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 West Riding RegC	Halifax RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS	[Males] [1]
Total of Males	33,064
1. Persons engaged in the General or Local Government of the Country	188
(1) Officers of National Government	64
Civ. Serv. not in Rev. Dep.	2
Post Office	35
Inland Revenue	27
Customs	0
Government Messengers, Workmen	0
Dockyard Artificers	0
Other Govt.	0
(2) Officers of Local Government	123
Magistrate	7
Police	71
Prison Officer	1
Union and Parish Officer	25
Officer of Local Board	4
Other Local Officers	15
(3) Officers of East India and Colonial Government	1
E. India and Col. Service	1
2. Persons engaged in the Defence of the Country	127
(1) Army	119
Army Officer	0
Army Half-pay Officer	2
Soldier	28
Chelsea Pensioner	71
Militia	17
Others	1
(2) Navy	8
Navy Officer	0
Navy Half-pay Officer	1
Seaman, R.N.	0
Royal Marine	1
Greenwich Pensioner	6
Others	0
3. Persons engaged in the Learned Professions or engaged in Literature, Art, and Science (with their immediate Subordinates)	598
(1) Clergymen, Ministers, and Church Officers	129
Clergyman	43
Protestant Minister	46
Roman Catholic Priest	1
Other Relig. Teachers	7
Parish Clerk	2
Other Church Officers	30
(2) Lawyers, Law Court Officers, and Law Stationers	72
Barrister	1
Solicitor	33
Law Student	0
Other Lawyers	1
Officers of Law Court	6
Law Clerk	27
Law Stationer	4
(3) Physicians, Surgeons, and Druggists	147
Physician	8
Surgeon, Apothecary	48
Medical Student, Assist.	10
Dentist	4
Druggist	74
Others	3
(4) Authors and Literary Persons	11
Author, Editor, Writer	7
Ors. eng. in Literature	4
(5) Artists	24
Artist, Painter	6
Sculptor	3
Engraver	6
Photographic Artist	9
Ors. Eng. in the Fine Arts	0
(6) Musicians, Teachers of Music	47
Musician	39
Music-master	8
Others	0
(7) Actors, Actresses	9
Actor	4
In Theatres, Exhibitions	5
(8) Teachers	141
Schoolmaster	110
Teacher of Languages	8
Profes. of Mathematics	2
Teacher (General)	12
Teacher of Dancing	4
Other Teachers	5
(9) Scientific Persons	18
Civil Engineer	11
Other Scientific Persons	7
4. Persons engaged in the Domestic Officers or Duties of Wives, Mothers, Mistresses of Families, Children, Relatives (not otherwise returned)	26
(3) Children and Relatives at home (not otherwise described)	20
Son, Grandson, Brother, Neph. (not oth. Des.)	20
(4) Scholars (so described)	6
Scholar (so described)	6
5. Persons engaged in entertaining, and performing Personal Offices for Man	550
(1) In Board and Lodging	323
Innkeeper, Hotelkeeper	131
Publican	100
Beerseller	80
Lodg., Boardg.-house K.	4
Coffee-house Keeper	2
Cook (not Domst. Serv.)	0
Others--Boarding, &c.	6
(2) Attendance (Domestic Servants, &c.)	227
Domst. Serv. (General)	84
Coachman	36
Groom	23
Gardener	52
Inn Servant	28
Hosp. Attent., Nurse, &c.	2
Others	2
6. Persons who buy or sell, keep, or lend Money, Houses or Goods of various Kinds	460
(1) Mercantile Men [Women]	353
Merchant	58
Banker	2
Insur., Ben. Soci. Offr.	17
Stock Broker, &c.	7
Ship Broker, Agent	0
Broker	10
Agent, Factor	30
Coal, Colliery Agent	10
Iron Merchant, Agent	4
Salesman	1
Auctioneer, Apprsr., Val.	14
Accountant	14
