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 Kent RegC	Greenwich RegD/PLU	Greenwich East Greenwich West St Nicholas Deptford St Paul Deptford Woolwich Arsenal Woolwich Dockyard

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	756	46
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	281	34
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	128	3
Prison Service, &c.	4	2
Police	266	1
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	61	5
Other Local or County Official	13	-
East Indian and Colonial Service	3	1
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	373	11
Army Officer (effective/retired)	37	3
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	43	3
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	8	-
Army Pensioner	34	1
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	141	1
Seaman, R.N.	26	1
Royal Marines (officers/men)	15	-
Navy Pensioner	69	2
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	1,207	1,231
Clergymen (Established Church)	42	-
Roman Catholic Priest	6	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	19	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	33	9
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	1
Theological Student	6	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	13	12
Barrister, Solicitor	71	3
Law Student	8	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	150	1
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	74	-
Dentist	21	-
Medical Student, Assistant	64	2
Midwife	-	8
Subordinate Medical Service	16	294
Schoolmaster	200	604
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	32	118
School Service, and others connected with teaching	25	17
Author, Editor, Journalist	34	4
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	15	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	30	1
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	7	1
Civil Engineer	54	-
Mining Engineer	4	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	24	-
Painter (artist)	34	12
Engraver (artist)	14	-
Sculptor	1	-
Architect	55	-
Musician, Music Master	78	111
Art Student	11	11
Photographer	31	13
Actor	13	7
Art, Music, Theatre Service	6	2
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	3	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	13	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	735	8,265
Domestic Coachman, Groom	57	-
Domestic Gardener	33	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	217	6,318
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	17	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	314	172
College, Club Service	7	2
Office Keeper (not Government)	9	4
Cook (not domestic)	39	7
Charwoman	-	453
Washing and Bathing Service	25	1,250
Hospital and Institution Service	12	56
Others engaged in Service	5	3
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	2,915	80
Merchant	78	1
Broker, Agent, Factor	203	4
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	51	3
Accountant	89	3
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	24	5
Commercial Traveller	325	7
Commercial Clerk	1,828	50
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	8	-
Banker	6	-
Bank Service	181	1
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	4	1
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	118	5
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	4,661	60
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	207	1
Railway Guard	140	3
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	17	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	706	15
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	2	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	20	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	195	1
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	725	7
Tramway Companies' Service	79	-
Inland Navigation Service	5	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	585	1
Navigation Service (on shore)	6	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	761	4
Pilot	27	-
Ship Steward, Cook	42	3
Boatman on Seas	2	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	437	5
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	189	10
Meter, Weigher	14	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	463	3
Telegraph, Telephone Service	39	7
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	652	123
Farmer, Grazier	14	1
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	5	-
Farm Bailiff	6	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	201	25
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	3	-
Woodman	64	49
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	21	2
Gardener (not domestic)	338	46
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	339	3
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	6	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	114	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	46	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	8	-
Drover	65	-
Gamekeeper	2	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	6	-
Fisherman	81	1
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	11	2
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	640	63
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	68	6
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	5	-
Bookbinder	85	38
Printer	393	10
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	26	5
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	52	3
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	1	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	9	1
[Others]	1	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	2,134	34
Engine, Machine Maker	571	7
Millwright	41	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	704	6
Boiler Maker	480	3
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	1	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	17	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	9	-
File Maker	1	-
Saw Maker	5	-
Domestic Implement Maker	1	1
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	76	3
Philosophical Instrument Maker	31	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	127	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	16	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	5	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	5	-
Ordnance Manufacturer	2	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	18	-
Type Cutter, Founder	2	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	4	1
Toy Maker, Dealer	6	13
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	1	-
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	9	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	4,103	65
Builder	178	1
Carpenter, Joiner	1,132	6
Bricklayer	909	5
Mason	173	1
Slater, Tiler	20	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	188	3
Paperhanger	48	1
Plumber	258	1
Painter, Glazier	732	4
Cabinet Maker	147	24
French Polisher	25	1
Furniture Broker, Dealer	33	1
Locksmith, Bellhanger	8	-
Gas Fitter	151	1
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	41	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	20	-
Wood Carver	2	-
Carver, Gilder	25	2
Dealer in Works of Art	9	1
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	2	-
Artificial Flower Maker	2	13
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	237	13
Coachmaker	73	1
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	13	-
Wheelwright	94	3
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	6	-
Others	1	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	50	9
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	614	5
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	265	2
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	284	2
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	16	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	15	1
Sail Maker	34	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	193	9
Dye, Paint Manufacture	19	-
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	2	-
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	-	3
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	15	-
Chemist, Druggist	77	2
