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 England Dep	West Riding RegC

OCCUPATIONS	[Males] [1]
Total of Males	399,822
1. Persons engaged in the General or Local Government of the Country	2,688
(1) Officers of National Government	816
Civ. Serv. not in Rev. Dep.	31
Post Office	492
Inland Revenue	264
Customs	19
Government Messengers, Workmen	0
Dockyard Artificers	0
Other Govt.	10
(2) Officers of Local Government	1,854
Magistrate	98
Police	1,156
Prison Officer	107
Union and Parish Officer	367
Officer of Local Board	20
Other Local Officers	106
(3) Officers of East India and Colonial Government	18
E. India and Col. Service	18
2. Persons engaged in the Defence of the Country	1,759
(1) Army	1,658
Army Officer	59
Army Half-pay Officer	54
Soldier	856
Chelsea Pensioner	571
Militia	111
Others	7
(2) Navy	101
Navy Officer	5
Navy Half-pay Officer	9
Seaman, R.N.	13
Royal Marine	30
Greenwich Pensioner	40
Others	4
3. Persons engaged in the Learned Professions or engaged in Literature, Art, and Science (with their immediate Subordinates)	8,085
(1) Clergymen, Ministers, and Church Officers	1,782
Clergyman	800
Protestant Minister	526
Roman Catholic Priest	53
Other Relig. Teachers	134
Parish Clerk	54
Other Church Officers	215
(2) Lawyers, Law Court Officers, and Law Stationers	1,227
Barrister	47
Solicitor	533
Law Student	6
Other Lawyers	6
Officers of Law Court	113
Law Clerk	503
Law Stationer	19
(3) Physicians, Surgeons, and Druggists	1,972
Physician	112
Surgeon, Apothecary	627
Medical Student, Assist.	116
Dentist	74
Druggist	981
Others	62
(4) Authors and Literary Persons	95
Author, Editor, Writer	42
Ors. eng. in Literature	53
(5) Artists	482
Artist, Painter	149
Sculptor	20
Engraver	196
Photographic Artist	105
Ors. Eng. in the Fine Arts	12
(6) Musicians, Teachers of Music	574
Musician	423
Music-master	149
Others	2
(7) Actors, Actresses	161
Actor	91
In Theatres, Exhibitions	70
(8) Teachers	1,659
Schoolmaster	1,425
Teacher of Languages	47
Profes. of Mathematics	12
Teacher (General)	121
Teacher of Dancing	21
Other Teachers	33
(9) Scientific Persons	133
Civil Engineer	94
Other Scientific Persons	39
4. Persons engaged in the Domestic Officers or Duties of Wives, Mothers, Mistresses of Families, Children, Relatives (not otherwise returned)	482
(3) Children and Relatives at home (not otherwise described)	360
Son, Grandson, Brother, Neph. (not oth. Des.)	360
(4) Scholars (so described)	122
Scholar (so described)	122
5. Persons engaged in entertaining, and performing Personal Offices for Man	7,427
(1) In Board and Lodging	4,225
Innkeeper, Hotelkeeper	1,795
Publican	1,345
Beerseller	817
Lodg., Boardg.-house K.	138
Coffee-house Keeper	52
Cook (not Domst. Serv.)	2
Others--Boarding, &c.	76
(2) Attendance (Domestic Servants, &c.)	3,202
Domst. Serv. (General)	1,116
Coachman	394
Groom	546
Gardener	539
Inn Servant	527
Hosp. Attent., Nurse, &c.	50
Others	30
6. Persons who buy or sell, keep, or lend Money, Houses or Goods of various Kinds	7,588
(1) Mercantile Men [Women]	5,486
Merchant	869
Banker	60
Insur., Ben. Soci. Offr.	154
Stock Broker, &c.	58
Ship Broker, Agent	20
Broker	72
Agent, Factor	592
Coal, Colliery Agent	262
Iron Merchant, Agent	39
Salesman	63
Auctioneer, Apprsr., Val.	222
Accountant	248
Commercial Clerk	2,021
Commercial Traveller	750
