Vision of Britain | 1861 Census: Ages

1861 Census of England and Wales, Ages (Sample Report Title: Population Tables. Ages, Civil Condition, Occupations and Birth-places of the People: with the Ages and Occupations of the Blind, of the Deaf-and-dumb, and of the inmates of certain public institutions Part I), Table 17 : " Occupations of Males aged 20 Years and upwards in Districts".

List England Dep	London RegC

OCCUPATIONS	[Males] [1]
Total of Males	31,508
1. Persons engaged in the General or Local Government of the Country	974
(1) Officers of National Government	251
Civ. Serv. not in Rev. Dep.	29
Post Office	142
Inland Revenue	11
Customs	46
Government Messengers, Workmen	20
Dockyard Artificers	2
Other Govt.	1
(2) Officers of Local Government	717
Magistrate	4
Police	589
Prison Officer	16
Union and Parish Officer	44
Officer of Local Board	1
Other Local Officers	63
(3) Officers of East India and Colonial Government	6
E. India and Col. Service	6
2. Persons engaged in the Defence of the Country	90
(1) Army	65
Army Officer	10
Army Half-pay Officer	6
Soldier	20
Chelsea Pensioner	24
Militia	2
Others	3
(2) Navy	25
Navy Officer	2
Navy Half-pay Officer	2
Seaman, R.N.	7
Royal Marine	4
Greenwich Pensioner	10
Others	0
3. Persons engaged in the Learned Professions or engaged in Literature, Art, and Science (with their immediate Subordinates)	1,343
(1) Clergymen, Ministers, and Church Officers	149
Clergyman	75
Protestant Minister	13
Roman Catholic Priest	1
Other Relig. Teachers	22
Parish Clerk	9
Other Church Officers	29
(2) Lawyers, Law Court Officers, and Law Stationers	418
Barrister	70
Solicitor	77
Law Student	12
Other Lawyers	3
Officers of Law Court	20
Law Clerk	186
Law Stationer	50
(3) Physicians, Surgeons, and Druggists	426
Physician	22
Surgeon, Apothecary	115
Medical Student, Assist.	54
Dentist	31
Druggist	201
Others	3
(4) Authors and Literary Persons	42
Author, Editor, Writer	14
Ors. eng. in Literature	28
(5) Artists	145
Artist, Painter	25
Sculptor	3
Engraver	100
Photographic Artist	17
Ors. Eng. in the Fine Arts	0
(6) Musicians, Teachers of Music	43
Musician	37
Music-master	5
Others	1
(7) Actors, Actresses	20
Actor	2
In Theatres, Exhibitions	18
(8) Teachers	82
Schoolmaster	44
Teacher of Languages	16
Profes. of Mathematics	4
Teacher (General)	10
Teacher of Dancing	5
Other Teachers	3
(9) Scientific Persons	18
Civil Engineer	12
Other Scientific Persons	6
4. Persons engaged in the Domestic Officers or Duties of Wives, Mothers, Mistresses of Families, Children, Relatives (not otherwise returned)	81
(3) Children and Relatives at home (not otherwise described)	66
Son, Grandson, Brother, Neph. (not oth. Des.)	66
(4) Scholars (so described)	15
Scholar (so described)	15
5. Persons engaged in entertaining, and performing Personal Offices for Man	2,040
(1) In Board and Lodging	992
Innkeeper, Hotelkeeper	92
Publican	491
Beerseller	35
Lodg., Boardg.-house K.	34
Coffee-house Keeper	233
Cook (not Domst. Serv.)	40
Others--Boarding, &c.	67
(2) Attendance (Domestic Servants, &c.)	1,048
Domst. Serv. (General)	245
Coachman	19
Groom	1
Gardener	4
Inn Servant	777
Hosp. Attent., Nurse, &c.	0
Others	2
6. Persons who buy or sell, keep, or lend Money, Houses or Goods of various Kinds	2,345
(1) Mercantile Men [Women]	1,798
Merchant	356
Banker	9
Insur., Ben. Soci. Offr.	41
Stock Broker, &c.	10
