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 Wiltshire RegC Chippenham RegD/PLU
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 83 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 20 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 24 Show data context -
  Police 19 Show data context -
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 8 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Other Local or County Official 12 Show data context -
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 26 Show data context -
  Army Officer (effective/retired) 4 Show data context -
  Soldier and Non-commissioned officer 4 Show data context -
  Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers 6 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 4 Show data context -
  Navy Officer (effective/retired) 3 Show data context -
  Royal Marines (officers/men) 1 Show data context -
  Navy Pensioner 4 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 136 Show data context 158 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 28 Show data context -
  Roman Catholic Priest 1 Show data context -
  Minister, Priest of other religious bodies 8 Show data context -
  Nun, Sister of Charity - 5 Show data context
  Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant 2 Show data context -
  Barrister, Solicitor 10 Show data context -
  Law Student 1 Show data context -
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 21 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 9 Show data context -
  Dentist 1 Show data context -
  Medical Student, Assistant 3 Show data context -
  Subordinate Medical Service 1 Show data context 32 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 27 Show data context 82 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer 3 Show data context 29 Show data context
  School Service, and others connected with teaching - 1 Show data context
  Author, Editor, Journalist 1 Show data context -
  Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits 1 Show data context -
  Civil Engineer 1 Show data context -
  Mining Engineer 1 Show data context -
  Land, House, Ship, Surveyor 3 Show data context -
  Painter (artist) 1 Show data context -
  Architect 2 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 5 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Art Student - 2 Show data context
  Photographer 4 Show data context -
  Art, Music, Theatre Service 1 Show data context -
  Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service 1 Show data context -
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 221 Show data context 1,181 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 82 Show data context -
  Domestic Gardener 57 Show data context -
  Domestic Indoor Servant 63 Show data context 971 Show data context
  Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government) 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Inn, Hotel Servant 12 Show data context 14 Show data context
  Office Keeper (not Government) - 2 Show data context
  Cook (not domestic) 2 Show data context -
  Charwoman - 51 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service - 139 Show data context
  Hospital and Institution Service 4 Show data context 3 Show data context
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 76 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Merchant 1 Show data context -
  Broker, Agent, Factor 2 Show data context -
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 6 Show data context -
  Accountant 1 Show data context -
  Commercial Traveller 12 Show data context -
  Commercial Clerk 35 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Banker 1 Show data context -
  Bank Service 12 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 6 Show data context -
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 201 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Railway Engine Driver, Stoker 11 Show data context -
  Railway Guard 1 Show data context -
  Pointsman, Level Crossing Man 6 Show data context -
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 71 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper 1 Show data context -
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 6 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 69 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman 1 Show data context -
  Seaman (Merchant Service) 2 Show data context -
  Ship Steward, Cook 1 Show data context -
  Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service 1 Show data context -
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 29 Show data context -
  Telegraph, Telephone Service 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 1,737 Show data context 105 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 208 Show data context 20 Show data context
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 98 Show data context -
  Farm Bailiff 34 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 1,232 Show data context 82 Show data context
  Shepherd 44 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant 9 Show data context -
  Woodman 10 Show data context -
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist 8 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Gardener (not domestic) 94 Show data context 2 Show data context
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 78 Show data context -
  Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 45 Show data context -
  Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier 4 Show data context -
  Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman 4 Show data context -
  Drover 2 Show data context -
  Gamekeeper 22 Show data context -
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 19 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Bookbinder 1 Show data context -
  Printer 9 Show data context -
  Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper 5 Show data context -
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 53 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 3 Show data context -
  Millwright 4 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 10 Show data context -
  Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker - 1 Show data context
  Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker 3 Show data context -
  Tool Maker, Dealer 14 Show data context -
  Cutler, Scissors Maker 2 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 10 Show data context -
  Electrical Apparatus Maker 6 Show data context -
  Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 546 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Builder 16 Show data context -
  Carpenter, Joiner 177 Show data context -
  Bricklayer 8 Show data context -
  Mason 231 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Slater, Tiler 12 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 26 Show data context -
  Paperhanger 1 Show data context -
  Plumber 21 Show data context -
  Painter, Glazier 33 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Cabinet Maker 16 Show data context -
  French Polisher 1 Show data context -