Other Mercantile Men	56
(2) Other General Dealers	2,102
Pawnbroker	188
Marine-store Dealer	49
Ge. Dlr., Costermonger	340
Shopkeeper	401
Hawker, Pedlar	1,112
Other General Dealers	12
7. Persons engaged in the Conveyance of Men, Animals, Goods, and Messages	15,889
(1) Carriers on Railways	3,851
Rail. Engine Driver, &c.	721
Railway Official	803
Railway Servant	2,298
Railway Police	17
Ors. eng. in	12
(2) Carriers on Roads	6,524
Toll Collector	275
Coach, Omn., Cab, Ownr.	150
Livery Staple Keeper	20
Coachman (not domstc.)	503
Cabman, Flyman	292
Carm., Carr., Carter, Dray.	5,282
Others	2
(3) Carriers on Canals and Rivers	2,398
Canal and River Service	244
Bargeman, Waterman	2,150
Others	4
(4) Carriers on Seas and Rivers	1,086
Shipowner	32
Seaman (Mercht. Serv.)	826
Pilot	6
Boatman on Seas	4
Dock Servant, Labourer	153
Wharfinger	31
Others	34
(5) Engaged in Storage	1,121
Warehsmn. (not Manch.)	1,087
Others in Storage	34
(6) Messengers and Porters	909
Messr., Port., Ernd. Boy	862
Telegraph Service	42
Others in Messages	5
8. Persons possessing or working the Land, and engaged in growing Grain, Fruits, Grasses, Animals, and other Products	57,442
(1) In Fields and Pastures (Agriculturists)	53,583
Land Proprietor	768
Farmer, Grazier	17,494
Farmer's "Son", "Brother", "Grandson"	3,954
Farm Bailiff	394
Agricultural Labourer	26,581
Shepherd (out-door)	342
Farm Servant (in-door)	3,605
Land Surv., Estate Agt.	265
Others in Agriculture	180
(2) In Woods (Arboriculturists)	459
Woodman	459
Others in Arboriculture	0
(3) In Gardens (Horticulturists)	3,400
Gardener	3,321
Nurseryman	79
Others in Horticulture	0
9. Persons engaged about Animals	3,037
(1) Persons engaged about Animals	3,037
Horse Dealer	91
Horsebreaker	108
Horsekpr., Grm., Jockey	1,465
Farrier, Veterinary Sur.	226
Cattle, Sheep,--Dealer	319
Drover	100
Pig Merchant, Dealer	73
Gamekeeper	523
Vermin Destroyer	41
Fisherman	17
Others about Animals	74
10. Persons engaged in Art and Mechanic Productions, in which Matters of various kinds are employed in combination	65,872
(1) In Books	1,582
Bookseller, Publisher	321
Bookbinder	230
Printer	875
Newspaper Agent	121
Others in Publications	35
(2) In Musical Instrument	166
Musical Instr. Mak., Dlr.	113
Others	53
(3) In Prints and Pictures	202
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	122
Others	80
(4) In Carving and Figures	232
Wood-carver	84
Others	148
(5) in Tackle for Sport and Games	56
Toy Maker, Dealer	47
Bow, Bat, Tackle,--Mak.	9
(6) In Designs, Medals, and Dies	169
Pattern Designer	85
Others	84
(7) In Watches and Philosophical Instruments	863
Watchmkr., Clockmkr.	553
Optician	145
Weight or Measure Mkr.	154
Others	11
(8) In Surgical Instruments	92
Surgical Instrmt. Maker	86
Others	6
(9) In Arms	149
Gunsmith, Gun Manuf.	63
Others	86
(10) In Machines	24,462
Eng. and Mach. Maker	4,815
Spindle-maker	271
Needle manufacture	19
Scissors-maker	883
Tool Maker, Dealer	1,616
File-maker	3,962
Saw Smith, Maker	1,107
Cutler	2,686
Blade Maker, Forger	1,502
Knife-maker	3,967
Razor-maker	788
Others in Tools, Mchns.	2,846
(11) In Carriages	707
Coachmaker	585
Others	122
(12) In Harness	658
Saddler, Harness-maker	629
Whip-maker	29
(13) In Ships	417
Shipbldr., Shipwright	217
Block, Oar, Mast,--Mak.	19
Boat, Barge,--Builder	118
Sailmaker	49
