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 Westminster RegD/PLU	Westminster St James Vest/CP

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	366	7
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	24	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	42	5
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	28	1
Prison Service, &c.	1	-
Police	208	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	18	1
Other Local or County Official	30	-
East Indian and Colonial Service	15	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	249	2
Army Officer (effective/retired)	176	1
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	13	1
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	21	-
Army Pensioner	12	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	18	-
Seaman, R.N.	3	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	1	-
Navy Pensioner	5	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	475	199
Clergymen (Established Church)	24	-
Roman Catholic Priest	2	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	1	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	5	4
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	4	4
Barrister, Solicitor	129	-
Law Student	24	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	25	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	41	-
Dentist	17	2
Medical Student, Assistant	11	-
Midwife	-	2
Subordinate Medical Service	1	69
Schoolmaster	12	46
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	16	26
School Service, and others connected with teaching	1	-
Author, Editor, Journalist	12	1
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	3	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	4	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	5	-
Civil Engineer	14	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	2	-
Painter (artist)	17	6
Engraver (artist)	3	-
Sculptor	4	-
Architect	16	-
Musician, Music Master	21	12
Art Student	1	3
Photographer	9	2
Actor	16	13
Art, Music, Theatre Service	9	3
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	10	5
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	16	1
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	1,657	3,659
Domestic Coachman, Groom	124	3
Domestic Gardener	1	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	638	3,052
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	3	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	454	199
College, Club Service	345	20
Office Keeper (not Government)	12	6
Cook (not domestic)	44	3
Charwoman	-	122
Washing and Bathing Service	20	246
Hospital and Institution Service	2	6
Others engaged in Service	14	2
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	614	55
Merchant	77	1
Broker, Agent, Factor	80	2
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	10	-
Accountant	17	1
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	10	14
Commercial Traveller	32	1
Commercial Clerk	337	36
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	4	-
Banker	17	-
Bank Service	17	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	5	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	8	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	982	12
Other Railway Officials and Servants	24	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	3	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	89	1
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	141	-
Wheel Chair Proprietor, Attendant &c.	1	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	1	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	3	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	19	-
Ship Steward, Cook	2	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	1	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	31	1
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	665	6
Telegraph, Telephone Service	2	4
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	27	11
Farmer, Grazier	8	1
Farm Bailiff	2	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	6	6
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	3	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	3	4
Gardener (not domestic)	5	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	100	1
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	1	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	85	1
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	9	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	1	-
Vermin Destroyer	1	-
Fisherman	2	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	187	29
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	28	1
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	12	-
Bookbinder	20	18
Printer	98	1
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	11	6
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	10	-
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	4	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	4	3
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	158	9
Engine, Machine Maker	15	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	11	1
Boiler Maker	1	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	1	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	4	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	1	1
Cutler, Scissors Maker	5	1
File Maker	1	-
Saw Maker	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	42	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	10	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	2	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	4	1
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	6	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	33	1
Type Cutter, Founder	2	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	14	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	-	3
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	2	1
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	3	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	572	49
Builder	19	-
Carpenter, Joiner	105	1
Bricklayer	49	-
Mason	2	-
Slater, Tiler	1	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	12	-
Paperhanger	4	-
Plumber	31	-
Painter, Glazier	122	-
Cabinet Maker	64	29
French Polisher	25	1
Furniture Broker, Dealer	6	2
Locksmith, Bellhanger	6	1
Gas Fitter	41	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	7	-
Wood Carver	6	-
Carver, Gilder	42	1
Dealer in Works of Art	20	-
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	2	1
Artificial Flower Maker	1	13
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	68	2
Coachmaker	17	-
Wheelwright	7	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	44	2
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	1	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	1	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	71	5
Dye, Paint Manufacture	4	-
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	1	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	1	-
Chemist, Druggist	50	-
Manufacturing Chemist	15	5
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	48	10
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	47	10
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	1	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	819	216
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	138	39
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	70	82
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	56	14
Brewer	10	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	2	1
Cellarman	27	1
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	33	2
Milkseller, Dairyman	26	9
Cheesemonger, Butterman	26	1
Butcher, Meat Salesman	91	3
Provision Curer, Dealer	20	3
Poulterer, Game Dealer	8	1
Fishmonger	35	2
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	2	1
Corn Miller	1	-
Baker	127	20
Confectioner, Pastrycook	31	27
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	37	4
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	-	2
Sugar Refiner	1	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	74	4
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	4	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	298	160
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	15	1
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	1	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	6	-
Others	-	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	2	-
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	36	10
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	1	-
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	2	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	1
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	4	15
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Weaver (undefined)	1	2
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	4	3
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	6	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	4	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	189	89
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	5	3
Trimming Maker, Dealer	18	11
Embroiderer	-	24
Others	1	-
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	2,042	1,892
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	14	8
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	3
Tailor	1,386	937
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	15	713
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	11	152
Hosiery Manufacture	1	1
Hosier, Haberdasher	39	9
Glover, Glove Maker	2	1
Button Maker, Dealer	3	-
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	488	47
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	70	7
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	4	3
Accoutrement Maker	5	4
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	4	7
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	88	24
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	3	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	1	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	6	-
Comb Maker	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	7	3
Currier	8	1
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	46	5
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	1	4
Brush, Broom, Maker	12	2
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	3	9
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	104	52
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	-	3
Oil and Colourman	25	-
Japanner	1	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	1	5
Others	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	5	6
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	1	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	3	1
Sawyer	1	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	12	2
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	6	-
Paper Manufacture	5	1
Envelope Maker	2	7
Stationer, Law Stationer	28	18
Card, Pattern Card Maker	2	3
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	9	2
Ticket, Label Writer	1	4
Others	1	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	303	22
Mine Service	4	-
Coal Merchant	7	-
Coalheaver	7	-
Gas Works Service	2	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	5	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	3	-
Paviour	1	-
Road Labourer	2	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	6	1
Glass Manufacture	15	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	9	1
Waterworks Service	2	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	122	9
Gold, Silver, Beater	2	-
Lapidary	2	-
Others	8	6
[Iron Manufacture]	1	-
Blacksmith	24	-
Whitesmith	11	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	7	2
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	4	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	15	-
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	5	1
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	25	-
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	2	1
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	6	1
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	4	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	1	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	367	220
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	56	76
Pawnbroker	14	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	4	6
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	30	7
Contractor (undefined)	3	1
General Labourer	132	1
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	11	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	64	41
Apprentice (undefined)	16	6
Factory Labourer (undefined)	24	3
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	13	79
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	24	2
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	10	2
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	9	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	5	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	247	869
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	247	869
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	220	2,907
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	13	5
[Blank field, or illegible]	207	2,902

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.)