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 Wirral RegD/PLU Liscard CP/Tn  
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 60 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 16 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 8 Show data context -
  Police 11 Show data context -
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 21 Show data context -
  Other Local or County Official 4 Show data context -
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 36 Show data context -
  Army Officer (effective/retired) 4 Show data context -
  Soldier and Non-commissioned officer 14 Show data context -
  Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers 6 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 2 Show data context -
  Navy Officer (effective/retired) 1 Show data context -
  Seaman, R.N. 4 Show data context -
  Royal Marines (officers/men) 1 Show data context -
  Navy Pensioner 4 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 153 Show data context 158 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 5 Show data context -
  Roman Catholic Priest 2 Show data context -
  Minister, Priest of other religious bodies 8 Show data context -
  Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Theological Student 4 Show data context -
  Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant - 1 Show data context
  Barrister, Solicitor 17 Show data context -
  Law Student 2 Show data context -
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 13 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 5 Show data context -
  Dentist 2 Show data context -
  Medical Student, Assistant 5 Show data context -
  Midwife - 2 Show data context
  Subordinate Medical Service 1 Show data context 20 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 15 Show data context 101 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer 2 Show data context 17 Show data context
  School Service, and others connected with teaching 1 Show data context -
  Author, Editor, Journalist 2 Show data context -
  Civil Engineer 8 Show data context -
  Mining Engineer 3 Show data context -
  Land, House, Ship, Surveyor 5 Show data context -
  Painter (artist) 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Engraver (artist) 1 Show data context -
  Sculptor 1 Show data context -
  Architect 11 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 2 Show data context 12 Show data context
  Art Student 5 Show data context -
  Photographer 18 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Art, Music, Theatre Service 2 Show data context -
  Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service 5 Show data context -
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 152 Show data context 1,264 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 35 Show data context -
  Domestic Gardener 77 Show data context -
  Domestic Indoor Servant 23 Show data context 1,107 Show data context
  Inn, Hotel Servant 14 Show data context 23 Show data context
  College, Club Service 1 Show data context -
  Office Keeper (not Government) 1 Show data context -
  Cook (not domestic) - 3 Show data context
  Charwoman - 37 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service - 92 Show data context
  Hospital and Institution Service 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 563 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Merchant 22 Show data context -
  Broker, Agent, Factor 105 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 12 Show data context -
  Accountant 35 Show data context -
  Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified) 2 Show data context -
  Commercial Traveller 28 Show data context -
  Commercial Clerk 314 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c. 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Bank Service 20 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 24 Show data context -
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 292 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Railway Engine Driver, Stoker 1 Show data context -
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 4 Show data context -
  Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper 3 Show data context -
  Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper 8 Show data context -
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 9 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 37 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Tramway Companies' Service 10 Show data context -
  Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman 14 Show data context -
  Navigation Service (on shore) 13 Show data context -
  Seaman (Merchant Service) 110 Show data context -
  Pilot 24 Show data context -
  Ship Steward, Cook 8 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service 23 Show data context -
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 4 Show data context -
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 21 Show data context -
  Telegraph, Telephone Service 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 49 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 7 Show data context -
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 3 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 24 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture 1 Show data context -
  Woodman 1 Show data context -
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist 4 Show data context -
  Gardener (not domestic) 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 25 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 13 Show data context -
  Fisherman 12 Show data context -
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 12 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 3 Show data context -
  Bookbinder 2 Show data context -
  Printer 4 Show data context -
  Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Lithographer, Lithographic Printer 1 Show data context -
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 47 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 10 Show data context -
  Millwright 1 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 7 Show data context -
  Boiler Maker 2 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker 1 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 14 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Philosophical Instrument Maker 6 Show data context -
  Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker 1 Show data context -
  Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Toy Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 535 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Builder 36 Show data context -
  Carpenter, Joiner 158 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Bricklayer 87 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Mason 45 Show data context -
  Slater, Tiler 8 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 57 Show data context -
  Paperhanger 1 Show data context -
  Plumber 59 Show data context -
  Painter, Glazier 68 Show data context -
  Cabinet Maker 8 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Furniture Broker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Gas Fitter 2 Show data context -
  House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Carver, Gilder 1 Show data context -
  Dealer in Works of Art 1 Show data context -
  Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist 2 Show data context -
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 6 Show data context -
  Wheelwright 1 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 5 Show data context -
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS. 25 Show data context -
  Ship, Boat, Barge Builder 6 Show data context -
  Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore) 12 Show data context -
  Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter 4 Show data context -
  Sail Maker 3 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 25 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Dye, Paint Manufacture 4 Show data context -
  Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Chemist, Druggist 17 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Manufacturing Chemist 1 Show data context -
  Drysalter 1 Show data context -
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES. 4 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist 4 Show data context 4 Show data context
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 228 Show data context 143 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 22 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper 5 Show data context 68 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 7 Show data context 17 Show data context
  Brewer 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 2 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Cellarman 1 Show data context -
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 10 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Milkseller, Dairyman 8 Show data context -
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 33 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Provision Curer, Dealer 6 Show data context -
  Fishmonger 6 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 8 Show data context -
  Corn Miller 14 Show data context -
  Baker 39 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 6 Show data context 31 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 6 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Sugar Refiner 3 Show data context -
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 47 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer 1 Show data context -
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 49 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Silk Merchant, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture 6 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer 12 Show data context -
  Fustian Manufacturer, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Net Maker - 1 Show data context
  Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined) 2 Show data context -
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 22 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 2 Show data context 3 Show data context
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 72 Show data context 130 Show data context
  Tailor 31 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker - 116 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress - 9 Show data context
  Hosier, Haberdasher 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 31 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 5 Show data context -
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES. 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Soap Boiler, Maker 2 Show data context -
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 44 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer 14 Show data context -
  Oil and Colourman 2 Show data context -
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 2 Show data context -
  Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 5 Show data context -
  Sawyer 2 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 4 Show data context -
  Paper Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Stationer, Law Stationer 12 Show data context 6 Show data context
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 190 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Coal Miner 1 Show data context -
  Mine Service 1 Show data context -
  Coal Merchant 11 Show data context -
  Coalheaver 12 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 9 Show data context -
  Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Slate Worker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Limeburner 3 Show data context -
  Plaster, Cement Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 60 Show data context -
  Paviour 3 Show data context -
  Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector 2 Show data context -
  Road Labourer 18 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 1 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  [Iron Manufacture] 8 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Blacksmith 24 Show data context -
  Anchor, Chain Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 12 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 8 Show data context -
  [Coppersmith] 1 Show data context -
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier 3 Show data context -
  Others 1 Show data context -
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 164 Show data context 21 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 8 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Pawnbroker 1 Show data context -
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Contractor (undefined) 1 Show data context -
  General Labourer 132 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 6 Show data context -
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 6 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Apprentice (undefined) 4 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Town Drainage Service 2 Show data context -
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Rag Gatherer, Dealer 1 Show data context -
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 118 Show data context 349 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 118 Show data context 349 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 12 Show data context 1,893 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] 5 Show data context -
  [Blank field, or illegible] 7 Show data context 1,893 Show data context

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.)