Others	14
(14) In Houses and Buildings	28,965
House Proprietor	628
House Agent	63
Architect	203
Surveyor	60
Builder	462
Carpenter, Joiner	8,843
Bricklayer	2,665
Marble Mason	161
Mason, Pavior	10,584
Slater, Tiler	425
Plasterer	1,277
Paperhanger	73
Plumber, Painter, Glazr.	3,489
Others	32
(15) In Furniture	2,614
Cabinet Maker, Uphol.	2,035
Undertaker	12
Chair-maker	77
Picture-frame Maker	33
Carver, Gilder	210
Bedstead, Mattress,--Mak.	39
Furniture Broker	185
Others	23
(16) In Implements	2,584
Wheelwright	1,495
Millwright	1,050
Other Implement Mkrs.	39
(17) In Chemicals	1,954
Manuf. Chemist, Laborer	453
Dye, Colour,--manuf.	63
Dyer, Calenderer	1,206
Others	232
11. Persons working and Dealing in the Textile Fabrics and in Dress	113,623
(1) In Wool and Worsted	71,993
Woolstapler	832
Felt manufacture	58
Woollen Cloth manuf.	46,350
Clothier	451
Fuller	199
Wool, Woollen,--Dyer	1,128
Worsted manufacture	15,454
Stuff manufacture	1,884
Flannel manufacture	72
Blanket manufacture	1,232
Carpet, Rug,--manuf.	2,219
Others	2,114
(2) In Silk	965
Silk manufacture	827
Silk Dyer, Printer	70
Silk Mercer	20
Ribbon manufacture	5
Others	43
(3) In Cotton and Flax	16,184
Flax, Linen,--manuf.	4,403
Thread manufacture	39
Lace manufacture	18
Cotton manufacture	10,967
Fustian manufacture	111
Muslin manufacture	4
Calico, Cotton,--Printer	112
Calico, Cotton,--Dyer	297
Others	233
(4) In Mixed Materials (1, 2, 3.)	2,731
Packer and Presser	37
Weaver (undefined)	298
Manchester Warehmn.	5
Draper, Mercer	2,140
Others	251
(5) In Dress	20,906
Hairdresser, Wig-maker	683
Hatter, Hat manuf.	257
Straw Plait manuf.	2
Straw Hat, Bonnet Mak.	11
Shawl manufacture	9
Furrier	15
Tailor	6,944
Clothes Dealer, Outfitr.	161
Button-maker	67
Hose manufacture	42
Hosier, Haberdasher	197
Glover, Leather, &c.	6
Shoemaker, Bootmaker	11,603
Patten, Clog,--Maker	527
Umbrella, Stick,--Mak.	86
Others providing Dress	296
(6) In Hemp and other Fibrous Materials	844
Mat Maker, Seller	39
Rope, Cord,--Maker	571
Canvas Maker, Dealer	60
Sailcloth manufacture	7
Others	167
12. Persons working and dealing in Food and Drinks	19,177
(1) In Animal Food	6,079
Cowkeeper, Milkseller	553
Cheesemonger	130
Butcher, Meat Salesman	4,313
Provision Curer, Dealer	604
Poulterer, Game Dealer	67
Fishmonger	367
Others	45
(2) In Vegetable Food	4,411
Corn Merchant, Dealer	499
Miller	1,770
Flour Dealer, Agent	97
Baker	394
Confectioner, Pastry Ck.	402
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	900
Fruit, Flower,--Vendor	63
Potato Merchant	155
Seed Mercht., Seedsman	55
Sugar Refiner	35
Others	41
(3) In Drinks and Stimulants	8,687
Maltster	987
Brewer, &c.	1,063
Wine and Spirit Mercht.	347
Distiller, Rectifier	3
Cellarman	37
Ginger Br., Sod. Wat. Ma.	55
Grocer, Tea Dealer	5,547
Tobo., Cig., Snuff, manuf.	163
Tobacconist	243
Others	242
13. Persons working and dealing in Animal Substances	4,340
(1) In Grease, Gut, Bones, Horn, Ivory, and Whalebone	1,527
Soap-boiler	110
Tallow-chandler	229
Comb-maker	472
Others	716
(2) In Skins, Feathers, and Quills	2,222
Fellmonger	75
Skinner	146
Tanner	676
Currier	1,240
Others	85
(3) In Hair	591
Hair, Bristle,--manuf.	44
Brush, Broom,--Maker	537
Others	10
14. Persons working and dealing in Vegetable Substances	5,132
(1) In Gums and Resins	377
Oil Miller, Refiner	191