Manufacturing Chemist	75	4
Alkali Manufacture	1	-
Drysalter	4	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	62	24
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	52	23
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	10	1
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	2,647	331
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	222	32
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	7	57
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	51	23
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	6	-
Maltster	9	-
Brewer	52	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	78	13
Cellarman	37	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	54	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	178	5
Cheesemonger, Butterman	84	5
Butcher, Meat Salesman	516	10
Provision Curer, Dealer	54	7
Poulterer, Game Dealer	4	4
Fishmonger	120	21
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	62	4
Corn Miller	31	-
Baker	425	48
Confectioner, Pastrycook	56	44
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	224	26
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	6	1
Sugar Refiner	8	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	343	29
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	20	2
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	428	280
Woolstapler	5	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	5	1
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	-	2
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	9	6
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	5	26
Silk Merchant, Dealer	6	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	5	3
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	3	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	2	-
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	8	8
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	1	-
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	25	1
Mat Maker, Seller	7	-
Net Maker	1	1
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	6	1
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	1	-
Weaver (undefined)	1	6
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	35	7
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	4	1
Felt Manufacture	1	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	7	6
Manchester Warehouseman	8	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	270	174
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	7	19
Trimming Maker, Dealer	6	13
Embroiderer	-	5
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	981	2,275
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	51	7
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	4
Tailor	266	108
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	21	1,641
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	18	430
Hosiery Manufacture	5	-
Hosier, Haberdasher	35	17
Glover, Glove Maker	8	1
Button Maker, Dealer	1	1
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	478	49
Patten, Clog Maker	1	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	66	4
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	23	3
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	8	10
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	255	35
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	28	1
Soap Boiler, Maker	60	-
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Manure Manufacture	7	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Comb Maker	1	-
Others	2	-
Furrier, Skinner	32	6
Tanner, Fellmonger	10	-
Currier	73	4
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	21	5
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	1	1
Brush, Broom, Maker	14	8
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	3	10
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	938	170
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	24	1
Oil and Colourman	89	10
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	18	-
Japanner	1	1
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	12	1
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Others	7	1
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	55	11
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	17	1
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	234	80
Sawyer	135	1
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	22	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	28	1
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	153	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	7	-
Paper Manufacture	20	3
Envelope Maker	1	15
Stationer, Law Stationer	89	34
Card, Pattern Card Maker	-	2
Paper Stainer	1	1
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	10	6
Ticket, Label Writer	2	1
Others	11	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	2,582	91
Coal Miner	8	-
Ironstone Miner	2	-
Copper Miner	1	-
Tin Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	1	-
Mine Service	4	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	1	-
Coal Merchant	29	1
Coalheaver	174	1
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	5	-
Gas Works Service	135	2
Stone Quarrier	2	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	24	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	3	-
Limeburner	3	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	6	1
Well Sinker, Borer	2	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	36	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	77	1
Paviour	35	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	2	-
Road Labourer	20	1
Railway Contractor	14	-
Platelayer	72	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	93	-
Others	3	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	43	5
Glass Manufacture	27	1
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	28	8
Salt Maker, Dealer	1	-
Waterworks Service	19	1
Others	1	1
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	47	5
Gold, Silver, Beater	1	1
Others	16	35
[Iron Manufacture]	611	3
[Steel Manufacture]	1	-
Blacksmith	462	2
Whitesmith	36	-
Nail Manufacture	6	-
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	3	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	88	4
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	1	1
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
[Coppersmith]	105	1
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	56	1
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	33	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	5	3
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	6	1
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	167	2
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	9	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	45	6
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	5	1
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	4	1
Others	2	1
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	5,645	646
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	252	124
Pawnbroker	79	1
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	161	120
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	76	5
Contractor (undefined)	13	-
General Labourer	4,214	38
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	303	2
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	339	60
Apprentice (undefined)	46	4
Factory Labourer (undefined)	138	16
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	24	276
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	60	2
Town Drainage Service	8	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	36	1
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	7	1
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	9	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	784	3,570
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	784	3,570
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	844	21,156
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	43	14
[Blank field, or illegible]	801	21,142

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.

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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.)

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