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 Sheffield RegD/PLU	Brightside SubD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	188	4
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	29	2
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	19	-
Police	116	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	14	2
Other Local or County Official	10	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	19	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	6	-
Army Pensioner	9	-
Seaman, R.N.	2	-
Navy Pensioner	2	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	250	219
Clergymen (Established Church)	7	-
Roman Catholic Priest	2	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	10	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	5	-
Theological Student	1	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	9	2
Barrister, Solicitor	7	-
Law Student	2	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	24	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	10	-
Dentist	2	-
Medical Student, Assistant	6	-
Midwife	-	6
Subordinate Medical Service	4	26
Schoolmaster	72	134
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	-	13
School Service, and others connected with teaching	8	1
Author, Editor, Journalist	2	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	4	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	7	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	1	-
Civil Engineer	10	-
Mining Engineer	2	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	4	-
Painter (artist)	2	2
Engraver (artist)	-	2
Architect	6	-
Musician, Music Master	21	27
Art Student	1	-
Photographer	4	1
Actor	4	3
Art, Music, Theatre Service	2	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	5	2
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	6	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	126	1,656
Domestic Coachman, Groom	32	-
Domestic Gardener	23	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	16	1,385
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	3	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	49	39
Office Keeper (not Government)	1	4
Charwoman	-	170
Washing and Bathing Service	2	57
Hospital and Institution Service	-	1
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	574	18
Merchant	7	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	29	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	14	-
Accountant	11	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	2	7
Commercial Traveller	63	-
Commercial Clerk	413	10
Bank Service	13	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	1	1
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	21	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,712	84
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	214	-
Railway Guard	95	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	51	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	478	3
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	1	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	6	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	38	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	633	2
Tramway Companies' Service	5	-
Inland Navigation Service	1	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	5	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	4	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	27	75
Meter, Weigher	13	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	136	4
Telegraph, Telephone Service	5	-
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	98	6
Farmer, Grazier	11	1
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	3	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	49	5
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	1	-
Woodman	1	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	2	-
Gardener (not domestic)	31	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	52	2
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	2	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	45	2
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	3	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	1	-
Gamekeeper	1	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	75	12
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	6	1
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	1	-
Bookbinder	3	3
Printer	46	5
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	11	3
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	8	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	2,772	250
Engine, Machine Maker	225	-
Millwright	32	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	467	2
Boiler Maker	124	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	10	1
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	26	1
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	207	3
Cutler, Scissors Maker	874	93
File Maker	504	108
Saw Maker	195	17
Needle Maker	-	6
Domestic Implement Maker	22	2
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	18	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	14	8
Electrical Apparatus Maker	6	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	9	1
Surgical Instrument Maker	4	3
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	5	1
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	5	-
Type Cutter, Founder	3	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	18	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	1	3
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	2	1
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,142	56
Builder	26	1
Carpenter, Joiner	305	1
Bricklayer	277	1
Mason	156	-
Slater, Tiler	40	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	22	-
Paperhanger	6	6
Plumber	67	2
Painter, Glazier	113	1
Cabinet Maker	56	28
French Polisher	3	11
Furniture Broker, Dealer	5	3
Locksmith, Bellhanger	3	-
Gas Fitter	37	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	1	-
Wood Carver	7	-
Carver, Gilder	3	-
Dealer in Works of Art	3	-
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	4	-
Artificial Flower Maker	1	2
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	237	2
Coachmaker	19	1
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	137	-
Wheelwright	49	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Others	4	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	25	1
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	4	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	1	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	2	-
Sail Maker	1	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	36	11
Chemist, Druggist	29	1
Manufacturing Chemist	6	9
Drysalter	1	1
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	13	52
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	13	52
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	724	172
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	104	12
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	1	11
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	7	3
Maltster	2	-
Brewer	42	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	26	5
Cellarman	8	2
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	4	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	41	6
Butcher, Meat Salesman	141	6
Provision Curer, Dealer	32	27
Poulterer, Game Dealer	2	-
Fishmonger	21	1
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	3	-
Corn Miller	21	-
Baker	29	10
Confectioner, Pastrycook	21	26
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	44	15
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	1	2
Sugar Refiner	-	1
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	165	45
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	9	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	60	50
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	5	1
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	-	2
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	2	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	-	1
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	-	7
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	1	3
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	-	1
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	3	2
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	39	33
Others	2	-
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	316	785
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	3	-
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	4
Tailor	110	28
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	3	632
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	1	47
Hosiery Manufacture	-	1
Hosier, Haberdasher	5	13
Button Maker, Dealer	4	11
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	131	12
Patten, Clog Maker	22	3
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	28	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	8	33
Accoutrement Maker	1	-
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	-	1
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	59	20
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	1	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	17	-
Comb Maker	2	4
Furrier, Skinner	3	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	12	-
Currier	13	1
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	3	2
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	1	7
Brush, Broom, Maker	7	5
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	-	1
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	156	26
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	1	-
Japanner	-	3
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Others	-	2
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	5	-
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	3	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	20	1
Sawyer	35	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	35	1
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	39	-
Paper Manufacture	3	-
Stationer, Law Stationer	9	9
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	1	10
Ticket, Label Writer	1	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	5,395	250
Coal Miner	168	-
Ironstone Miner	3	-
Lead Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	1	-
Mine Service	7	-
Coal Merchant	51	1
Coalheaver	6	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	17	5
Gas Works Service	142	-
Stone Quarrier	14	1
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	10	-
Limeburner	3	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	69	-
Paviour	26	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	3	-
Road Labourer	30	-
Railway Contractor	3	-
Platelayer	26	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	66	-
Others	5	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	36	-
Glass Manufacture	14	1
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	6	3
Waterworks Service	3	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	133	13
Others	31	116
[Iron Manufacture]	2,071	8
[Steel Manufacture]	1,174	5
Blacksmith	612	-
Whitesmith	12	1
Nail Manufacture	1	1
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	2	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	20	1
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	184	1
[Coppersmith]	11	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	36	10
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	7	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	60	34
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	64	2
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	2	7
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	78	23
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	135	4
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	34	11
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	5	-
Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker	2	-
Others	11	2
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	2,361	140
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	24	52
Pawnbroker	49	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	37	19
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	38	-
Contractor (undefined)	5	-
General Labourer	1,243	7
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	458	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	167	7
Apprentice (undefined)	3	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	318	43
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	19	12
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	20	-
Town Drainage Service	2	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	7	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	11	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	115	645
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	115	645
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	253	10,608
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	15	10
[Blank field, or illegible]	238	10,598

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.)