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 Leeds RegD/PLU/PLPar/PLPar	Leeds AP/CP

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	536	40
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	1	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	129	19
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	79	2
Prison Service, &c.	-	1
Police	227	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	92	18
Other Local or County Official	8	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	442	2
Army Officer (effective/retired)	11	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	361	1
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	10	-
Army Pensioner	46	1
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Seaman, R.N.	3	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	4	-
Navy Pensioner	6	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	1,328	975
Clergymen (Established Church)	59	1
Roman Catholic Priest	17	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	29	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	18	15
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	15
Theological Student	38	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	24	7
Barrister, Solicitor	47	-
Law Student	4	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	132	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	72	-
Dentist	37	-
Medical Student, Assistant	50	-
Midwife	-	8
Subordinate Medical Service	21	118
Schoolmaster	214	583
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	25	32
School Service, and others connected with teaching	17	12
Author, Editor, Journalist	25	2
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	5	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	7	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	3	-
Civil Engineer	47	-
Mining Engineer	4	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	23	-
Painter (artist)	39	7
Engraver (artist)	16	-
Sculptor	10	-
Architect	42	-
Musician, Music Master	145	103
Art Student	13	2
Photographer	44	12
Actor	25	39
Art, Music, Theatre Service	22	10
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	14	8
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	40	1
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	768	6,685
Domestic Coachman, Groom	214	1
Domestic Gardener	75	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	90	5,217
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	6	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	265	217
College, Club Service	24	4
Office Keeper (not Government)	34	28
Cook (not domestic)	10	21
Charwoman	3	707
Washing and Bathing Service	17	423
Hospital and Institution Service	8	64
Others engaged in Service	22	3
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	2,392	94
Merchant	16	1
Broker, Agent, Factor	178	7
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	58	-
Accountant	46	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	46	26
Commercial Traveller	590	10
Commercial Clerk	1,217	46
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	3	-
Banker	2	-
Bank Service	69	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	6	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	161	4
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	2,847	40
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	44	-
Railway Guard	50	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	19	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	501	4
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	46	2
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	202	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	947	1
Tramway Companies' Service	29	-
Inland Navigation Service	15	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	135	7
Navigation Service (on shore)	1	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	36	-
Boatman on Seas	1	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	6	2
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	275	7
Meter, Weigher	6	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	515	7
Telegraph, Telephone Service	19	10
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	445	22
Farmer, Grazier	36	1
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	2	-
Farm Bailiff	5	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	208	15
Shepherd	2	-
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	2	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	4	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	6	-
Woodman	8	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	16	1
Gardener (not domestic)	156	5
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	245	3
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	35	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	159	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	23	1
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	11	1
Drover	10	-
Gamekeeper	1	1
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	4	-
Fisherman	1	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	984	140
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	75	6
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	10	3
Bookbinder	122	100
Printer	577	16
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	51	11
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	144	4
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	3	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	2	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	2,279	55
Engine, Machine Maker	483	8
Millwright	88	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	754	5
Boiler Maker	111	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	391	12
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	13	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	6	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	60	1
Cutler, Scissors Maker	24	-
File Maker	29	4
Saw Maker	10	-
Pin Maker	4	-
Needle Maker	-	1
Steel Pen Maker	-	1
Domestic Implement Maker	-	1
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	97	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	14	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	35	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	28	1
Surgical Instrument Maker	9	4
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	8	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	74	4
Type Cutter, Founder	4	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	5	2
Toy Maker, Dealer	20	11
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	12	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	5,229	320
Builder	93	-
Carpenter, Joiner	1,080	7
Bricklayer	1,086	1
Mason	624	9
Slater, Tiler	76	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	217	2
Paperhanger	25	-
Plumber	377	1
Painter, Glazier	749	5
Cabinet Maker	528	100
French Polisher	68	107
Furniture Broker, Dealer	67	7
Locksmith, Bellhanger	8	-
Gas Fitter	21	64
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	31	1
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	3	-
Wood Carver	37	1
Carver, Gilder	108	9
Dealer in Works of Art	13	1
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	11	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	5	-
Artificial Flower Maker	2	5
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	435	14
Coachmaker	183	1
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	8	2
Wheelwright	102	2
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	9	-
Others	27	2
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	106	7
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	29	2
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	13	2
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	4	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	1	-
Sail Maker	11	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	356	47
Dye, Paint Manufacture	35	5
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	2	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	20	30
Chemist, Druggist	193	5
Manufacturing Chemist	65	5
Alkali Manufacture	1	1
Drysalter	40	1
