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 Cambridgeshire RegC Wisbech RegD/PLU
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 78 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 15 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 19 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Prison Service, &c. - 1 Show data context
  Police 30 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 11 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Other Local or County Official 3 Show data context -
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 7 Show data context -
  Army Officer (effective/retired) 1 Show data context -
  Soldier and Non-commissioned officer 2 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 3 Show data context -
  Seaman, R.N. 1 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 173 Show data context 233 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 26 Show data context -
  Roman Catholic Priest 1 Show data context -
  Minister, Priest of other religious bodies 4 Show data context -
  Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher - 3 Show data context
  Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant 4 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Barrister, Solicitor 11 Show data context -
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 35 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 9 Show data context -
  Dentist 1 Show data context -
  Medical Student, Assistant 7 Show data context -
  Subordinate Medical Service 3 Show data context 52 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 44 Show data context 138 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer 2 Show data context 26 Show data context
  School Service, and others connected with teaching - 1 Show data context
  Author, Editor, Journalist 2 Show data context -
  Civil Engineer 1 Show data context -
  Land, House, Ship, Surveyor 2 Show data context -
  Painter (artist) 1 Show data context -
  Architect 3 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 10 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Photographer 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Actor 1 Show data context -
  Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service 1 Show data context -
  Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service 1 Show data context -
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 164 Show data context 1,677 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 88 Show data context -
  Domestic Gardener 17 Show data context -
  Domestic Indoor Servant 41 Show data context 1,384 Show data context
  Inn, Hotel Servant 13 Show data context 16 Show data context
  College, Club Service 1 Show data context -
  Office Keeper (not Government) - 7 Show data context
  Cook (not domestic) 1 Show data context -
  Charwoman 1 Show data context 158 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service - 108 Show data context
  Hospital and Institution Service 1 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Others engaged in Service 1 Show data context -
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 139 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Merchant 2 Show data context -
  Broker, Agent, Factor 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 14 Show data context -
  Accountant 5 Show data context -
  Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified) 1 Show data context -
  Commercial Traveller 14 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Commercial Clerk 71 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Banker 2 Show data context -
  Bank Service 17 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 4 Show data context -
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 359 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Railway Engine Driver, Stoker 7 Show data context -
  Railway Guard 3 Show data context -
  Pointsman, Level Crossing Man 11 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 88 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 15 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 32 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Inland Navigation Service 13 Show data context -
  Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman 45 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Seaman (Merchant Service) 59 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Pilot 1 Show data context -
  Ship Steward, Cook 1 Show data context -
  Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service 4 Show data context -
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 3 Show data context -
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 74 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Telegraph, Telephone Service 3 Show data context -
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 4,148 Show data context 327 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 683 Show data context 39 Show data context
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 237 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Farm Bailiff 43 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 2,949 Show data context 278 Show data context
  Shepherd 49 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant 51 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Agricultural Student 2 Show data context -
  Woodman 3 Show data context -
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist 8 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Gardener (not domestic) 123 Show data context 7 Show data context
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 113 Show data context -
  Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 55 Show data context -
  Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier 11 Show data context -
  Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman 14 Show data context -
  Drover 10 Show data context -
  Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer 4 Show data context -
  Vermin Destroyer 4 Show data context -
  Fisherman 9 Show data context -
  Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c. 3 Show data context -
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 39 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 1 Show data context -
  Bookbinder 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Printer 36 Show data context -
  Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 55 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 11 Show data context -
  Millwright 7 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 7 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker 7 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Cutler, Scissors Maker 1 Show data context -
  Saw Maker 3 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 14 Show data context -
  Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker 1 Show data context -
  Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer 1 Show data context -
  Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Toy Maker, Dealer - 1 Show data context
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 461 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Builder 23 Show data context -
  Carpenter, Joiner 164 Show data context -
  Bricklayer 125 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Mason 26 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 1 Show data context -
  Paperhanger 1 Show data context -
  Plumber 37 Show data context -
  Painter, Glazier 36 Show data context -
  Cabinet Maker 40 Show data context 3 Show data context
  French Polisher 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Furniture Broker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Gas Fitter 3 Show data context -
  Artificial Flower Maker 1 Show data context -
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 66 Show data context -
  Coachmaker 13 Show data context -
  Wheelwright 33 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 20 Show data context -
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS. 9 Show data context -
  Ship, Boat, Barge Builder 1 Show data context -
  Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore) 4 Show data context -
  Sail Maker 4 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 12 Show data context -
  Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Chemist, Druggist 11 Show data context -
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES. 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker 1 Show data context -
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 537 Show data context 79 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 97 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper 2 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Brewer 18 Show data context -
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 6 Show data context -
  Cellarman 1 Show data context -
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 3 Show data context -
  Milkseller, Dairyman 6 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 111 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Provision Curer, Dealer 6 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Poulterer, Game Dealer 7 Show data context -
  Fishmonger 9 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 12 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Corn Miller 58 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Baker 81 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 4 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 9 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Sugar Refiner 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 103 Show data context 26 Show data context
  Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer 2 Show data context -
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 51 Show data context 55 Show data context
  Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer 10 Show data context -
  Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Others working and Dealing in Hemp 1 Show data context -
  Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined) 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 37 Show data context 46 Show data context
  Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer - 7 Show data context
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 213 Show data context 453 Show data context
  Hatter, Hat Manufacture 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture - 4 Show data context
  Tailor 72 Show data context 23 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker 1 Show data context 369 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress 1 Show data context 42 Show data context
  Hosiery Manufacture - 2 Show data context
  Hosier, Haberdasher 1 Show data context -
  Glover, Glove Maker - 3 Show data context
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 124 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 12 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Old Clothes Dealer, and others 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES. 10 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Manure Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Tanner, Fellmonger 1 Show data context -
  Currier 5 Show data context -
  Brush, Broom, Maker 1 Show data context -
  Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 152 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer 7 Show data context -
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 3 Show data context -
  Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Thatcher 6 Show data context -
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 58 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Sawyer 41 Show data context -
  Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker 25 Show data context -
  Wood Turner, Box Maker 1 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 2 Show data context -
  Paper Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Stationer, Law Stationer 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Others 3 Show data context -
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 335 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Coal Merchant 22 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Coalheaver 8 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 14 Show data context -
  Limeburner 1 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 24 Show data context -
  Paviour 1 Show data context -
  Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector 1 Show data context -
  Road Labourer 9 Show data context -
  Platelayer 53 Show data context -
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 17 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 2 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  [Iron Manufacture] 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Blacksmith 143 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Whitesmith 5 Show data context -
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 17 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 4 Show data context -
  Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier 1 Show data context -
  Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer 1 Show data context -
  Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker 1 Show data context -
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 557 Show data context 43 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 41 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Pawnbroker 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 28 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Contractor (undefined) 1 Show data context -
  General Labourer 409 Show data context 19 Show data context
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 37 Show data context -
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 15 Show data context -
  Apprentice (undefined) 3 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 1 Show data context -
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) 10 Show data context -
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 10 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Town Drainage Service 1 Show data context -
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 6 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper 3 Show data context -
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 139 Show data context 1,871 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 139 Show data context 1,871 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 115 Show data context 3,992 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  [Blank field, or illegible] 113 Show data context 3,991 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.)