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 Middlesex RegC	Westminster RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	420	13
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	24	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	46	8
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	34	1
Prison Service, &c.	1	-
Police	249	2
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	21	2
Other Local or County Official	30	-
East Indian and Colonial Service	15	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	262	2
Army Officer (effective/retired)	178	1
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	17	1
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	21	-
Army Pensioner	16	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	18	-
Seaman, R.N.	4	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	1	-
Navy Pensioner	7	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	678	349
Clergymen (Established Church)	29	-
Roman Catholic Priest	9	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	2	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	6	6
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	19
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	7	8
Barrister, Solicitor	131	-
Law Student	24	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	42	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	58	-
Dentist	24	2
Medical Student, Assistant	17	-
Midwife	-	3
Subordinate Medical Service	5	104
Schoolmaster	18	76
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	30	46
School Service, and others connected with teaching	2	3
Author, Editor, Journalist	14	1
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	3	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	4	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	12	1
Civil Engineer	17	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	3	-
Painter (artist)	34	9
Engraver (artist)	23	-
Sculptor	8	-
Architect	18	-
Musician, Music Master	48	20
Art Student	3	4
Photographer	10	3
Actor	25	29
Art, Music, Theatre Service	16	8
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	15	6
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	21	1
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	2,151	4,860
Domestic Coachman, Groom	139	3
Domestic Gardener	1	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	790	3,821
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	3	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	734	270
College, Club Service	351	21
Office Keeper (not Government)	17	9
Cook (not domestic)	60	5
Charwoman	-	242
Washing and Bathing Service	30	452
Hospital and Institution Service	6	35
Others engaged in Service	20	2
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	819	70
Merchant	87	1
Broker, Agent, Factor	96	2
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	14	-
Accountant	20	1
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	16	20
Commercial Traveller	66	1
Commercial Clerk	463	45
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	4	-
Banker	17	-
Bank Service	17	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	6	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	13	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,499	22
Railway Guard	2	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	34	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	3	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	113	1
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	224	1
Wheel Chair Proprietor, Attendant &c.	1	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	2	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	3	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	30	-
Ship Steward, Cook	3	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	2	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	54	5
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	1,025	10
Telegraph, Telephone Service	3	5
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	42	18
Farmer, Grazier	9	1
Farm Bailiff	2	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	11	9
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	3	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	10	8
Gardener (not domestic)	7	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	129	2
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	2	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	106	2
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	13	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	1	-
Drover	1	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	2	-
Vermin Destroyer	1	-
Fisherman	2	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	435	78
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	46	1
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	28	2
Bookbinder	45	58
Printer	260	3
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	17	8
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	26	-
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	5	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	8	6
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	320	13
Engine, Machine Maker	19	-
Millwright	1	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	20	1
Boiler Maker	1	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	1	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	1	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	3	1
Cutler, Scissors Maker	8	1
File Maker	1	-
Saw Maker	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	94	1
Philosophical Instrument Maker	19	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	9	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	3	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	11	2
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	16	-
Sword, Bayonet - Maker, Cutler	2	1
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	60	1
Type Cutter, Founder	4	1
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	23	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	8	3
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	3	1
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	5	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,220	102
Builder	34	-
Carpenter, Joiner	206	3
Bricklayer	95	-
Mason	20	1
Slater, Tiler	1	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	24	1
Paperhanger	9	-
Plumber	58	-
Painter, Glazier	264	2
Cabinet Maker	169	56
French Polisher	61	2
Furniture Broker, Dealer	21	5
Locksmith, Bellhanger	11	1
Gas Fitter	62	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	11	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	13	-
Others	2	-
Wood Carver	12	-
Carver, Gilder	102	1
Dealer in Works of Art	35	2
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	3	1
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	4	1
Artificial Flower Maker	3	26
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	137	5
Coachmaker	46	-
Wheelwright	7	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	84	5
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.	103	6
Dye, Paint Manufacture	5	-
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	13	1
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	2	-
Chemist, Druggist	60	-
Manufacturing Chemist	23	5
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	87	19
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	79	19
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	8	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	1,255	314
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	209	49
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	76	100
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	85	23
Brewer	27	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	2	1
Cellarman	45	1
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	46	3
Milkseller, Dairyman	41	11
Cheesemonger, Butterman	41	3
Butcher, Meat Salesman	149	6
Provision Curer, Dealer	35	4
Poulterer, Game Dealer	14	1
Fishmonger	46	3
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	2	3
Corn Miller	1	-
Baker	195	26
Confectioner, Pastrycook	63	49
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	54	10
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	5	14
Sugar Refiner	4	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	110	7
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	5	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	381	278
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	26	1
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	1	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	9	-
Others	-	2
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	4	1
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	36	11
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	1	-
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	2	-
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	1	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	2
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	4	18
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	1	-
Weaver (undefined)	2	4
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	8	6
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	10	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	6	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	237	127
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	8	12
Trimming Maker, Dealer	21	30
Embroiderer	-	64
Others	1	-
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	2,927	2,832
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	35	17
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	4
Tailor	1,799	1,289
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	25	1,094
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	13	267
Hosiery Manufacture	1	1
Hosier, Haberdasher	54	10
Glover, Glove Maker	2	3
Button Maker, Dealer	4	1
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	844	98
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	124	11
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	10	8
Accoutrement Maker	12	19
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	4	10
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	167	46
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	5	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	4	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	8	-
Comb Maker	2	-
Others	3	-
Furrier, Skinner	9	6
Tanner, Fellmonger	-	1
Currier	20	2
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	86	9
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	2	8
Brush, Broom, Maker	24	7
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	4	13
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	207	106
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	-	3
Oil and Colourman	35	-
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	1	1
Japanner	6	1
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	2	6
Others	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	13	12
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	2	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	7	1
Sawyer	3	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	21	3
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	17	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	2	1
Paper Manufacture	7	1
Envelope Maker	4	16
Stationer, Law Stationer	61	34
Card, Pattern Card Maker	2	3
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	11	8
Ticket, Label Writer	6	16
Others	6	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	655	53
Mine Service	4	-
Coal Merchant	14	1
Coalheaver	15	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	1	-
Gas Works Service	5	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	9	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	4	1
Paviour	4	-
Road Labourer	4	-
Others	1	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	12	3
Glass Manufacture	31	4
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	17	1
Waterworks Service	4	-
Others	1	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	233	15
Gold, Silver, Beater	4	-
Lapidary	16	-
Others	21	11
[Iron Manufacture]	10	-
Blacksmith	54	-
Whitesmith	15	-
Nail Manufacture	1	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	12	3
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	7	-
[Coppersmith]	9	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	42	-
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	2	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	13	2
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	56	-
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	3	11
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	13	1
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	12	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	6	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	676	390
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	123	142
Pawnbroker	26	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	26	38
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	40	10
Contractor (undefined)	3	1
General Labourer	259	3
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	20	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	90	52
Apprentice (undefined)	27	8
Factory Labourer (undefined)	46	16
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	16	120
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	35	3
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	18	3
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	10	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	7	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	291	1,116
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	291	1,116
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	314	5,109
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	27	14
[Blank field, or illegible]	287	5,095

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.)