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 Chester RegD	Chester Cathedral SubD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	133	10
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	39	2
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	30	-
Prison Service, &c.	1	-
Police	41	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	19	8
Other Local or County Official	3	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	114	3
Army Officer (effective/retired)	16	3
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	7	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	79	-
Army Pensioner	10	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Navy Pensioner	1	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	321	262
Clergymen (Established Church)	26	-
Roman Catholic Priest	2	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	13	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	3	3
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	2	3
Barrister, Solicitor	25	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	59	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	20	-
Dentist	8	-
Medical Student, Assistant	6	1
Midwife	-	3
Subordinate Medical Service	2	63
Schoolmaster	72	145
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	8	23
School Service, and others connected with teaching	1	3
Author, Editor, Journalist	5	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	1	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	1	-
Civil Engineer	11	-
Mining Engineer	7	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	8	-
Painter (artist)	3	4
Sculptor	2	-
Architect	14	-
Musician, Music Master	12	11
Art Student	1	-
Photographer	3	-
Actor	1	3
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	1	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	4	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	301	2,269
Domestic Coachman, Groom	81	-
Domestic Gardener	74	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	78	1,940
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	1	1
Inn, Hotel Servant	39	33
College, Club Service	1	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	2	4
Cook (not domestic)	1	4
Charwoman	-	115
Washing and Bathing Service	1	137
Hospital and Institution Service	22	33
Others engaged in Service	1	2
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	377	13
Merchant	7	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	20	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	16	-
Accountant	22	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	2	5
Commercial Traveller	52	-
Commercial Clerk	220	7
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	-	1
Banker	2	-
Bank Service	22	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	14	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	717	22
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	83	1
Railway Guard	52	1
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	14	1
Other Railway Officials and Servants	228	9
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	1	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	17	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	38	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	88	-
Tramway Companies' Service	2	-
Inland Navigation Service	8	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	24	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	3	2
Seaman (Merchant Service)	26	-
Ship Steward, Cook	3	1
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	4	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	6	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	106	3
Telegraph, Telephone Service	14	4
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	940	54
Farmer, Grazier	164	10
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	84	-
Farm Bailiff	10	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	499	41
Shepherd	3	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	1	-
Woodman	6	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	41	-
Gardener (not domestic)	132	3
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	70	1
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	36	1
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	1	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	2	-
Drover	1	-
Gamekeeper	14	-
Fisherman	16	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	90	10
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	18	3
Bookbinder	6	4
Printer	57	1
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	9	2
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	191	3
Engine, Machine Maker	31	1
Millwright	5	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	74	-
Boiler Maker	21	1
Tool Maker, Dealer	1	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	5	-
File Maker	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	16	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	3	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	1	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	1	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	5	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	25	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	1	1
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	1	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	812	27
Builder	27	-
Carpenter, Joiner	232	3
Bricklayer	119	1
Mason	57	-
Slater, Tiler	10	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	31	-
Paperhanger	2	-
Plumber	91	2
Painter, Glazier	117	1
Cabinet Maker	79	15
French Polisher	9	-
Furniture Broker, Dealer	8	4
Locksmith, Bellhanger	1	-
Gas Fitter	5	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	3	-
Wood Carver	6	-
Carver, Gilder	4	-
Dealer in Works of Art	2	-
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	2	-
Artificial Flower Maker	-	1
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	124	1
Coachmaker	38	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	24	-
Wheelwright	34	-
Others	14	1
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	14	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	56	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	21	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	29	-
Sail Maker	6	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	37	2
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	1	-
Chemist, Druggist	34	1
Manufacturing Chemist	1	1
Alkali Manufacture	1	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	47	23
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	46	23
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	1	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	520	138
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	62	17
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	2	29
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	5	8
Maltster	1	-
Brewer	16	1
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	6	1
Cellarman	2	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	19	1
Milkseller, Dairyman	9	6
Cheesemonger, Butterman	7	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	92	6
Provision Curer, Dealer	18	13
Poulterer, Game Dealer	5	1
Fishmonger	9	6
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	18	1
Corn Miller	13	-
Baker	94	11
Confectioner, Pastrycook	34	18
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	15	7
Sugar Refiner	2	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	87	11
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	3	1
Others Dealing in Food	1	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	120	41
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	1	-
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	6	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	2	2
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	2	-
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	-	1
Weaver (undefined)	-	1
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	5	1
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	3	1
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	94	32
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	3
Others	1	-
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	403	551
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	3	-
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	1
Tailor	147	25
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	4	455
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	-	27
Hosiery Manufacture	-	1
Hosier, Haberdasher	14	4
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	211	38
Patten, Clog Maker	3	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	20	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	1	-
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	38	1
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	3	1
Soap Boiler, Maker	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	1	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	9	-
Currier	13	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	11	-
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	69	5
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	14	-
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	3	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	6	-
Sawyer	12	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	4	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	15	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	2	1
Paper Manufacture	1	-
Stationer, Law Stationer	10	4
Others	1	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	495	18
Coal Miner	7	-
Mine Service	4	-
Coal Merchant	23	1
Coalheaver	15	-
Gas Works Service	9	-
Stone Quarrier	3	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	2	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	42	1
Paviour	6	1
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	2	-
Road Labourer	4	-
Railway Contractor	3	-
Platelayer	32	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	38	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	6	5
Salt Maker, Dealer	1	2
Waterworks Service	2	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	7	4
[Iron Manufacture]	108	-
Blacksmith	82	-
Whitesmith	15	-
Nail Manufacture	10	-
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	5	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	24	1
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	1	-
[Coppersmith]	2	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	12	1
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	17	2
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	1	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	10	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	2	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	708	115
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	22	53
Pawnbroker	6	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	9	19
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	17	2
Contractor (undefined)	2	-
General Labourer	511	8
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	64	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	46	4
Apprentice (undefined)	10	3
Factory Labourer (undefined)	19	1
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	2	25
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	2	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	1	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	1	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	292	988
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	292	988
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	54	3,319
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	8	1
[Blank field, or illegible]	46	3,318

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.)