff manufacture	0
Flannel manufacture	0
Blanket manufacture	0
Carpet, Rug,--manuf.	1
Others	2
(2) In Silk	4
Silk manufacture	2
Silk Dyer, Printer	1
Silk Mercer	1
Ribbon manufacture	0
Others	0
(3) In Cotton and Flax	4
Flax, Linen,--manuf.	2
Thread manufacture	0
Lace manufacture	0
Cotton manufacture	2
Fustian manufacture	0
Muslin manufacture	0
Calico, Cotton,--Printer	0
Calico, Cotton,--Dyer	0
Others	0
(4) In Mixed Materials (1, 2, 3.)	81
Packer and Presser	0
Weaver (undefined)	0
Manchester Warehmn.	0
Draper, Mercer	80
Others	1
(5) In Dress	754
Hairdresser, Wig-maker	44
Hatter, Hat manuf.	11
Straw Plait manuf.	0
Straw Hat, Bonnet Mak.	0
Shawl manufacture	0
Furrier	1
Tailor	186
Clothes Dealer, Outfitr.	4
Button-maker	31
Hose manufacture	0
Hosier, Haberdasher	10
Glover, Leather, &c.	3
Shoemaker, Bootmaker	442
Patten, Clog,--Maker	12
Umbrella, Stick,--Mak.	5
Others providing Dress	5
(6) In Hemp and other Fibrous Materials	17
Mat Maker, Seller	0
Rope, Cord,--Maker	15
Canvas Maker, Dealer	0
Sailcloth manufacture	0
Others	2
12. Persons working and dealing in Food and Drinks	1,011
(1) In Animal Food	318
Cowkeeper, Milkseller	38
Cheesemonger	5
Butcher, Meat Salesman	205
Provision Curer, Dealer	43
Poulterer, Game Dealer	6
Fishmonger	21
Others	0
(2) In Vegetable Food	247
Corn Merchant, Dealer	26
Miller	49
Flour Dealer, Agent	4
Baker	71
Confectioner, Pastry Ck.	26
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	64
Fruit, Flower,--Vendor	2
Potato Merchant	0
Seed Mercht., Seedsman	4
Sugar Refiner	0
Others	1
(3) In Drinks and Stimulants	446
Maltster	71
Brewer, &c.	115
Wine and Spirit Mercht.	20
Distiller, Rectifier	0
Cellarman	0
Ginger Br., Sod. Wat. Ma.	1
Grocer, Tea Dealer	218
Tobo., Cig., Snuff, manuf.	0
Tobacconist	12
Others	9
13. Persons working and dealing in Animal Substances	54
(1) In Grease, Gut, Bones, Horn, Ivory, and Whalebone	29
Soap-boiler	4
Tallow-chandler	23
Comb-maker	0
Others	2
(2) In Skins, Feathers, and Quills	23
Fellmonger	1
Skinner	0
Tanner	1
Currier	16
Others	5
(3) In Hair	2
Hair, Bristle,--manuf.	0
Brush, Broom,--Maker	2
Others	0
14. Persons working and dealing in Vegetable Substances	312
(1) In Gums and Resins	24
Oil Miller, Refiner	1
Oil and Colourman	3
French-polisher	3
Japanner	13
Others	4
(2) In Wood	233
Timber Merch., Dealer	26
Wood Dealer	0
Sawyer	132
Fence, Hurdle,--Maker	0
Lath-maker	1
Turner	17
Box-maker	4
Cooper	46
Hoop Maker, Bender	1
Others	6
(3) In Bark	0
Cork Cutter, manuf.	0
Others Workers in Bark	0
(4) In Cane, Rush, and Straw	33
Basket-maker	17
Hay and Straw Dealer	12
Thatcher	0
Others	4
(5) In Paper	22
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	7
Paper manufacture	3
Stationer (not Law)	7
Paper-stainer	0
Others Workers in Paper	5
15. Persons working and dealing in Minerals	11,600
(1) In Mining	3,390
Coal-miner	2,923
Copper-miner	2
Tin-miner	0
Lead-miner	0
Iron-miner	286
Others	179
(2) In Coal	245
Coal Merchant, Dealer	92
Coalheaver, Labourer	41
Coke Burner, Dealer	29
Chimney Sweeper	8
Gas Works Service	71
Other Workers in Coal	4
(3) In Stone, Clay	419
Stone Quarrier	3
Stone Cutter, Polisher	1
Slate Quarrier	0
Limestone Quar., Burner	36
Clay Labourer	1
Brick Maker, Dealer	270
Railway Labourer	35
Platelayer	9
Excavator, Navvy	12
Road Contractor, &c.	2
Road Labourer	30
Scavenger	4
Dust Collector	0
Others	16
(4) In Earthenware	25
Earthenware manuf.	14
Tobacco-pipe Makers	6
Earthenw., Glass, Dealer	5
Others	0
(5) In Glass	372
Glass manufacture	370
Other Workers in Glass	2
(6) In Salt	5
Salt manufacture	5
Other Dealers in Salt	0
(7) In Water	11
Waterworks Service	1
Others	10
(8) In Gold, Silver, and Precious Stones	171
Goldsmith, Jeweller	133
Plater, Plated Wareman	22
Others	16
(9) In Copper	5
Copper manufacture	0
Coppersmith	3
Others	2
(10) In Tin and Quicksilver	71
Tin manufacture	2
Tinman, Tinker	22
Tinplate Worker	8
Others	39
(11) In Zinc	2
Zinc manufacture	2
Others	0
(12) In Lead and Antimony	3
Lead manufacture	0
Typefounder	2
Others	1
(13) In Brass and other mixed Metals	354
Brass Founder, manuf.	95
Brazier	3
Locksmith, Bellhanger	82
Gasfitter	72
Wire Maker, Drawer	8
Wire Worker, Weaver	4
Others	90
(14) In Iron and Steel	6,527
Iron manufacture	4,484
Whitesmith	115
Blacksmith	848
Nail manufacture	205
Anchor, Chain,--Smith	22
Boiler-maker	229
Ironmonger	16
Hardwareman, Dealer	11
Steel manufacture	40
Grinder (branch undef.)	30
Others	527
16. Labourers and others - Branch of Labour undefined	2,200
(1) General Labourers	2,039
Labourer	2,039
(2) Other Persons of indefinite Occupations	161
Mechanic	69
Shopman	1
Apprentice	0
Others of indef. occu.	91
17. Persons of Rank or Property, not returned under any Office or Occupation	38
(1) Persons of Rank or property, not returned under any Office or Occupation	38
Gentleman	25
Annuitant	13
18. Persons supported by the Community and of no specified Occupation	31
(1) On Income from voluntary Sources and Rates	31
Dependent on Relatives	10
Almserperson, no stat. occ.	2
Pauper, no stated occ.	10
Lunatic, no stated occ.	0
Others	9
(2) Prisoners and others of Criminal Class	0
Prisoner, no stated occ.	0
(3) Vagrants and Gipsies	0
Vagrant, Beggar	0
Gipsy	0
19. Persons of no stated Rank, Profession, or Occupation	223
Visitor, no stated occ.	10
Others of no stated occupation or condition	213

Comments:

1	Note that the original table is organised into the Orders and sub-Orders listed here, but provides counts only for the individual occupations.

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.

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.

David Allan Gatley (School of Social Sciences, University of Staffordshire). Role: transcriber. Restrictions on use: the contributor must be acknowledged but the data may be freely used for non-commercial purposes.