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 West Bromwich RegD/PLU	West Bromwich AP/CP

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	83	9
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	15	3
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	18	-
Police	32	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	13	6
Other Local or County Official	5	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	12	1
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	5	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	1	-
Army Pensioner	4	1
Navy Pensioner	2	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	256	242
Clergymen (Established Church)	14	-
Roman Catholic Priest	1	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	10	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	2	2
Theological Student	2	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	10	1
Barrister, Solicitor	10	-
Law Student	1	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	20	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	12	-
Dentist	4	-
Medical Student, Assistant	6	-
Midwife	-	5
Subordinate Medical Service	4	25
Schoolmaster	78	177
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	1	11
School Service, and others connected with teaching	6	2
Author, Editor, Journalist	1	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	2	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	2	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	1	-
Civil Engineer	10	-
Mining Engineer	18	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	7	-
Architect	7	-
Musician, Music Master	14	14
Art Student	2	-
Photographer	4	1
Actor	3	4
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	1	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	3	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	90	1,705
Domestic Coachman, Groom	20	-
Domestic Gardener	16	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	18	1,465
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	2	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	29	34
College, Club Service	1	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	-	3
Charwoman	1	87
Washing and Bathing Service	2	110
Hospital and Institution Service	1	6
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	411	3
Merchant	2	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	34	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	9	-
Accountant	11	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	4	1
Commercial Traveller	36	1
Commercial Clerk	283	1
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	1	-
Bank Service	10	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	21	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	803	55
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	6	-
Railway Guard	1	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	15	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	84	-
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	1	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	6	1
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	32	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	210	-
Tramway Companies' Service	1	-
Wheel Chair Proprietor, Attendant &c.	1	-
Inland Navigation Service	29	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	270	4
Navigation Service (on shore)	1	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	2	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	31	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	37	49
Meter, Weigher	3	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	72	1
Telegraph, Telephone Service	1	-
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	186	10
Farmer, Grazier	22	-
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	7	-
Farm Bailiff	6	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	112	10
Shepherd	3	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	3	-
Gardener (not domestic)	33	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	64	-
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	7	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	48	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	3	-
Drover	5	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	54	8
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	6	1
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	-	2
Bookbinder	3	2
Printer	41	3
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	2	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	2	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	586	17
Engine, Machine Maker	66	2
Millwright	13	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	217	1
Boiler Maker	118	2
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	1	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	6	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	33	1
Cutler, Scissors Maker	1	-
File Maker	6	-
Needle Maker	1	-
Steel Pen Maker	-	2
Domestic Implement Maker	27	1
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	20	1
Philosophical Instrument Maker	12	1
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	29	4
Surgical Instrument Maker	-	1
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	25	1
Sword, Bayonet - Maker, Cutler	1	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	2	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	3	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	789	23
Builder	26	-
Carpenter, Joiner	178	-
Bricklayer	231	2
Mason	21	-
Slater, Tiler	13	1
Plasterer, Whitewasher	28	-
Paperhanger	4	-
Plumber	22	1
Painter, Glazier	123	6
Cabinet Maker	18	7
French Polisher	3	2
Furniture Broker, Dealer	8	-
Locksmith, Bellhanger	23	2
Gas Fitter	82	2
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	1	-
Wood Carver	1	-
Carver, Gilder	4	-
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	326	5
Coachmaker	195	4
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	34	-
Wheelwright	37	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	57	1
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	39	1
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	39	1
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	64	68
Dye, Paint Manufacture	3	-
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	2	-
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	-	3
Chemist, Druggist	20	2
Manufacturing Chemist	37	63
Alkali Manufacture	2	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	7	3
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	5	1
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	2	2
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	713	136
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	110	20
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	-	5
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	6	2
Maltster	23	-
Brewer	31	3
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	41	11
Cellarman	2	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	6	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	22	3
Butcher, Meat Salesman	122	13
Provision Curer, Dealer	13	12
Poulterer, Game Dealer	-	1
Fishmonger	9	3
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	18	3
Corn Miller	11	-
Baker	62	8
Confectioner, Pastrycook	7	13
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	51	14
Sugar Refiner	2	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	166	24
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	11	1
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	72	27
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	-	2
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	-	1
Ribbon Manufacture	-	1
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	1	-
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	-	1
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	10	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Weaver (undefined)	1	1
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	-	1
Felt Manufacture	-	1
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	58	17
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	2
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	243	540
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	5	-
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	1
Tailor	90	64
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	-	410
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	-	30
Hosiery Manufacture	-	1
Hosier, Haberdasher	5	5
Glover, Glove Maker	-	1
Button Maker, Dealer	-	3
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	119	19
Patten, Clog Maker	2	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	20	1
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	2	1
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	-	4
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	20	17
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	2	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	1	14
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	2	2
Tanner, Fellmonger	1	-
Currier	9	1
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	3	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	2	-
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	100	29
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	6	-
Japanner	3	14
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	-	1
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	5	3
Others	-	1
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	5	3
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	1	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	11	-
Sawyer	36	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	2	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	9	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	13	-
Paper Manufacture	-	1
Stationer, Law Stationer	1	4
Card, Pattern Card Maker	1	-
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	6	1
Others	1	1
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	7,293	586
Coal Miner	1,248	11
Ironstone Miner	11	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	30	3
Mine Service	17	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	4	-
Coal Merchant	78	7
Coalheaver	36	2
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	27	14
Gas Works Service	133	-
Stone Quarrier	2	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	2	-
Limeburner	6	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	6	-
Well Sinker, Borer	12	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	2	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	244	135
Paviour	3	-
Road Labourer	12	-
Railway Contractor	1	-
Platelayer	19	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	30	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	17	5
Glass Manufacture	365	30
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	8	5
Waterworks Service	1	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	3	2
Gold, Silver, Beater	1	-
[Iron Manufacture]	3,980	74
[Steel Manufacture]	8	-
Blacksmith	310	2
Whitesmith	113	-
Nail Manufacture	44	92
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	14	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	43	3
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	108	11
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	7	1
[Coppersmith]	2	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	37	4
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	4	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	27	1
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	53	17
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	2	1
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	2	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	11	1
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	150	150
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	3	1
Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker	40	14
Others	17	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	2,394	208
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	34	36
Pawnbroker	12	23
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	9	12
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	29	2
Contractor (undefined)	5	-
General Labourer	1,454	15
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	213	2
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	530	31
Apprentice (undefined)	7	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	93	84
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	8	3
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	23	2
Town Drainage Service	6	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	7	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	5	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	5	2
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	138	738
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	138	738
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	363	10,152
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	25	5
[Blank field, or illegible]	338	10,147

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.)