Commercial Clerk	159
Commercial Traveller	22
Other Mercantile Men	5
(2) Other General Dealers	107
Pawnbroker	19
Marine-store Dealer	2
Ge. Dlr., Costermonger	7
Shopkeeper	22
Hawker, Pedlar	57
Other General Dealers	0
7. Persons engaged in the Conveyance of Men, Animals, Goods, and Messages	1,277
(1) Carriers on Railways	183
Rail. Engine Driver, &c.	18
Railway Official	38
Railway Servant	123
Railway Police	1
Ors. eng. in	3
(2) Carriers on Roads	791
Toll Collector	28
Coach, Omn., Cab, Ownr.	5
Livery Staple Keeper	1
Coachman (not domstc.)	25
Cabman, Flyman	25
Carm., Carr., Carter, Dray.	707
Others	0
(3) Carriers on Canals and Rivers	151
Canal and River Service	14
Bargeman, Waterman	137
Others	0
(4) Carriers on Seas and Rivers	17
Shipowner	1
Seaman (Mercht. Serv.)	6
Pilot	0
Boatman on Seas	0
Dock Servant, Labourer	1
Wharfinger	6
Others	3
(5) Engaged in Storage	70
Warehsmn. (not Manch.)	66
Others in Storage	4
(6) Messengers and Porters	65
Messr., Port., Ernd. Boy	63
Telegraph Service	2
Others in Messages	0
8. Persons possessing or working the Land, and engaged in growing Grain, Fruits, Grasses, Animals, and other Products	2,995
(1) In Fields and Pastures (Agriculturists)	2,774
Land Proprietor	47
Farmer, Grazier	1,267
Farmer's "Son", "Brother", "Grandson"	168
Farm Bailiff	15
Agricultural Labourer	1,153
Shepherd (out-door)	12
Farm Servant (in-door)	81
Land Surv., Estate Agt.	21
Others in Agriculture	10
(2) In Woods (Arboriculturists)	3
Woodman	3
Others in Arboriculture	0
(3) In Gardens (Horticulturists)	218
Gardener	212
Nurseryman	6
Others in Horticulture	0
9. Persons engaged about Animals	134
(1) Persons engaged about Animals	134
Horse Dealer	1
Horsebreaker	4
Horsekpr., Grm., Jockey	73
Farrier, Veterinary Sur.	11
Cattle, Sheep,--Dealer	22
Drover	3
Pig Merchant, Dealer	2
Gamekeeper	17
Vermin Destroyer	0
Fisherman	0
Others about Animals	1
10. Persons engaged in Art and Mechanic Productions, in which Matters of various kinds are employed in combination	4,644
(1) In Books	155
Bookseller, Publisher	38
Bookbinder	41
Printer	68
Newspaper Agent	7
Others in Publications	1
(2) In Musical Instrument	20
Musical Instr. Mak., Dlr.	13
Others	7
(3) In Prints and Pictures	11
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	7
Others	4
(4) In Carving and Figures	17
Wood-carver	12
Others	5
(5) in Tackle for Sport and Games	8
Toy Maker, Dealer	8
Bow, Bat, Tackle,--Mak.	0
(6) In Designs, Medals, and Dies	13
Pattern Designer	11
Others	2
(7) In Watches and Philosophical Instruments	52
Watchmkr., Clockmkr.	44
Optician	2
Weight or Measure Mkr.	6
Others	0
(8) In Surgical Instruments	1
Surgical Instrmt. Maker	1
Others	0
(9) In Arms	5
Gunsmith, Gun Manuf.	5
Others	0
(10) In Machines	741
Eng. and Mach. Maker	283
Spindle-maker	65
Needle manufacture	0
Scissors-maker	0
Tool Maker, Dealer	6
File-maker	2
Saw Smith, Maker	5
Cutler	6
Blade Maker, Forger	0
Knife-maker	0
Razor-maker	2
Others in Tools, Mchns.	372
(11) In Carriages	33
Coachmaker	32
Others	1
(12) In Harness	48
Saddler, Harness-maker	47
Whip-maker	1
(13) In Ships	1
Shipbldr., Shipwright	1
Block, Oar, Mast,--Mak.	0
Boat, Barge,--Builder	0
Sailmaker	0
