Vision of Britain | 1881 Census: Ages

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 Kent RegC	Bromley RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	258	17
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	52	13
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	49	2
Police	135	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	16	2
Other Local or County Official	6	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	46	5
Army Officer (effective/retired)	24	5
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	2	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	7	-
Army Pensioner	4	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	4	-
Seaman, R.N.	3	-
Navy Pensioner	2	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	544	530
Clergymen (Established Church)	43	-
Roman Catholic Priest	2	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	9	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	9	5
Theological Student	3	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	11	2
Barrister, Solicitor	125	-
Law Student	10	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	44	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	35	-
Dentist	4	-
Medical Student, Assistant	20	-
Midwife	-	2
Subordinate Medical Service	2	122
Schoolmaster	81	187
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	5	177
School Service, and others connected with teaching	3	5
Author, Editor, Journalist	9	3
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	3	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	3	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	2	-
Civil Engineer	38	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	12	-
Painter (artist)	9	3
Engraver (artist)	5	1
Sculptor	1	-
Architect	20	-
Musician, Music Master	11	19
Art Student	7	3
Photographer	13	1
Actor	1	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	4	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	927	5,277
Domestic Coachman, Groom	272	2
Domestic Gardener	341	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	225	4,525
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	3	5
Inn, Hotel Servant	63	45
College, Club Service	4	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	6	1
Cook (not domestic)	2	4
Charwoman	-	81
Washing and Bathing Service	10	603
Hospital and Institution Service	1	11
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	853	24
Merchant	116	2
Broker, Agent, Factor	149	3
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	26	1
Accountant	38	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	4	-
Commercial Traveller	34	1
Commercial Clerk	364	10
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	4	2
Banker	7	-
Bank Service	56	1
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	1	1
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	54	3
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	774	4
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	18	-
Railway Guard	8	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	1	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	166	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	17	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	172	1
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	243	1
Inland Navigation Service	1	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	2	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	9	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	16	-
Pilot	1	-
Ship Steward, Cook	1	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	8	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	38	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	71	-
Telegraph, Telephone Service	2	2
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	2,258	101
Farmer, Grazier	77	7
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	28	-
Farm Bailiff	59	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	1,132	85
Shepherd	20	-
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	3	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	4	-
Agricultural Student	4	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	4	-
Woodman	30	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	36	1
Gardener (not domestic)	861	8
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	153	2
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	3	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	85	1
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	17	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	4	-
Drover	2	-
Gamekeeper	34	1
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	4	-
Vermin Destroyer	4	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	136	4
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	38	3
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	1	-
Bookbinder	14	1
Printer	72	-
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	4	-
Others	1	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	5	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	1	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	94	6
Engine, Machine Maker	26	-
Millwright	5	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	9	-
Boiler Maker	2	1
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	1	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	1	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	3	-
Steel Pen Maker	2	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	27	1
Philosophical Instrument Maker	4	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	2	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	1	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	1	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	8	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	1	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	1	4
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,928	26
Builder	155	1
Carpenter, Joiner	630	2
Bricklayer	481	-
Mason	78	1
Slater, Tiler	5	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	92	2
Paperhanger	9	-
Plumber	101	-
Painter, Glazier	286	1
Cabinet Maker	49	16
French Polisher	8	-
Furniture Broker, Dealer	5	-
Locksmith, Bellhanger	3	-
Gas Fitter	22	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Wood Carver	1	-
Carver, Gilder	2	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	-	1
Artificial Flower Maker	-	2
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	117	1
Coachmaker	33	-
Wheelwright	40	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	41	1
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	3	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	2	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	1	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	56	3
Dye, Paint Manufacture	1	1
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	2	-
Chemist, Druggist	38	1
Manufacturing Chemist	15	1
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	2	3
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	2	3
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	883	94
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	85	13
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	1	12
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	10	2
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	6	-
Maltster	1	-
Brewer	28	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	29	5
Cellarman	2	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	25	2
Milkseller, Dairyman	54	1
Cheesemonger, Butterman	8	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	131	4
Provision Curer, Dealer	13	-
Poulterer, Game Dealer	5	-
Fishmonger	40	2
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	33	-
Corn Miller	5	-
Baker	147	12
Confectioner, Pastrycook	9	11
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	54	6
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	2	-
Sugar Refiner	1	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	192	23
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	2	1
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	136	56
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	1	-
Flannel Manufacture	1	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	8	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	4	-
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Ribbon Manufacture	1	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	4	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	3	1
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	1	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	2	-
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	4	2
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	1	-
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	7	5
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	2	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	1	-
Manchester Warehouseman	3	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	81	45
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	2	2
Trimming Maker, Dealer	4	-
Embroiderer	1	1
Others	2	-
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	244	584
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	12	1
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	1
Tailor	82	5
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	5	504
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	3	67
Hosiery Manufacture	1	-
Hosier, Haberdasher	2	-
Glover, Glove Maker	3	-
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	118	3
Patten, Clog Maker	-	1
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	17	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	1	1
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	-	1
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	40	1
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	9	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	2	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	5	-
Currier	13	-
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	2	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	6	1
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	2	-
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	264	270
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Oil and Colourman	15	-
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	2	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	12	1
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	3	1
Thatcher	2	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	18	1
Sawyer	23	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	6	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	2	1
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	4	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	2	-
Others	2	-
Paper Manufacture	141	257
Stationer, Law Stationer	24	8
Card, Pattern Card Maker	1	-
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	3	1
Others	2	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	643	26
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	1	-
Mine Service	1	-
Coal Merchant	21	-
Coalheaver	23	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	1	-
Gas Works Service	24	-
Stone Quarrier	2	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	3	-
Limeburner	7	1
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	1	-
Well Sinker, Borer	1	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	4	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	91	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	6	-
Road Labourer	14	-
Railway Contractor	1	-
Platelayer	52	1
Railway Labourer, Navvy	101	-
Others	1	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	4	12
Glass Manufacture	2	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	9	5
Waterworks Service	8	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	27	2
Others	2	1
[Iron Manufacture]	2	-
Blacksmith	116	-
Whitesmith	39	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	40	3
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	1	-
[Coppersmith]	4	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	12	-
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	4	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	2	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	6	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	5	-
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	-	1
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	2	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	3	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	1,492	89
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	37	31
Pawnbroker	6	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	20	7
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	21	2
Contractor (undefined)	8	1
General Labourer	1,269	12
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	56	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	49	18
Apprentice (undefined)	8	2
Factory Labourer (undefined)	15	14
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	3	2
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	29	-
Town Drainage Service	10	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	15	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	3	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	1	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	297	1,329
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	297	1,329
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	315	7,455
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	10	3
[Blank field, or illegible]	305	7,452

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.

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.)