Ship Broker, Agent	39
Broker	23
Agent, Factor	180
Coal, Colliery Agent	1
Iron Merchant, Agent	4
Salesman	32
Auctioneer, Apprsr., Val.	25
Accountant	59
Commercial Clerk	773
Commercial Traveller	226
Other Mercantile Men	20
(2) Other General Dealers	547
Pawnbroker	42
Marine-store Dealer	12
Ge. Dlr., Costermonger	358
Shopkeeper	22
Hawker, Pedlar	94
Other General Dealers	19
7. Persons engaged in the Conveyance of Men, Animals, Goods, and Messages	4,951
(1) Carriers on Railways	118
Rail. Engine Driver, &c.	19
Railway Official	40
Railway Servant	56
Railway Police	3
Ors. eng. in	0
(2) Carriers on Roads	892
Toll Collector	1
Coach, Omn., Cab, Ownr.	11
Livery Staple Keeper	20
Coachman (not domstc.)	95
Cabman, Flyman	100
Carm., Carr., Carter, Dray.	655
Others	10
(3) Carriers on Canals and Rivers	192
Canal and River Service	0
Bargeman, Waterman	192
Others	0
(4) Carriers on Seas and Rivers	696
Shipowner	15
Seaman (Mercht. Serv.)	378
Pilot	4
Boatman on Seas	0
Dock Servant, Labourer	263
Wharfinger	14
Others	22
(5) Engaged in Storage	841
Warehsmn. (not Manch.)	749
Others in Storage	92
(6) Messengers and Porters	2,212
Messr., Port., Ernd. Boy	2,197
Telegraph Service	11
Others in Messages	4
8. Persons possessing or working the Land, and engaged in growing Grain, Fruits, Grasses, Animals, and other Products	114
(1) In Fields and Pastures (Agriculturists)	91
Land Proprietor	15
Farmer, Grazier	44
Farmer's "Son", "Brother", "Grandson"	6
Farm Bailiff	3
Agricultural Labourer	13
Shepherd (out-door)	1
Farm Servant (in-door)	0
Land Surv., Estate Agt.	8
Others in Agriculture	1
(2) In Woods (Arboriculturists)	0
Woodman	0
Others in Arboriculture	0
(3) In Gardens (Horticulturists)	23
Gardener	23
Nurseryman	0
Others in Horticulture	0
9. Persons engaged about Animals	353
(1) Persons engaged about Animals	353
Horse Dealer	11
Horsebreaker	0
Horsekpr., Grm., Jockey	233
Farrier, Veterinary Sur.	74
Cattle, Sheep,--Dealer	9
Drover	15
Pig Merchant, Dealer	1
Gamekeeper	0
Vermin Destroyer	0
Fisherman	6
Others about Animals	4
10. Persons engaged in Art and Mechanic Productions, in which Matters of various kinds are employed in combination	5,317
(1) In Books	1,625
Bookseller, Publisher	179
Bookbinder	407
Printer	958
Newspaper Agent	67
Others in Publications	14
(2) In Musical Instrument	38
Musical Instr. Mak., Dlr.	21
Others	17
(3) In Prints and Pictures	213
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	113
Others	100
(4) In Carving and Figures	33
Wood-carver	15
Others	18
(5) in Tackle for Sport and Games	38
Toy Maker, Dealer	25
Bow, Bat, Tackle,--Mak.	13
(6) In Designs, Medals, and Dies	15
Pattern Designer	4
Others	11
(7) In Watches and Philosophical Instruments	270
Watchmkr., Clockmkr.	182
Optician	50
Weight or Measure Mkr.	24
Others	14
(8) In Surgical Instruments	19
Surgical Instrmt. Maker	17
Others	2
(9) In Arms	44
Gunsmith, Gun Manuf.	42
Others	2
(10) In Machines	285
Eng. and Mach. Maker	193
Spindle-maker	0
Needle manufacture	1
Scissors-maker	0
Tool Maker, Dealer	6
File-maker	0
Saw Smith, Maker	3
Cutler	47
Blade Maker, Forger	0
Knife-maker	0
Razor-maker	0
Others in Tools, Mchns.	35
(11) In Carriages	55
Coachmaker	54
Others	1
(12) In Harness	130
Saddler, Harness-maker	110
Whip-maker	20
(13) In Ships	36
Shipbldr., Shipwright	14
Block, Oar, Mast,--Mak.	2
Boat, Barge,--Builder	1
