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 Cornwall RegC	Truro RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	111	14
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	35	9
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	27	3
Police	29	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	10	2
Other Local or County Official	10	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	89	1
Army Officer (effective/retired)	3	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	6	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	3	-
Army Pensioner	7	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	4	-
Seaman, R.N.	48	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	1	-
Navy Pensioner	17	1
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	291	237
Clergymen (Established Church)	31	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	24	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	-	1
Theological Student	22	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	3	3
Barrister, Solicitor	11	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	39	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	15	-
Dentist	2	-
Medical Student, Assistant	1	-
Subordinate Medical Service	1	48
Schoolmaster	78	139
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	4	27
School Service, and others connected with teaching	-	2
Author, Editor, Journalist	6	1
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	2	-
Civil Engineer	3	-
Mining Engineer	15	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	1	-
Painter (artist)	3	-
Architect	5	-
Musician, Music Master	16	12
Art Student	-	3
Photographer	6	1
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	3	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	153	2,500
Domestic Coachman, Groom	42	-
Domestic Gardener	43	3
Domestic Indoor Servant	53	2,148
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	-	2
Inn, Hotel Servant	13	28
Cook (not domestic)	-	1
Charwoman	1	198
Washing and Bathing Service	-	118
Hospital and Institution Service	1	2
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	189	4
Merchant	5	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	13	1
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	8	-
Accountant	34	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	1	-
Commercial Traveller	21	-
Commercial Clerk	59	3
Banker	6	-
Bank Service	24	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	18	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	581	6
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	13	-
Railway Guard	12	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	3	1
Other Railway Officials and Servants	58	1
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	8	1
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	33	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	69	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	60	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	1	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	220	1
Pilot	37	-
Ship Steward, Cook	2	-
Boatman on Seas	6	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	14	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	10	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	33	1
Telegraph, Telephone Service	2	1
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	2,363	198
Farmer, Grazier	648	49
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	277	-
Farm Bailiff	22	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	1,274	143
Shepherd	12	2
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	2	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	3	-
Agricultural Student	3	-
Woodman	35	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	5	-
Gardener (not domestic)	82	4
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	259	2
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	38	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	5	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	10	-
Drover	4	-
Gamekeeper	18	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	-	2
Fisherman	184	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	74	3
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	5	1
Bookbinder	5	2
Printer	62	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	2	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	66	-
Engine, Machine Maker	17	-
Millwright	1	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	13	-
Boiler Maker	1	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	20	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	1	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	1	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	1	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	9	-
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	1	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	729	12
Builder	34	-
Carpenter, Joiner	285	2
Bricklayer	3	-
Mason	266	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	6	-
Plumber	21	-
Painter, Glazier	64	2
Cabinet Maker	37	7
French Polisher	2	-
Furniture Broker, Dealer	3	1
Gas Fitter	4	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Carver, Gilder	3	-
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	86	-
Coachmaker	41	-
Wheelwright	21	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	24	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	65	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	5	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	55	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	1	-
Sail Maker	4	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	26	3
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	1	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	-	2
Chemist, Druggist	17	-
Manufacturing Chemist	3	1
Alkali Manufacture	5	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	424	193
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	50	12
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	2	33
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	2	4
Maltster	17	-
Brewer	11	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	-	2
Cellarman	6	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	4	1
Milkseller, Dairyman	7	5
Butcher, Meat Salesman	85	13
Provision Curer, Dealer	2	-
Poulterer, Game Dealer	-	1
Fishmonger	6	1
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	12	2
Corn Miller	29	2
Baker	41	12
Confectioner, Pastrycook	4	9
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	4	5
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	142	91
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	78	129
Woolstapler	2	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	-	5
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	2	-
Silk Dyer, Printer	-	1
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	4	-
Mat Maker, Seller	1	-
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	2	2
Manchester Warehouseman	1	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	66	114
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	6
Embroiderer	-	1
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	273	976
Tailor	77	138
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	-	721
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	1	77
Hosiery Manufacture	-	1
Hosier, Haberdasher	-	1
Glover, Glove Maker	-	1
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	185	37
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	9	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	1	-
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	34	10
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	3	-
Manure Manufacture	2	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	13	-
Currier	9	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	7	10
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	78	7
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	13	-
Thatcher	3	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	6	-
Sawyer	26	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	3	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	6	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	9	-
Stationer, Law Stationer	6	7
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	2	-
Others	3	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	1,772	155
Coal Miner	2	2
Ironstone Miner	101	-
Copper Miner	33	1
Tin Miner	1,026	79
Lead Miner	126	10
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	42	24
Mine Service	19	-
Coal Merchant	16	1
Coalheaver	21	-
Gas Works Service	6	-
Stone Quarrier	7	1
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	10	1
Limeburner	3	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	6	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	4	-
Paviour	1	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	3	-
Road Labourer	16	1
Platelayer	11	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	34	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	8	4
Glass Manufacture	1	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	3	4
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	5	-
Others	1	-
[Iron Manufacture]	8	-
Blacksmith	158	2
Whitesmith	3	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	32	2
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	2	-
[Tin Manufacture]	43	14
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	11	9
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	5	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	1	-
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	2	-
Others	2	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	483	70
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	18	45
Pawnbroker	1	1
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	26	8
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	11	-
General Labourer	319	4
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	69	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	31	7
Apprentice (undefined)	3	1
Factory Labourer (undefined)	1	-
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	4	4
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	3	1
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	2	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	1	1
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	242	2,853
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	242	2,853
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	58	3,951
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	2	2
[Blank field, or illegible]	56	3,949

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.)