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 Devon RegC	Barnstaple RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	114	13
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	38	10
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	21	1
Prison Service, &c.	1	1
Police	38	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	8	1
Other Local or County Official	7	-
East Indian and Colonial Service	1	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	112	3
Army Officer (effective/retired)	20	1
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	2	1
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	7	-
Army Pensioner	18	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	10	-
Seaman, R.N.	37	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	-	1
Navy Pensioner	18	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	308	288
Clergymen (Established Church)	46	-
Roman Catholic Priest	1	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	23	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	2	-
Nun, Sister of Charity	1	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	1	-
Barrister, Solicitor	21	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	28	1
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	19	-
Dentist	5	-
Medical Student, Assistant	5	-
Subordinate Medical Service	5	71
Schoolmaster	68	146
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	5	63
School Service, and others connected with teaching	2	-
Author, Editor, Journalist	6	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	1	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	1	-
Civil Engineer	3	-
Mining Engineer	1	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	3	-
Painter (artist)	10	1
Engraver (artist)	1	-
Architect	18	-
Musician, Music Master	14	6
Art Student	2	-
Photographer	12	-
Art, Music, Theatre Service	1	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	3	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	274	2,786
Domestic Coachman, Groom	82	-
Domestic Gardener	58	1
Domestic Indoor Servant	90	2,326
Inn, Hotel Servant	37	39
Cook (not domestic)	1	-
Charwoman	1	119
Washing and Bathing Service	4	294
Hospital and Institution Service	1	7
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	179	6
Merchant	13	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	8	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	12	-
Accountant	18	2
Commercial Traveller	33	-
Commercial Clerk	49	3
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	1	-
Banker	3	-
Bank Service	33	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	1	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	8	1
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	746	8
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	16	-
Railway Guard	10	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	109	-
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	2	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	18	1
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	43	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	48	1
Wheel Chair Proprietor, Attendant &c.	5	1
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	22	1
Navigation Service (on shore)	1	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	390	1
Pilot	21	-
Ship Steward, Cook	2	-
Boatman on Seas	2	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	5	2
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	50	-
Telegraph, Telephone Service	2	1
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	2,923	106
Farmer, Grazier	665	21
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	392	2
Farm Bailiff	20	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	1,642	81
Shepherd	29	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	5	-
Agricultural Student	3	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	1	-
Woodman	6	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	19	-
Gardener (not domestic)	141	2
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	142	1
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	3	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	60	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	6	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	9	-
Drover	2	-
Gamekeeper	30	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	2	1
Vermin Destroyer	2	-
Fisherman	28	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	70	8
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	8	5
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	-	1
Bookbinder	1	-
Printer	57	2
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	4	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	78	7
Engine, Machine Maker	9	-
Millwright	6	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	11	-
Boiler Maker	1	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	1	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	4	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	3	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	3	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	32	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	1	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	1	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	2	1
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	2	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	1	6
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	1	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,295	19
Builder	57	-
Carpenter, Joiner	451	1
Bricklayer	6	-
Mason	408	1
Plasterer, Whitewasher	14	-
Plumber	60	-
Painter, Glazier	122	-
Cabinet Maker	125	15
French Polisher	19	1
Furniture Broker, Dealer	4	-
Locksmith, Bellhanger	1	-
Gas Fitter	10	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Wood Carver	11	-
Carver, Gilder	4	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	1	1
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	100	2
Coachmaker	44	1
Wheelwright	23	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	33	1
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	47	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	6	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	38	-
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	2	-
Sail Maker	1	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	28	-
Chemist, Druggist	28	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	2	-
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	2	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	544	256
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	89	21
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	17	127
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	1	8
Maltster	19	1
Brewer	9	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	2	-
Cellarman	9	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	20	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	20	3
Butcher, Meat Salesman	107	10
Provision Curer, Dealer	1	3
Poulterer, Game Dealer	4	2
Fishmonger	9	2
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	12	-
Corn Miller	18	-
Baker	72	13
Confectioner, Pastrycook	16	13
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	9	5
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	106	48
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	4	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	196	192
Woolstapler	7	1
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	7	7
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	1	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	2	2
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	1	1
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	71	94
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	6	-
Mat Maker, Seller	1	-
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	1	2
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	1	2
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	97	73
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	10
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	427	990
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	2	-
Tailor	177	34
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	1	761
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	-	87
Hosiery Manufacture	1	-
Hosier, Haberdasher	4	1
Glover, Glove Maker	19	94
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	207	10
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	14	2
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	1	1
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	83	1
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	2	-
Manure Manufacture	3	-
Furrier, Skinner	-	1
Tanner, Fellmonger	56	-
Currier	13	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	9	-
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	152	8
Japanner	1	1
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	13	-
Thatcher	19	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	7	-
Sawyer	57	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	3	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	36	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	5	-
Paper Manufacture	6	2
Stationer, Law Stationer	5	5
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	514	8
Ironstone Miner	4	-
Lead Miner	5	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	7	-
Coal Merchant	18	3
Coalheaver	12	-
Gas Works Service	9	-
Stone Quarrier	15	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	9	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	1	-
Limeburner	4	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	1	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	12	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	12	-
Road Labourer	13	-
Railway Contractor	1	-
Platelayer	14	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	48	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	17	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	10	1
Waterworks Service	1	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	14	-
[Iron Manufacture]	28	-
Blacksmith	198	1
Whitesmith	2	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	50	2
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	8	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	-	1
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	1	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	715	77
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	24	43
Pawnbroker	-	2
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	42	9
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	35	-
Contractor (undefined)	4	-
General Labourer	513	2
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	24	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	52	18
Apprentice (undefined)	19	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	2	1
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	-	2
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	8	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	6	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	2	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	317	2,181
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	317	2,181
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	94	4,330
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	9	2
[Blank field, or illegible]	85	4,328

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".

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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.)