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	178	143
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	158	136
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	20	7
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	3,382	785
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	303	42
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	30	158
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	39	19
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	4	-
Maltster	74	-
Brewer	246	1
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	90	8
Cellarman	51	2
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	32	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	162	33
Cheesemonger, Butterman	18	2
Butcher, Meat Salesman	640	31
Provision Curer, Dealer	154	51
Poulterer, Game Dealer	38	5
Fishmonger	136	9
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	41	8
Corn Miller	99	-
Baker	128	28
Confectioner, Pastrycook	134	167
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	264	59
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	7	10
Sugar Refiner	5	1
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	665	147
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	22	4
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	4,637	4,546
Woolstapler	13	1
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	1,590	1,442
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	130	-
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	295	182
Flannel Manufacture	1	-
Blanket Manufacture	9	7
Fuller	50	2
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	387	72
Others	1	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	15	25
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	3	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	28	100
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	3	-
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	5	6
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	245	1,132
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	4	12
Tape Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Thread Manufacturer, Dealer	-	10
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	24	19
Mat Maker, Seller	1	1
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	-	19
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	5	22
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	-	1
Weaver (undefined)	31	802
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	581	18
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	612	443
Felt Manufacture	41	9
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	58	12
Manchester Warehouseman	6	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	479	173
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	9	21
Trimming Maker, Dealer	2	3
Embroiderer	-	3
Others	7	8
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	4,660	5,805
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	116	359
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	4	14
Tailor	1,490	1,743
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	19	2,236
Shawl Manufacture	-	1
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	4	624
Hosiery Manufacture	1	5
Hosier, Haberdasher	42	13
Glover, Glove Maker	1	2
Button Maker, Dealer	1	-
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	2,759	767
Patten, Clog Maker	45	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	159	4
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	12	9
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	7	28
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	1,812	242
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	9	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	34	-
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	13	-
Manure Manufacture	3	1
Comb Maker	2	1
Others	2	3
Furrier, Skinner	124	40
Tanner, Fellmonger	358	4
Currier	1,065	116
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	25	5
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	3	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	171	49
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	3	23
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	927	240
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	50	-
Oil and Colourman	4	2
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	2	-
Japanner	2	1
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	7	2
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	34	10
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	43	2
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	87	3
Sawyer	135	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	4	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	102	34
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	99	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	14	1
Paper Manufacture	52	61
Envelope Maker	1	-
Stationer, Law Stationer	85	42
Card, Pattern Card Maker	2	-
Paper Stainer	163	7
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	6	71
Ticket, Label Writer	11	4
Others	24	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	5,859	245
Coal Miner	1,290	3
Ironstone Miner	91	-
Copper Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	31	-
Mine Service	7	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	1	-
Coal Merchant	122	5
Coalheaver	103	2
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	10	-
Gas Works Service	147	3
Stone Quarrier	97	1
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	44	-
Slate Quarrier	2	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	14	2
Limeburner	2	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	8	1
Well Sinker, Borer	8	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	10	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	197	2
Paviour	129	-
Road Labourer	41	-
Railway Contractor	1	-
Platelayer	37	1
Railway Labourer, Navvy	156	1
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	70	7
Glass Manufacture	64	3
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	35	8
Salt Maker, Dealer	4	-
Waterworks Service	5	1
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	96	12
Gold, Silver, Beater	6	-
Lapidary	2	1
Others	-	5
[Iron Manufacture]	1,758	4
[Steel Manufacture]	18	-
Blacksmith	468	1
Whitesmith	133	-
Nail Manufacture	102	160
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	7	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	126	5
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	5	1
[Coppersmith]	14	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	152	5
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	6	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	5	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	144	5
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	4	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	44	2
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	39	3
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	3	1
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	4,051	755
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	133	182
Pawnbroker	109	11
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	310	208
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	58	9
Contractor (undefined)	21	-
General Labourer	2,223	18
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	406	1
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	635	46
Apprentice (undefined)	26	3
Factory Labourer (undefined)	91	52
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	39	225
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	188	19
Town Drainage Service	53	1
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	63	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	40	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	32	18
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	594	2,607
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	594	2,607
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	536	24,637
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	16	18
[Blank field, or illegible]	520	24,619

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.)