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 Bethnal Green RegD/PLPar	Bethnal Green Vest/ExP/CP

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	410	23
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	2	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	80	15
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	120	1
Police	166	1
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	40	6
Other Local or County Official	2	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	67	2
Army Officer (effective/retired)	2	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	31	2
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	12	-
Army Pensioner	10	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	2	-
Seaman, R.N.	8	-
Navy Pensioner	2	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	467	413
Clergymen (Established Church)	18	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	9	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	28	18
Theological Student	3	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	7	5
Barrister, Solicitor	7	-
Law Student	1	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	57	2
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	32	-
Dentist	5	-
Medical Student, Assistant	25	-
Midwife	-	5
Subordinate Medical Service	5	146
Schoolmaster	77	130
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	2	16
School Service, and others connected with teaching	17	30
Author, Editor, Journalist	7	2
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	5	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	1	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	2	2
Civil Engineer	5	-
Mining Engineer	1	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	2	-
Painter (artist)	27	3
Engraver (artist)	6	1
Architect	6	-
Musician, Music Master	58	40
Photographer	20	4
Actor	9	7
Art, Music, Theatre Service	6	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	10	2
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	9	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	703	3,642
Domestic Coachman, Groom	43	-
Domestic Gardener	4	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	159	2,147
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	10	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	421	151
Office Keeper (not Government)	8	26
Cook (not domestic)	27	9
Charwoman	-	336
Washing and Bathing Service	13	939
Hospital and Institution Service	7	32
Others engaged in Service	11	2
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	1,129	37
Merchant	3	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	42	2
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	23	-
Accountant	16	2
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	34	2
Commercial Traveller	238	3
Commercial Clerk	725	27
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	1	1
Bank Service	8	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	1	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	38	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	4,372	53
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	5	-
Railway Guard	32	1
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	10	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	417	4
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	22	1
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	232	2
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	1,432	6
Tramway Companies' Service	18	2
Inland Navigation Service	2	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	25	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	3	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	71	1
Ship Steward, Cook	15	1
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	440	3
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	365	14
Meter, Weigher	2	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	1,266	13
Telegraph, Telephone Service	15	5
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	105	29
Farmer, Grazier	6	1
Farm Bailiff	4	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	41	14
Shepherd	1	-
Woodman	21	6
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	5	8
Gardener (not domestic)	27	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	287	16
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	10	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	147	2
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	55	2
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	7	-
Drover	13	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	15	3
Vermin Destroyer	1	1
Fisherman	2	1
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	37	7
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	1,264	379
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	39	2
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	5	-
Bookbinder	286	328
Printer	816	44
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	16	3
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	93	1
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	7	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	2	1
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	809	99
Engine, Machine Maker	62	2
Millwright	9	1
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	112	-
Boiler Maker	33	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	21	1
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	11	5
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	16	1
Cutler, Scissors Maker	10	1
File Maker	12	-
Saw Maker	22	1
Pin Maker	-	1
Pencil Maker (Wood)	1	-
Domestic Implement Maker	4	1
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	61	3
Philosophical Instrument Maker	31	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	12	3
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	69	1
Surgical Instrument Maker	15	1
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	23	2
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	104	9
Type Cutter, Founder	52	1
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	11	2
Toy Maker, Dealer	95	53
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	8	6
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	14	4
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	6,841	394
Builder	62	4
Carpenter, Joiner	755	4
Bricklayer	541	-
Mason	178	4
Slater, Tiler	13	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	104	-
Paperhanger	60	-
Plumber	105	-
Painter, Glazier	538	3
Cabinet Maker	3,180	146
French Polisher	341	89
Furniture Broker, Dealer	24	1
Locksmith, Bellhanger	23	-
Gas Fitter	91	1
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	46	1
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	47	1
Others	1	-
Wood Carver	295	-
Carver, Gilder	412	12
Dealer in Works of Art	4	2
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	2	3
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	5	4
Artificial Flower Maker	14	119
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	295	34
Coachmaker	68	1
Wheelwright	101	1
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Others	17	5
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	108	27
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	33	1
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	24	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	2	1
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	1	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	3	-
Sail Maker	3	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	155	56
Dye, Paint Manufacture	18	2
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	6	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	21	19
Chemist, Druggist	71	2
Manufacturing Chemist	33	31
Alkali Manufacture	-	1
Drysalter	6	1
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	395	204
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	368	193
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	27	11
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	2,529	385
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	159	12
