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 Swansea RegD/PLU	Swansea SubD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	225	4
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	2	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	88	-
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	29	-
Prison Service, &c.	9	-
Police	66	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	20	4
Other Local or County Official	11	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	46	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	2	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	4	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	14	-
Army Pensioner	11	-
Seaman, R.N.	6	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	1	-
Navy Pensioner	8	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	486	358
Clergymen (Established Church)	14	-
Roman Catholic Priest	5	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	37	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	3	1
Theological Student	8	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	2	-
Barrister, Solicitor	35	2
Law Student	5	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	72	1
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	21	1
Dentist	11	-
Medical Student, Assistant	11	-
Midwife	-	2
Subordinate Medical Service	3	49
Schoolmaster	77	222
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	6	36
School Service, and others connected with teaching	2	1
Author, Editor, Journalist	5	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	3	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	16	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	4	1
Civil Engineer	32	-
Mining Engineer	17	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	16	-
Painter (artist)	5	1
Sculptor	3	-
Architect	4	-
Musician, Music Master	35	24
Art Student	-	2
Photographer	14	5
Actor	9	7
Art, Music, Theatre Service	1	2
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	4	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	6	1
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	182	3,320
Domestic Coachman, Groom	38	-
Domestic Gardener	23	1
Domestic Indoor Servant	68	2,766
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	1	3
Inn, Hotel Servant	37	117
College, Club Service	4	1
Office Keeper (not Government)	3	13
Cook (not domestic)	1	3
Charwoman	-	151
Washing and Bathing Service	-	249
Hospital and Institution Service	4	14
Others engaged in Service	3	2
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	914	14
Merchant	22	2
Broker, Agent, Factor	82	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	25	-
Accountant	92	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	1	-
Commercial Traveller	141	2
Commercial Clerk	461	9
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	1	-
Banker	1	-
Bank Service	33	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	7	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	48	1
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	2,183	20
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	107	1
Railway Guard	47	2
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	18	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	252	3
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	7	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	17	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	74	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	64	-
Tramway Companies' Service	14	1
Inland Navigation Service	4	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	22	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	21	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	900	3
Pilot	43	2
Ship Steward, Cook	17	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	415	6
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	21	-
Meter, Weigher	8	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	116	1
Telegraph, Telephone Service	16	1
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	188	26
Farmer, Grazier	27	-
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	6	-
Farm Bailiff	15	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	55	17
Shepherd	1	-
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	1	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	-	1
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	3	1
Gardener (not domestic)	80	7
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	66	1
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	31	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	11	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	8	-
Gamekeeper	2	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	-	1
Fisherman	14	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	129	13
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	23	6
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	3	-
Bookbinder	11	7
Printer	78	-
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	10	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	2	-
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	2	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	395	11
Engine, Machine Maker	54	3
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	164	-
Boiler Maker	124	1
Cutler, Scissors Maker	1	-
Saw Maker	1	-
Pin Maker	-	1
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	32	2
Philosophical Instrument Maker	4	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	4	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	4	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	2	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	5	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	-	4
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,464	33
Builder	44	-
Carpenter, Joiner	452	2
Bricklayer	16	-
Mason	462	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	62	-
Plumber	100	-
Painter, Glazier	219	4
Cabinet Maker	60	20
French Polisher	10	-
Furniture Broker, Dealer	9	4
Gas Fitter	10	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	7	-
Wood Carver	2	-
Carver, Gilder	6	-
Dealer in Works of Art	1	-
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Artificial Flower Maker	1	3
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	124	-
Coachmaker	36	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	33	-
Wheelwright	34	-
Others	4	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	17	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	399	2
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	25	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	219	-
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	23	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	74	2
Sail Maker	58	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	100	8
Dye, Paint Manufacture	2	1
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	2	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	2	6
Chemist, Druggist	56	1
Manufacturing Chemist	33	-
Alkali Manufacture	5	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	11	11
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	9	9
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	2	2
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	929	356
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	182	48
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	4	55
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	5	6
Maltster	8	-
Brewer	28	1
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	12	2
Cellarman	13	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	14	2
Milkseller, Dairyman	18	14
Cheesemonger, Butterman	2	4
Butcher, Meat Salesman	131	35
Provision Curer, Dealer	13	2
Poulterer, Game Dealer	2	4
Fishmonger	14	15
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	14	-
Corn Miller	8	-
Baker	109	7
Confectioner, Pastrycook	45	22
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	50	53
Sugar Refiner	3	2
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	249	80
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	5	4
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	265	134
Woolstapler	1	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	16	1
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	2	-
Flannel Manufacture	1	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	-	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	1	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	-	1
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	-	3
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	4	-
Mat Maker, Seller	1	-
Net Maker	-	1
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	1	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Weaver (undefined)	8	3
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	6	1
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	1	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	218	117
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	4	6
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	450	1,084
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	4	1
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	2
Tailor	213	52
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	1	949
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	-	55
Hosiery Manufacture	-	1
Hosier, Haberdasher	3	1
Glover, Glove Maker	-	1
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	173	17
Patten, Clog Maker	6	1
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	43	2
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	7	2
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	51	12
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	8	1
Manure Manufacture	2	6
Others	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	4	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	18	-
Currier	8	2
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	4	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	6	2
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	-	1
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	226	16
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	6	-
Oil and Colourman	-	1
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	4	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	36	9
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	12	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	23	-
Sawyer	68	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	6	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	8	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	35	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	4	-
Paper Manufacture	1	-
Stationer, Law Stationer	11	5
Ticket, Label Writer	1	-
Others	6	1
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	2,169	54
Coal Miner	143	2
Ironstone Miner	2	-
Copper Miner	9	-
Tin Miner	1	-
Lead Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	3	1
Mine Service	27	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	158	1
Coal Merchant	108	3
Coalheaver	68	-
Gas Works Service	26	-
Stone Quarrier	8	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	4	1
Slate Quarrier	17	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	2	-
Limeburner	2	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	6	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	18	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	2	-
Road Labourer	11	-
Railway Contractor	4	-
Platelayer	41	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	77	-
Others	1	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	23	1
Glass Manufacture	1	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	12	4
Waterworks Service	2	-
Others	1	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	21	-
Others	32	-
[Iron Manufacture]	104	2
[Steel Manufacture]	99	1
Blacksmith	264	2
Whitesmith	1	-
Nail Manufacture	9	3
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	6	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	59	1
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	-	2
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	399	2
[Coppersmith]	14	2
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	191	26
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	129	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	5	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	43	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	6	-
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	6	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	1	-
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	1	-
Others	1	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	2,487	128
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	62	39
Pawnbroker	33	4
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	37	43
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	100	1
Contractor (undefined)	11	-
General Labourer	1,914	13
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	226	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	66	16
Apprentice (undefined)	5	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	32	5
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	1	7
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	16	3
Town Drainage Service	2	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	9	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	2	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	3	3
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	322	3,269
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	322	3,269
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	171	6,028
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	18	6
[Blank field, or illegible]	153	6,022

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.)