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 Staffordshire RegC	Stoke on Trent RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	206	15
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	29	4
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	28	4
Prison Service, &c.	1	-
Police	83	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	42	6
Other Local or County Official	23	1
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	24	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	9	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	4	-
Army Pensioner	6	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Seaman, R.N.	1	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	1	-
Navy Pensioner	1	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	648	543
Clergymen (Established Church)	32	-
Roman Catholic Priest	6	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	22	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	7	3
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	5
Theological Student	4	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	17	-
Barrister, Solicitor	23	-
Law Student	2	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	56	1
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	25	-
Dentist	18	4
Medical Student, Assistant	8	-
Midwife	-	7
Subordinate Medical Service	8	62
Schoolmaster	129	342
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	2	54
School Service, and others connected with teaching	11	2
Author, Editor, Journalist	10	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	3	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	1	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	1	-
Civil Engineer	18	-
Mining Engineer	20	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	6	-
Painter (artist)	30	4
Engraver (artist)	49	1
Architect	21	-
Musician, Music Master	56	38
Art Student	3	-
Photographer	20	4
Actor	7	11
Art, Music, Theatre Service	4	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	11	5
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	18	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	310	3,549
Domestic Coachman, Groom	88	1
Domestic Gardener	28	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	64	3,012
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	9	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	104	126
College, Club Service	-	3
Office Keeper (not Government)	5	2
Cook (not domestic)	1	5
Charwoman	1	174
Washing and Bathing Service	4	200
Hospital and Institution Service	4	26
Others engaged in Service	2	-
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	952	18
Merchant	8	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	79	2
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	29	-
Accountant	23	1
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	1	2
Commercial Traveller	127	2
Commercial Clerk	571	10
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	1	-
Bank Service	42	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	1	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	70	1
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,600	192
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	134	-
Railway Guard	59	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	23	1
Other Railway Officials and Servants	345	6
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	1	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	8	1
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	44	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	673	2
Tramway Companies' Service	11	-
Inland Navigation Service	20	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	56	1
Seaman (Merchant Service)	9	1
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	3	1
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	74	169
Meter, Weigher	3	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	130	2
Telegraph, Telephone Service	7	8
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	485	30
Farmer, Grazier	129	13
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	40	1
Farm Bailiff	7	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	234	16
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	1	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	1	-
Woodman	1	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	1	-
Gardener (not domestic)	71	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	89	-
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	2	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	59	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	10	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	11	-
Drover	2	-
Gamekeeper	3	-
Fisherman	1	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	203	47
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	13	4
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	5	-
Bookbinder	25	26
Printer	128	11
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	10	6
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	21	-
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	1	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	594	18
Engine, Machine Maker	112	1
Millwright	14	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	282	7
Boiler Maker	102	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	2	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	1	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	1	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	5	-
File Maker	1	2
Saw Maker	2	-
Needle Maker	-	1
Domestic Implement Maker	1	4
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	35	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	2	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	5	1
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	2	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	22	1
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	2	1
Toy Maker, Dealer	2	-
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	1	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	2,152	44
Builder	52	2
Carpenter, Joiner	786	5
Bricklayer	631	-
Mason	80	-
Slater, Tiler	7	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	43	-
Paperhanger	1	-
Plumber	107	-
Painter, Glazier	264	18
Cabinet Maker	55	8
French Polisher	6	1
Furniture Broker, Dealer	14	2
Locksmith, Bellhanger	7	-
Gas Fitter	27	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	7	-
Wood Carver	1	-
Carver, Gilder	19	5
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	39	3
Artificial Flower Maker	6	-
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	266	10
Coachmaker	84	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	26	-
Wheelwright	85	3
Others	30	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	41	7
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	3	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	3	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	87	16
Dye, Paint Manufacture	17	12
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	2	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	1	-
Chemist, Druggist	57	4
Manufacturing Chemist	6	-
Drysalter	4	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	21	19
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	20	19
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	1	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	1,611	402
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	152	28
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	5	45
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	6	8
Maltster	2	-
Brewer	56	3
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	154	46
Cellarman	6	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	15	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	26	8
Cheesemonger, Butterman	2	2
Butcher, Meat Salesman	263	10
Provision Curer, Dealer	28	6
Fishmonger	45	7
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	7	-
Corn Miller	40	1
Baker	229	15
Confectioner, Pastrycook	28	25
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	78	36
Sugar Refiner	3	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	450	160
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	16	2
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	197	96
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	1	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	1	15
Ribbon Manufacture	-	3
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	3	3
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	1
Tape Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	14	-
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	3	-
Weaver (undefined)	-	3
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	5	4
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	-	1
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	1	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	168	61
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	1
Trimming Maker, Dealer	-	1
Embroiderer	-	1
Others	-	1
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	622	1,357
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	11	2
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	4
Tailor	256	78
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	2	1,138
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	1	89
Hosiery Manufacture	-	2
Hosier, Haberdasher	15	13
Glover, Glove Maker	-	1
Button Maker, Dealer	-	1
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	249	24
Patten, Clog Maker	32	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	51	2
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	2	3
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	97	5
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	11	-
Manure Manufacture	2	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	2	-
Furrier, Skinner	1	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	2	3
Currier	11	1
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	1	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	67	1
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	233	48
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Oil and Colourman	1	1
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	17	1
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	25	4
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	8	1
Sawyer	60	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	3	6
Wood Turner, Box Maker	8	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	50	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Others	2	2
Paper Manufacture	14	25
Envelope Maker	-	1
Stationer, Law Stationer	20	4
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	2	3
Ticket, Label Writer	1	-
Others	8	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	15,614	7,667
Coal Miner	3,418	8
Ironstone Miner	199	1
Copper Miner	2	-
Tin Miner	3	1
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	14	2
Mine Service	25	1
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	12	-
Coal Merchant	68	7
Coalheaver	24	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	8	-
Gas Works Service	61	1
Stone Quarrier	13	2
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	13	-
Limeburner	5	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	22	1
Well Sinker, Borer	20	1
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	2	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	568	80
Paviour	36	1
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	34	-
Railway Contractor	11	-
Platelayer	30	1
Railway Labourer, Navvy	81	2
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	9,046	7,422
Glass Manufacture	55	4
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	46	7
Salt Maker, Dealer	1	-
Waterworks Service	6	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	17	4
Others	-	1
[Iron Manufacture]	1,259	9
[Steel Manufacture]	2	-
Blacksmith	321	3
Whitesmith	6	-
Nail Manufacture	16	4
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	1	1
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	56	4
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	4	-
[Coppersmith]	7	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	32	2
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	1
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	10	4
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	9	1
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	1	86
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	14	4
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	2	-
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	3	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	2	-
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	1	-
Others	26	1
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	2,324	182
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	54	73
Pawnbroker	43	3
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	67	32
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	22	-
Contractor (undefined)	18	-
General Labourer	1,518	11
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	426	1
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	100	16
Apprentice (undefined)	10	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	59	36
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	7	10
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	38	3
Town Drainage Service	8	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	23	1
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	4	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	3	2
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	246	2,100
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	246	2,100
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	248	12,446
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	19	20
[Blank field, or illegible]	229	12,426

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.)