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	3	12
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	83	23
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Maltster	8	1
Brewer	150	2
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	98	28
Cellarman	108	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	72	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	111	10
Cheesemonger, Butterman	70	6
Butcher, Meat Salesman	368	15
Provision Curer, Dealer	55	12
Poulterer, Game Dealer	24	2
Fishmonger	248	41
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	34	6
Corn Miller	5	-
Baker	337	32
Confectioner, Pastrycook	123	101
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	134	34
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	11	8
Sugar Refiner	44	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	247	31
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	36	9
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	1,218	1,994
Woolstapler	8	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	24	10
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	1	-
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	10	5
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	10	4
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	494	947
Silk Dyer, Printer	26	1
Ribbon Manufacture	1	6
Crepe, Gauze Manufacture	-	2
Silk Merchant, Dealer	10	1
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	9	27
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	3	5
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	1	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	2	6
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	5	16
[Others]	1	-
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	12	1
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	127	8
Mat Maker, Seller	28	5
Net Maker	3	3
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	-	1
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	3	7
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	1	10
Weaver (undefined)	48	57
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	51	15
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	17	10
Felt Manufacture	6	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	38	7
Manchester Warehouseman	2	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	119	111
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	27	73
Trimming Maker, Dealer	130	633
Embroiderer	1	21
Others	-	2
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	4,227	5,129
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	96	54
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	5	7
Tailor	365	996
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	58	1,464
Shawl Manufacture	-	1
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	35	702
Hosiery Manufacture	2	14
Hosier, Haberdasher	34	152
Glover, Glove Maker	-	2
Button Maker, Dealer	3	49
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	3,309	1,553
Patten, Clog Maker	3	1
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	79	4
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	231	111
Accoutrement Maker	1	3
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	6	16
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	677	557
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	21	5
Soap Boiler, Maker	22	2
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	4	-
Manure Manufacture	2	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	79	1
Comb Maker	8	1
Others	13	5
Furrier, Skinner	70	119
Tanner, Fellmonger	4	-
Currier	107	6
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	62	22
Parchment, Vellum - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	68	19
Brush, Broom, Maker	203	242
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	13	135
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	2,142	1,504
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	11	1
Oil and Colourman	102	9
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	11	-
Japanner	55	2
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	11	2
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	8	12
Others	18	2
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	98	124
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	12	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	228	27
Sawyer	206	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	19	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	422	450
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	211	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	95	5
Paper Manufacture	82	40
Envelope Maker	19	103
Stationer, Law Stationer	218	50
Card, Pattern Card Maker	13	7
Paper Stainer	93	20
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	184	630
Ticket, Label Writer	14	7
Others	12	13
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	1,572	80
Coal Miner	1	-
Ironstone Miner	-	1
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	2	-
Coal Merchant	45	4
Coalheaver	76	1
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	10	-
Gas Works Service	54	-
Stone Quarrier	1	2
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	20	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	3	-
Limeburner	2	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	-	1
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	36	1
Paviour	4	1
Road Labourer	7	-
Railway Contractor	1	-
Platelayer	17	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	30	-
Others	-	1
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	12	4
Glass Manufacture	138	6
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	26	4
Salt Maker, Dealer	3	1
Waterworks Service	3	-
Others	3	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	69	5
Gold, Silver, Beater	26	1
Lapidary	6	3
Others	11	10
[Iron Manufacture]	101	6
Blacksmith	228	1
Whitesmith	20	-
Nail Manufacture	1	1
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	3	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	54	2
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	72	-
[Coppersmith]	10	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	230	13
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	19	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	6	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	11	1
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	113	1
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	2	1
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	25	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	47	6
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	1	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	15	-
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	4	1
Others	4	1
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	3,506	1,352
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	522	224
Pawnbroker	71	4
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	444	180
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	59	22
Contractor (undefined)	7	-
General Labourer	1,721	16
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	141	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	317	65
Apprentice (undefined)	25	4
Factory Labourer (undefined)	168	41
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	31	796
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	69	7
Town Drainage Service	7	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	28	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	26	1
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	8	6
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	323	1,548
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	323	1,548
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	779	17,682
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	48	55
[Blank field, or illegible]	731	17,627

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.

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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.)

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