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".

Show Oxfordshire RegC table Witney RegD/PLU
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 47 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 8 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 14 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Police 13 Show data context -
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 10 Show data context -
  Other Local or County Official 2 Show data context -
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 14 Show data context -
  Army Officer (effective/retired) 1 Show data context -
  Soldier and Non-commissioned officer 2 Show data context -
  Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers 1 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 7 Show data context -
  Navy Officer (effective/retired) 1 Show data context -
  Navy Pensioner 2 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 113 Show data context 155 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 26 Show data context -
  Roman Catholic Priest 1 Show data context -
  Minister, Priest of other religious bodies 2 Show data context -
  Nun, Sister of Charity - 1 Show data context
  Theological Student 1 Show data context -
  Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant 3 Show data context -
  Barrister, Solicitor 4 Show data context -
  Law Student 2 Show data context -
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 10 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 8 Show data context -
  Dentist 1 Show data context -
  Medical Student, Assistant 2 Show data context -
  Midwife - 4 Show data context
  Subordinate Medical Service - 19 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 40 Show data context 107 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer 3 Show data context 21 Show data context
  Civil Engineer 2 Show data context -
  Land, House, Ship, Surveyor 2 Show data context -
  Painter (artist) - 1 Show data context
  Architect 1 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Photographer 3 Show data context -
  Actor 1 Show data context -
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 212 Show data context 1,036 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 90 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Domestic Gardener 71 Show data context -
  Domestic Indoor Servant 40 Show data context 855 Show data context
  Inn, Hotel Servant 9 Show data context 11 Show data context
  College, Club Service 1 Show data context -
  Charwoman - 40 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service 1 Show data context 129 Show data context
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 48 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Merchant 2 Show data context -
  Broker, Agent, Factor 2 Show data context -
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 5 Show data context -
  Accountant 2 Show data context -
  Commercial Traveller 6 Show data context -
  Commercial Clerk 23 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Bank Service 8 Show data context -
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 196 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Pointsman, Level Crossing Man 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 22 Show data context -
  Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper 1 Show data context -
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 13 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 123 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman 3 Show data context -
  Seaman (Merchant Service) 2 Show data context -
  Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service 1 Show data context -
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 1 Show data context -
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 28 Show data context -
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 2,558 Show data context 195 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 232 Show data context 14 Show data context
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 93 Show data context -
  Farm Bailiff 37 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 2,020 Show data context 178 Show data context
  Shepherd 132 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Land Drainage Service (not in towns) 3 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant 7 Show data context -
  Woodman 13 Show data context -
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist 2 Show data context -
  Gardener (not domestic) 19 Show data context 2 Show data context
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 54 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 19 Show data context -
  Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier 3 Show data context -
  Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman 7 Show data context -
  Drover 3 Show data context -
  Gamekeeper 18 Show data context -
  Vermin Destroyer 1 Show data context -
  Fisherman 3 Show data context -
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 13 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Bookbinder 1 Show data context -
  Printer 10 Show data context -
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 25 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 2 Show data context -
  Millwright 13 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 1 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker 2 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 5 Show data context -
  Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer 1 Show data context -
  Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Toy Maker, Dealer - 1 Show data context
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 437 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Builder 24 Show data context -
  Carpenter, Joiner 157 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Bricklayer 8 Show data context -
  Mason 137 Show data context -
  Slater, Tiler 15 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 29 Show data context -
  Plumber 16 Show data context -
  Painter, Glazier 33 Show data context -
  Cabinet Maker 14 Show data context 3 Show data context
  French Polisher 1 Show data context -
  Gas Fitter 3 Show data context -
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 56 Show data context -
  Coachmaker 19 Show data context -
  Wheelwright 16 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 21 Show data context -
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS. 2 Show data context -
  Sail Maker 2 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 6 Show data context -
  Chemist, Druggist 6 Show data context -
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 426 Show data context 53 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 78 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Maltster 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Brewer 41 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Cellarman 1 Show data context -
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 2 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Milkseller, Dairyman 3 Show data context -
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 43 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Provision Curer, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Poulterer, Game Dealer 5 Show data context -
  Fishmonger 3 Show data context -
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Corn Miller 37 Show data context -
  Baker 92 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 1 Show data context -
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 96 Show data context 20 Show data context
  Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer 2 Show data context -
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 173 Show data context 132 Show data context
  Woolstapler 5 Show data context -
  Woollen Cloth Manufacture 30 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer 1 Show data context -
  Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Blanket Manufacture 75 Show data context 76 Show data context
  Fuller 2 Show data context -
  Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture - 2 Show data context
  Lace Manufacturer, Dealer 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer 15 Show data context -
  Mat Maker, Seller 1 Show data context -
  Net Maker - 2 Show data context
  Others working and Dealing in Hemp 6 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Weaver (undefined) 2 Show data context -
  Factory Hand (textile, undefined) 1 Show data context -
  Felt Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Carpet, Rug Manufacture 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 30 Show data context 26 Show data context
  Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer - 3 Show data context
  Others 1 Show data context -
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 150 Show data context 629 Show data context
  Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture - 2 Show data context
  Tailor 36 Show data context 14 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker - 195 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress 1 Show data context 63 Show data context
  Glover, Glove Maker 6 Show data context 351 Show data context
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 99 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 7 Show data context -
  Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES. 22 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Furrier, Skinner 4 Show data context -
  Tanner, Fellmonger 12 Show data context -
  Currier 6 Show data context -
  Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer - 1 Show data context
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 73 Show data context 43 Show data context
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 5 Show data context -
  Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Thatcher 10 Show data context -
  Sawyer 19 Show data context -
  Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker 7 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 3 Show data context -
  Paper Manufacture 23 Show data context 41 Show data context
  Stationer, Law Stationer 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Others 2 Show data context -
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 209 Show data context 7 Show data context
  [Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook] 7 Show data context -
  Coal Merchant 7 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 6 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Stone Quarrier 2 Show data context -
  Limeburner 1 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 16 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector 20 Show data context -
  Road Labourer 8 Show data context -
  Platelayer 13 Show data context -
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 25 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller 2 Show data context -
  [Iron Manufacture] 3 Show data context -
  Blacksmith 76 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Whitesmith 4 Show data context -
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 5 Show data context -
  Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier 2 Show data context -
  Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker - 1 Show data context
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 320 Show data context 24 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 24 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 29 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 1 Show data context -
  General Labourer 219 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 14 Show data context -
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 13 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Apprentice (undefined) 3 Show data context -
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 13 Show data context -
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 11 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Town Drainage Service 1 Show data context -
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 10 Show data context -
  Rag Gatherer, Dealer - 1 Show data context
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 103 Show data context 705 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 103 Show data context 705 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 58 Show data context 2,514 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  [Blank field, or illegible] 55 Show data context 2,513 Show data context

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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".

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.)