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 West Riding RegC	Leeds RegD/PLU/PLPar/PLPar	Kirkstall North East Leeds North Leeds South East Leeds West Leeds

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	657	45
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	1	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	168	22
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	92	3
Prison Service, &c.	-	1
Police	263	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	117	19
Other Local or County Official	16	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	457	3
Army Officer (effective/retired)	19	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	364	2
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	10	-
Army Pensioner	50	1
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Seaman, R.N.	3	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	4	-
Navy Pensioner	6	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	1,797	1,273
Clergymen (Established Church)	81	1
Roman Catholic Priest	17	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	58	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	23	17
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	15
Theological Student	68	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	29	7
Barrister, Solicitor	95	-
Law Student	11	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	188	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	91	-
Dentist	40	-
Medical Student, Assistant	65	-
Midwife	-	9
Subordinate Medical Service	22	143
Schoolmaster	286	804
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	35	61
School Service, and others connected with teaching	19	12
Author, Editor, Journalist	32	2
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	6	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	9	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	3	-
Civil Engineer	93	-
Mining Engineer	11	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	31	-
Painter (artist)	51	10
Engraver (artist)	17	-
Sculptor	10	-
Architect	70	-
Musician, Music Master	157	117
Art Student	22	2
Photographer	51	15
Actor	26	39
Art, Music, Theatre Service	24	10
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	14	8
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	42	1
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	1,137	9,276
Domestic Coachman, Groom	390	1
Domestic Gardener	189	1
Domestic Indoor Servant	143	7,578
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	9	1
Inn, Hotel Servant	283	231
College, Club Service	26	5
Office Keeper (not Government)	34	28
Cook (not domestic)	10	23
Charwoman	3	777
Washing and Bathing Service	20	560
Hospital and Institution Service	8	67
Others engaged in Service	22	4
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	3,094	106
Merchant	27	1
Broker, Agent, Factor	237	9
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	78	1
Accountant	65	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	52	28
Commercial Traveller	740	11
Commercial Clerk	1,564	52
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	3	-
Banker	4	-
Bank Service	107	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	10	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	207	4
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	3,191	49
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	47	-
Railway Guard	52	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	21	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	587	4
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	51	3
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	236	1
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	1,042	2
Tramway Companies' Service	61	-
Inland Navigation Service	15	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	136	7
Navigation Service (on shore)	1	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	37	-
Boatman on Seas	1	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	6	2
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	315	8
Meter, Weigher	7	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	552	8
Telegraph, Telephone Service	24	14
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	986	32
Farmer, Grazier	97	7
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	25	-
Farm Bailiff	11	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	428	19
Shepherd	2	-
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	3	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	7	-
Agricultural Student	1	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	7	-
Woodman	10	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	31	1
Gardener (not domestic)	364	5
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	292	5
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	37	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	198	2
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	23	1
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	15	1
Drover	10	-
Gamekeeper	2	1
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	5	-
Fisherman	1	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	1,112	150
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	89	6
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	11	3
Bookbinder	132	107
Printer	658	19
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	57	11
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	160	4
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	3	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	2	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	2,631	59
Engine, Machine Maker	586	9
Millwright	122	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	826	6
Boiler Maker	130	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	472	12
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	18	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	65	1
Cutler, Scissors Maker	25	-
File Maker	31	4
Saw Maker	10	-
Pin Maker	4	-
Needle Maker	-	2
Steel Pen Maker	-	1
Domestic Implement Maker	-	1
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	110	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	14	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	37	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	28	1
Surgical Instrument Maker	9	4
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	8	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	80	4
Type Cutter, Founder	4	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	7	3
Toy Maker, Dealer	25	11
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	13	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	5,959	332
Builder	121	1
Carpenter, Joiner	1,294	8
Bricklayer	1,151	2
Mason	829	9
Slater, Tiler	82	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	239	2
Paperhanger	27	-
Plumber	441	1
Painter, Glazier	812	5
Cabinet Maker	559	103
French Polisher	71	109
Furniture Broker, Dealer	70	7
Locksmith, Bellhanger	15	-
Gas Fitter	25	68
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	32	1
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	4	-
Others	1	-
Wood Carver	38	1
Carver, Gilder	117	9
Dealer in Works of Art	13	1
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	11	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	5	-
Artificial Flower Maker	2	5
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	496	14
Coachmaker	198	1
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	12	2
Wheelwright	122	2
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	10	-
Others	31	2
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	123	7
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	29	2
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	13	2
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	4	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	1	-
Sail Maker	11	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	418	49
Dye, Paint Manufacture	39	5
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	2	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	20	30
Chemist, Druggist	227	6
Manufacturing Chemist	75	6
Alkali Manufacture	1	1
Drysalter	54	1
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	192	145
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	170	137
