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 Kent RegC	Thanet RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	176	20
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	49	13
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	29	-
Prison Service, &c.	-	1
Police	56	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	30	5
Other Local or County Official	8	1
East Indian and Colonial Service	4	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	225	3
Army Officer (effective/retired)	34	1
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	11	2
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	9	-
Army Pensioner	15	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	6	-
Seaman, R.N.	102	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	3	-
Navy Pensioner	45	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	557	675
Clergymen (Established Church)	36	-
Roman Catholic Priest	12	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	15	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	4	4
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	5
Theological Student	2	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	10	8
Barrister, Solicitor	48	-
Law Student	7	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	25	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	36	1
Dentist	11	-
Medical Student, Assistant	12	1
Midwife	-	7
Subordinate Medical Service	5	109
Schoolmaster	131	308
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	48	162
School Service, and others connected with teaching	1	21
Author, Editor, Journalist	9	2
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	1	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	2	1
Civil Engineer	15	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	12	-
Painter (artist)	11	3
Engraver (artist)	1	-
Sculptor	3	-
Architect	18	-
Musician, Music Master	34	33
Art Student	2	-
Photographer	31	4
Actor	5	5
Art, Music, Theatre Service	2	1
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	8	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	500	4,466
Domestic Coachman, Groom	79	-
Domestic Gardener	91	1
Domestic Indoor Servant	143	3,589
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	1	1
Inn, Hotel Servant	158	90
College, Club Service	3	3
Office Keeper (not Government)	1	1
Cook (not domestic)	3	4
Charwoman	-	159
Washing and Bathing Service	14	582
Hospital and Institution Service	7	36
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	292	24
Merchant	13	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	31	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	22	-
Accountant	15	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	1	-
Commercial Traveller	25	-
Commercial Clerk	139	23
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	1	1
Banker	3	-
Bank Service	20	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	22	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,637	15
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	31	-
Railway Guard	11	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	2	1
Other Railway Officials and Servants	123	2
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	57	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	100	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	186	2
Wheel Chair Proprietor, Attendant &c.	21	-
Inland Navigation Service	1	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	66	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	25	1
Seaman (Merchant Service)	759	1
Pilot	5	-
Ship Steward, Cook	15	1
Boatman on Seas	15	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	22	1
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	6	-
Meter, Weigher	5	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	181	1
Telegraph, Telephone Service	6	5
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	1,484	21
Farmer, Grazier	105	4
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	29	-
Farm Bailiff	37	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	1,045	10
Shepherd	27	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	7	-
Agricultural Student	2	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	1	-
Woodman	3	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	12	3
Gardener (not domestic)	216	4
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	403	9
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	2	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	55	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	5	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	4	-
Drover	2	-
Gamekeeper	3	7
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	4	-
Fisherman	327	2
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	103	13
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	20	11
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	1	1
Bookbinder	8	-
Printer	72	1
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	2	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	79	8
Engine, Machine Maker	10	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	10	-
Boiler Maker	3	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	2	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	2	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	35	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	1	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	1	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	3	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	8	1
Toy Maker, Dealer	3	7
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,795	16
Builder	121	-
Carpenter, Joiner	525	-
Bricklayer	459	1
Mason	42	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	94	1
Paperhanger	17	-
Plumber	94	1
Painter, Glazier	285	1
Cabinet Maker	76	11
French Polisher	8	-
Furniture Broker, Dealer	12	-
Locksmith, Bellhanger	4	-
Gas Fitter	38	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	2	-
Carver, Gilder	11	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	2	-
Artificial Flower Maker	-	1
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	100	1
Coachmaker	49	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	1	-
Wheelwright	25	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	25	1
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	106	1
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	14	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	60	1
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	4	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	6	-
Sail Maker	22	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	46	-
Chemist, Druggist	39	-
Manufacturing Chemist	7	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	21	4
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	18	4
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	3	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	1,259	682
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	172	28
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	41	536
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	10	5
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	3	-
Maltster	14	-
Brewer	61	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	7	1
Cellarman	9	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	30	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	64	8
Cheesemonger, Butterman	2	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	165	7
Provision Curer, Dealer	9	1
Poulterer, Game Dealer	18	1
Fishmonger	70	7
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	18	3
Corn Miller	12	-
Baker	205	17
Confectioner, Pastrycook	25	23
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	73	25
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	-	1
Sugar Refiner	1	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	235	19
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	15	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	142	109
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	-	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	5	5
Silk Merchant, Dealer	1	1
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Net Maker	3	5
Weaver (undefined)	1	-
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	4	2
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	1	-
Manchester Warehouseman	1	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	114	78
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	4	14
Embroiderer	-	2
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	367	680
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	8	-
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	2
Tailor	144	16
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	1	571
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	-	72
Hosier, Haberdasher	6	3
Glover, Glove Maker	-	1
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	184	11
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	22	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	1	4
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	16	4
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	3	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	-	1
Tanner, Fellmonger	1	-
Currier	8	-
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	1	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	1	2
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	1	1
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	100	13
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Oil and Colourman	14	-
Japanner	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	9	5
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	5	-
Thatcher	1	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	14	1
Sawyer	28	1
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	5	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	6	-
Stationer, Law Stationer	9	5
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	-	1
Others	6	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	542	9
Coal Miner	1	-
Mine Service	1	-
Coal Merchant	28	-
Coalheaver	16	-
Gas Works Service	78	1
Stone Quarrier	1	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	2	-
Limeburner	4	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	3	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	115	-
Paviour	1	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	9	-
Railway Contractor	1	-
Platelayer	34	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	10	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	5	-
Glass Manufacture	5	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	5	4
Waterworks Service	2	-
Others	1	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	18	2
[Iron Manufacture]	10	-
Blacksmith	121	1
Whitesmith	20	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	36	1
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	9	-
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	3	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	1	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	1,160	141
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	47	59
Pawnbroker	11	1
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	85	27
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	118	7
Contractor (undefined)	3	-
General Labourer	750	4
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	43	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	61	32
Apprentice (undefined)	36	3
Factory Labourer (undefined)	5	-
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	1	8
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	27	1
Town Drainage Service	1	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	16	1
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	10	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	581	2,601
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	581	2,601
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	199	6,189
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	12	4
[Blank field, or illegible]	187	6,185

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.)