Sailmaker	11
Others	8
(14) In Houses and Buildings	1,946
House Proprietor	19
House Agent	10
Architect	17
Surveyor	10
Builder	108
Carpenter, Joiner	652
Bricklayer	430
Marble Mason	5
Mason, Pavior	81
Slater, Tiler	2
Plasterer	49
Paperhanger	18
Plumber, Painter, Glazr.	522
Others	23
(15) In Furniture	417
Cabinet Maker, Uphol.	221
Undertaker	42
Chair-maker	23
Picture-frame Maker	17
Carver, Gilder	52
Bedstead, Mattress,--Mak.	7
Furniture Broker	29
Others	26
(16) In Implements	51
Wheelwright	36
Millwright	11
Other Implement Mkrs.	4
(17) In Chemicals	102
Manuf. Chemist, Laborer	5
Dye, Colour,--manuf.	3
Dyer, Calenderer	46
Others	48
11. Persons working and Dealing in the Textile Fabrics and in Dress	5,787
(1) In Wool and Worsted	148
Woolstapler	14
Felt manufacture	2
Woollen Cloth manuf.	60
Clothier	6
Fuller	0
Wool, Woollen,--Dyer	1
Worsted manufacture	3
Stuff manufacture	1
Flannel manufacture	0
Blanket manufacture	0
Carpet, Rug,--manuf.	28
Others	33
(2) In Silk	172
Silk manufacture	38
Silk Dyer, Printer	3
Silk Mercer	40
Ribbon manufacture	3
Others	88
(3) In Cotton and Flax	156
Flax, Linen,--manuf.	6
Thread manufacture	0
Lace manufacture	13
Cotton manufacture	4
Fustian manufacture	0
Muslin manufacture	4
Calico, Cotton,--Printer	3
Calico, Cotton,--Dyer	0
Others	126
(4) In Mixed Materials (1, 2, 3.)	1,178
Packer and Presser	79
Weaver (undefined)	8
Manchester Warehmn.	317
Draper, Mercer	737
Others	37
(5) In Dress	4,089
Hairdresser, Wig-maker	130
Hatter, Hat manuf.	107
Straw Plait manuf.	0
Straw Hat, Bonnet Mak.	41
Shawl manufacture	9
Furrier	36
Tailor	1,709
Clothes Dealer, Outfitr.	157
Button-maker	2
Hose manufacture	0
Hosier, Haberdasher	111
Glover, Leather, &c.	27
Shoemaker, Bootmaker	1,464
Patten, Clog,--Maker	3
Umbrella, Stick,--Mak.	81
Others providing Dress	212
(6) In Hemp and other Fibrous Materials	44
Mat Maker, Seller	9
Rope, Cord,--Maker	10
Canvas Maker, Dealer	1
Sailcloth manufacture	2
Others	22
12. Persons working and dealing in Food and Drinks	2,977
(1) In Animal Food	1,112
Cowkeeper, Milkseller	119
Cheesemonger	113
Butcher, Meat Salesman	542
Provision Curer, Dealer	80
Poulterer, Game Dealer	30
Fishmonger	216
Others	12
(2) In Vegetable Food	811
Corn Merchant, Dealer	50
Miller	23
Flour Dealer, Agent	8
Baker	386
Confectioner, Pastry Ck.	122
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	162
Fruit, Flower,--Vendor	20
Potato Merchant	11
Seed Mercht., Seedsman	14
Sugar Refiner	4
Others	11
(3) In Drinks and Stimulants	1,054
Maltster	4
Brewer, &c.	43
Wine and Spirit Mercht.	120
Distiller, Rectifier	19
Cellarman	90
Ginger Br., Sod. Wat. Ma.	12
Grocer, Tea Dealer	417
Tobo., Cig., Snuff, manuf.	167
Tobacconist	97
Others	85
13. Persons working and dealing in Animal Substances	429
(1) In Grease, Gut, Bones, Horn, Ivory, and Whalebone	139
Soap-boiler	19
Tallow-chandler	37
Comb-maker	7
Others	76
(2) In Skins, Feathers, and Quills	226
Fellmonger	9
Skinner	13
Tanner	9
Currier	81
Others	114
(3) In Hair	64
Hair, Bristle,--manuf.	16
Brush, Broom,--Maker	47
Others	1
14. Persons working and dealing in Vegetable Substances	1,089
(1) In Gums and Resins	191
Oil Miller, Refiner	2
Oil and Colourman	85
French-polisher	84
Japanner	4
Others	16
(2) In Wood	444
Timber Merch., Dealer	22
Wood Dealer	10
Sawyer	31
Fence, Hurdle,--Maker	0
Lath-maker	1
Turner	30
Box-maker	103