  Furniture Broker, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Gas Fitter 1 Show data context -
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 45 Show data context -
  Coachmaker 11 Show data context -
  Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker 1 Show data context -
  Wheelwright 18 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 15 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 12 Show data context -
  Dye, Paint Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Chemist, Druggist 9 Show data context -
  Manufacturing Chemist 1 Show data context -
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES. - 2 Show data context
  Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist - 2 Show data context
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 362 Show data context 98 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 42 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper - 1 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 1 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Maltster 13 Show data context -
  Brewer 36 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 2 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Cellarman 2 Show data context -
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 3 Show data context -
  Milkseller, Dairyman 20 Show data context 17 Show data context
  Cheesemonger, Butterman 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 37 Show data context -
  Provision Curer, Dealer 16 Show data context 36 Show data context
  Fishmonger 2 Show data context -
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 9 Show data context -
  Corn Miller 29 Show data context -
  Baker 74 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 1 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 4 Show data context -
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 63 Show data context 17 Show data context
  Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer 7 Show data context -
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 125 Show data context 134 Show data context
  Woolstapler 1 Show data context -
  Woollen Cloth Manufacture 63 Show data context 61 Show data context
  Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer 5 Show data context -
  Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture 3 Show data context -
  Fuller 2 Show data context -
  Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture 1 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Weaver (undefined) 21 Show data context 12 Show data context
  Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined) 3 Show data context -
  Factory Hand (textile, undefined) 5 Show data context 20 Show data context
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 20 Show data context 28 Show data context
  Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Others - 2 Show data context
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 130 Show data context 245 Show data context
  Hatter, Hat Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture - 3 Show data context
  Tailor 38 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker - 195 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress - 31 Show data context
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 84 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 6 Show data context -
  Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES. 33 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture 3 Show data context -
  Soap Boiler, Maker 5 Show data context -
  Tanner, Fellmonger 19 Show data context -
  Brush, Broom, Maker 6 Show data context 1 Show data context
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 113 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Oil and Colourman 1 Show data context -
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 3 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Thatcher 11 Show data context -
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 6 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Sawyer 38 Show data context -
  Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker 8 Show data context -
  Wood Turner, Box Maker 2 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 30 Show data context -
  Paper Manufacture 10 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Stationer, Law Stationer 2 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Ticket, Label Writer 1 Show data context -
  Others 1 Show data context -
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 804 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Miner, in other or undefined Minerals 5 Show data context -
  [Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook] 9 Show data context -
  Coal Merchant 13 Show data context -
  Coalheaver 7 Show data context -
  Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 5 Show data context -
  Stone Quarrier 489 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer 47 Show data context -
  Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 19 Show data context -
  Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector 3 Show data context -
  Road Labourer 18 Show data context -
  Railway Contractor 2 Show data context -
  Platelayer 5 Show data context -
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 60 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  [Iron Manufacture] 17 Show data context -
  Blacksmith 79 Show data context -
  Whitesmith 1 Show data context -
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 9 Show data context -
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 9 Show data context -
  Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier 3 Show data context -
  Others - 1 Show data context
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 450 Show data context 29 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 12 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 9 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) - 1 Show data context
  Contractor (undefined) 2 Show data context -
  General Labourer 391 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 16 Show data context -
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 15 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Apprentice (undefined) 2 Show data context -
  Factory Labourer (undefined) - 5 Show data context
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) 3 Show data context -
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 7 Show data context -
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 5 Show data context -
  Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper 1 Show data context -
  Rag Gatherer, Dealer 1 Show data context -
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 103 Show data context 900 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 103 Show data context 900 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 81 Show data context 2,809 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] 1 Show data context 7 Show data context
  [Blank field, or illegible] 80 Show data context 2,802 Show data context

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.)