Oil and Colourman	30
French-polisher	111
Japanner	6
Others	39
(2) In Wood	2,963
Timber Merch., Dealer	312
Wood Dealer	96
Sawyer	1,138
Fence, Hurdle,--Maker	3
Lath-maker	15
Turner	662
Box-maker	8
Cooper	541
Hoop Maker, Bender	2
Others	186
(3) In Bark	87
Cork Cutter, manuf.	86
Others Workers in Bark	1
(4) In Cane, Rush, and Straw	518
Basket-maker	370
Hay and Straw Dealer	138
Thatcher	0
Others	10
(5) In Paper	1,187
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	419
Paper manufacture	452
Stationer (not Law)	137
Paper-stainer	81
Others Workers in Paper	98
15. Persons working and dealing in Minerals	68,781
(1) In Mining	21,939
Coal-miner	20,306
Copper-miner	4
Tin-miner	0
Lead-miner	543
Iron-miner	671
Others	415
(2) In Coal	2,459
Coal Merchant, Dealer	648
Coalheaver, Labourer	508
Coke Burner, Dealer	188
Chimney Sweeper	315
Gas Works Service	778
Other Workers in Coal	22
(3) In Stone, Clay	12,540
Stone Quarrier	5,046
Stone Cutter, Polisher	914
Slate Quarrier	44
Limestone Quar., Burner	284
Clay Labourer	97
Brick Maker, Dealer	1,746
Railway Labourer	1,305
Platelayer	606
Excavator, Navvy	781
Road Contractor, &c.	92
Road Labourer	1,062
Scavenger	123
Dust Collector	5
Others	435
(4) In Earthenware	1,740
Earthenware manuf.	1,181
Tobacco-pipe Makers	211
Earthenw., Glass, Dealer	321
Others	27
(5) In Glass	960
Glass manufacture	954
Other Workers in Glass	6
(6) In Salt	63
Salt manufacture	6
Other Dealers in Salt	57
(7) In Water	225
Waterworks Service	166
Others	59
(8) In Gold, Silver, and Precious Stones	1,308
Goldsmith, Jeweller	1,066
Plater, Plated Wareman	116
Others	126
(9) In Copper	39
Copper manufacture	3
Coppersmith	36
Others	0
(10) In Tin and Quicksilver	741
Tin manufacture	23
Tinman, Tinker	444
Tinplate Worker	274
Others	0
(11) In Zinc	1
Zinc manufacture	1
Others	0
(12) In Lead and Antimony	129
Lead manufacture	59
Typefounder	58
Others	12
(13) In Brass and other mixed Metals	2,478
Brass Founder, manuf.	661
Brazier	44
Locksmith, Bellhanger	33
Gasfitter	165
Wire Maker, Drawer	809
Wire Worker, Weaver	155
Others	611
(14) In Iron and Steel	24,159
Iron manufacture	11,824
Whitesmith	961
Blacksmith	5,781
Nail manufacture	846
Anchor, Chain,--Smith	23
Boiler-maker	799
Ironmonger	331
Hardwareman, Dealer	129
Steel manufacture	1,924
Grinder (branch undef.)	399
Others	1,142
16. Labourers and others - Branch of Labour undefined	14,157
(1) General Labourers	10,790
Labourer	10,790
(2) Other Persons of indefinite Occupations	3,367
Mechanic	1,953
Shopman	54
Apprentice	11
Others of indef. occu.	1,349
17. Persons of Rank or Property, not returned under any Office or Occupation	710
(1) Persons of Rank or property, not returned under any Office or Occupation	710
Gentleman	476
Annuitant	234
18. Persons supported by the Community and of no specified Occupation	715
(1) On Income from voluntary Sources and Rates	662
Dependent on Relatives	84
Almserperson, no stat. occ.	45
Pauper, no stated occ.	365
Lunatic, no stated occ.	35
Others	133
(2) Prisoners and others of Criminal Class	26
Prisoner, no stated occ.	26
(3) Vagrants and Gipsies	27
Vagrant, Beggar	24
Gipsy	3
19. Persons of no stated Rank, Profession, or Occupation	2,918
Visitor, no stated occ.	126
Others of no stated occupation or condition	2,792

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.