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	22	8
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	3,810	849
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	336	49
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	30	166
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	42	19
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	7	-
Maltster	93	-
Brewer	277	1
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	97	9
Cellarman	52	2
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	52	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	187	35
Cheesemonger, Butterman	19	2
Butcher, Meat Salesman	723	33
Provision Curer, Dealer	173	54
Poulterer, Game Dealer	39	5
Fishmonger	143	9
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	50	8
Corn Miller	110	-
Baker	131	32
Confectioner, Pastrycook	144	180
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	286	64
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	7	11
Sugar Refiner	5	1
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	782	165
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	25	4
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	5,492	5,043
Woolstapler	20	1
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	1,853	1,719
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	170	2
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	378	214
Flannel Manufacture	2	-
Blanket Manufacture	9	7
Fuller	54	3
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	500	74
Others	1	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	16	26
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	3	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	33	111
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	3	-
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	7	6
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	288	1,173
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	5	12
Tape Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Thread Manufacturer, Dealer	-	10
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	1	-
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	33	22
Mat Maker, Seller	1	1
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	-	21
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	6	22
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	-	1
Weaver (undefined)	36	879
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	677	19
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	697	468
Felt Manufacture	41	9
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	76	22
Manchester Warehouseman	7	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	551	179
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	11	22
Trimming Maker, Dealer	2	4
Embroiderer	-	3
Others	9	12
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	5,045	6,293
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	128	375
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	4	16
Tailor	1,590	1,808
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	23	2,572
Shawl Manufacture	-	2
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	4	659
Hosiery Manufacture	1	6
Hosier, Haberdasher	48	15
Glover, Glove Maker	1	2
Button Maker, Dealer	1	-
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	3,012	795
Patten, Clog Maker	47	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	166	6
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	13	9
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	7	28
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	2,142	249
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	10	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	38	-
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	16	-
Manure Manufacture	4	1
Comb Maker	2	1
Others	2	3
Furrier, Skinner	132	40
Tanner, Fellmonger	542	4
Currier	1,174	120
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	29	5
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	3	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	186	51
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	4	24
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	999	247
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	62	-
Oil and Colourman	5	2
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	2	-
Japanner	2	1
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	8	2
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	35	10
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	44	2
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	104	3
Sawyer	143	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	6	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	102	34
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	103	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	14	1
Paper Manufacture	57	62
Envelope Maker	1	-
Stationer, Law Stationer	101	48
Card, Pattern Card Maker	2	-
Paper Stainer	165	7
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	6	71
Ticket, Label Writer	12	4
Others	25	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	6,946	255
Coal Miner	1,465	4
Ironstone Miner	99	-
Copper Miner	1	-
Lead Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	31	-
Mine Service	17	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	1	-
Coal Merchant	153	5
Coalheaver	110	2
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	12	-
Gas Works Service	156	4
Stone Quarrier	257	2
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	70	-
Slate Quarrier	2	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	15	2
Limeburner	3	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	9	1
Well Sinker, Borer	8	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	10	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	220	2
Paviour	129	-
Road Labourer	53	-
Railway Contractor	2	-
Platelayer	48	1
Railway Labourer, Navvy	193	1
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	71	10
Glass Manufacture	70	3
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	44	9
Salt Maker, Dealer	4	-
Waterworks Service	9	1
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	107	14
Gold, Silver, Beater	6	-
Lapidary	2	1
Others	-	5
[Iron Manufacture]	2,127	5
[Steel Manufacture]	19	-
Blacksmith	559	1
Whitesmith	138	-
Nail Manufacture	105	160
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	7	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	150	5
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	9	1
[Coppersmith]	15	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	177	5
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	8	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	6	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	152	5
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	6	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	45	2
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	41	3
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	3	1
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	4,424	805
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	148	201
Pawnbroker	119	12
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	313	209
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	67	11
Contractor (undefined)	30	-
General Labourer	2,450	20
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	482	1
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	648	49
Apprentice (undefined)	30	4
Factory Labourer (undefined)	96	53
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	41	245
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	200	19
Town Drainage Service	56	1
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	69	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	40	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	35	18
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	790	3,708
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	790	3,708
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	623	29,659
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	19	21
[Blank field, or illegible]	604	29,638

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.)

JISC Portsmouth Back to top

• ©2009-2024 University of Portsmouth and others
• About this site
• Expert search
• Web design by Headscape