Cooper	93
Hoop Maker, Bender	3
Others	151
(3) In Bark	40
Cork Cutter, manuf.	38
Others Workers in Bark	2
(4) In Cane, Rush, and Straw	76
Basket-maker	51
Hay and Straw Dealer	8
Thatcher	0
Others	17
(5) In Paper	338
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	13
Paper manufacture	12
Stationer (not Law)	198
Paper-stainer	26
Others Workers in Paper	89
15. Persons working and dealing in Minerals	1,658
(1) In Mining	15
Coal-miner	1
Copper-miner	0
Tin-miner	0
Lead-miner	0
Iron-miner	0
Others	14
(2) In Coal	202
Coal Merchant, Dealer	43
Coalheaver, Labourer	53
Coke Burner, Dealer	2
Chimney Sweeper	53
Gas Works Service	50
Other Workers in Coal	1
(3) In Stone, Clay	76
Stone Quarrier	1
Stone Cutter, Polisher	18
Slate Quarrier	0
Limestone Quar., Burner	0
Clay Labourer	0
Brick Maker, Dealer	1
Railway Labourer	3
Platelayer	3
Excavator, Navvy	3
Road Contractor, &c.	2
Road Labourer	1
Scavenger	20
Dust Collector	2
Others	22
(4) In Earthenware	59
Earthenware manuf.	4
Tobacco-pipe Makers	20
Earthenw., Glass, Dealer	31
Others	4
(5) In Glass	103
Glass manufacture	98
Other Workers in Glass	5
(6) In Salt	2
Salt manufacture	1
Other Dealers in Salt	1
(7) In Water	17
Waterworks Service	17
Others	0
(8) In Gold, Silver, and Precious Stones	276
Goldsmith, Jeweller	223
Plater, Plated Wareman	17
Others	36
(9) In Copper	30
Copper manufacture	7
Coppersmith	22
Others	1
(10) In Tin and Quicksilver	105
Tin manufacture	0
Tinman, Tinker	37
Tinplate Worker	65
Others	3
(11) In Zinc	7
Zinc manufacture	5
Others	2
(12) In Lead and Antimony	66
Lead manufacture	8
Typefounder	39
Others	19
(13) In Brass and other mixed Metals	302
Brass Founder, manuf.	115
Brazier	11
Locksmith, Bellhanger	18
Gasfitter	87
Wire Maker, Drawer	7
Wire Worker, Weaver	32
Others	32
(14) In Iron and Steel	398
Iron manufacture	55
Whitesmith	45
Blacksmith	144
Nail manufacture	0
Anchor, Chain,--Smith	0
Boiler-maker	4
Ironmonger	97
Hardwareman, Dealer	30
Steel manufacture	2
Grinder (branch undef.)	3
Others	18
16. Labourers and others - Branch of Labour undefined	1,360
(1) General Labourers	1,150
Labourer	1,150
(2) Other Persons of indefinite Occupations	210
Mechanic	28
Shopman	47
Apprentice	1
Others of indef. occu.	134
17. Persons of Rank or Property, not returned under any Office or Occupation	158
(1) Persons of Rank or property, not returned under any Office or Occupation	158
Gentleman	132
Annuitant	26
18. Persons supported by the Community and of no specified Occupation	41
(1) On Income from voluntary Sources and Rates	41
Dependent on Relatives	3
Almserperson, no stat. occ.	7
Pauper, no stated occ.	8
Lunatic, no stated occ.	2
Others	21
(2) Prisoners and others of Criminal Class	0
Prisoner, no stated occ.	0
(3) Vagrants and Gipsies	0
Vagrant, Beggar	0
Gipsy	0
19. Persons of no stated Rank, Profession, or Occupation	401
Visitor, no stated occ.	21
Others of no stated occupation or condition	380

Comments:

1	Note that the original table is organised into the Orders and sub-Orders listed here, but provides counts only for the individual occupations.

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.

David Allan Gatley (School of Social Sciences, University of Staffordshire). Role: transcriber. Restrictions on use: the contributor must be acknowledged but the data may be freely used for non-commercial purposes.