Others	0
(14) In Houses and Buildings	2,770
House Proprietor	42
House Agent	6
Architect	26
Surveyor	3
Builder	14
Carpenter, Joiner	679
Bricklayer	15
Marble Mason	4
Mason, Pavior	1,509
Slater, Tiler	50
Plasterer	171
Paperhanger	2
Plumber, Painter, Glazr.	243
Others	6
(15) In Furniture	235
Cabinet Maker, Uphol.	181
Undertaker	2
Chair-maker	2
Picture-frame Maker	1
Carver, Gilder	13
Bedstead, Mattress,--Mak.	3
Furniture Broker	33
Others	0
(16) In Implements	274
Wheelwright	108
Millwright	166
Other Implement Mkrs.	0
(17) In Chemicals	260
Manuf. Chemist, Laborer	49
Dye, Colour,--manuf.	27
Dyer, Calenderer	124
Others	60
11. Persons working and Dealing in the Textile Fabrics and in Dress	14,160
(1) In Wool and Worsted	9,880
Woolstapler	184
Felt manufacture	0
Woollen Cloth manuf.	4,522
Clothier	5
Fuller	52
Wool, Woollen,--Dyer	206
Worsted manufacture	3,346
Stuff manufacture	405
Flannel manufacture	1
Blanket manufacture	7
Carpet, Rug,--manuf.	1,001
Others	151
(2) In Silk	294
Silk manufacture	279
Silk Dyer, Printer	4
Silk Mercer	1
Ribbon manufacture	1
Others	9
(3) In Cotton and Flax	2,154
Flax, Linen,--manuf.	12
Thread manufacture	0
Lace manufacture	0
Cotton manufacture	1,945
Fustian manufacture	3
Muslin manufacture	1
Calico, Cotton,--Printer	21
Calico, Cotton,--Dyer	75
Others	97
(4) In Mixed Materials (1, 2, 3.)	211
Packer and Presser	5
Weaver (undefined)	23
Manchester Warehmn.	3
Draper, Mercer	173
Others	7
(5) In Dress	1,568
Hairdresser, Wig-maker	53
Hatter, Hat manuf.	20
Straw Plait manuf.	0
Straw Hat, Bonnet Mak.	0
Shawl manufacture	1
Furrier	0
Tailor	513
Clothes Dealer, Outfitr.	8
Button-maker	0
Hose manufacture	0
Hosier, Haberdasher	15
Glover, Leather, &c.	1
Shoemaker, Bootmaker	800
Patten, Clog,--Maker	127
Umbrella, Stick,--Mak.	9
Others providing Dress	21
(6) In Hemp and other Fibrous Materials	53
Mat Maker, Seller	2
Rope, Cord,--Maker	35
Canvas Maker, Dealer	0
Sailcloth manufacture	0
Others	16
12. Persons working and dealing in Food and Drinks	1,503
(1) In Animal Food	375
Cowkeeper, Milkseller	29
Cheesemonger	7
Butcher, Meat Salesman	295
Provision Curer, Dealer	13
Poulterer, Game Dealer	2
Fishmonger	29
Others	0
(2) In Vegetable Food	325
Corn Merchant, Dealer	38
Miller	136
Flour Dealer, Agent	3
Baker	18
Confectioner, Pastry Ck.	19
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	98
Fruit, Flower,--Vendor	3
Potato Merchant	5
Seed Mercht., Seedsman	1
Sugar Refiner	0
Others	4
(3) In Drinks and Stimulants	803
Maltster	53
Brewer, &c.	64
Wine and Spirit Mercht.	30
Distiller, Rectifier	1
Cellarman	7
Ginger Br., Sod. Wat. Ma.	2
Grocer, Tea Dealer	605
Tobo., Cig., Snuff, manuf.	1
Tobacconist	10
Others	30
13. Persons working and dealing in Animal Substances	251
(1) In Grease, Gut, Bones, Horn, Ivory, and Whalebone	41
Soap-boiler	12
Tallow-chandler	23
Comb-maker	2
Others	4
(2) In Skins, Feathers, and Quills	149
Fellmonger	3
Skinner	2
Tanner	14
Currier	126
Others	4
(3) In Hair	61
Hair, Bristle,--manuf.	0
Brush, Broom,--Maker	56
Others	5
14. Persons working and dealing in Vegetable Substances	381
(1) In Gums and Resins	24
Oil Miller, Refiner	2
Oil and Colourman	3
French-polisher	15
Japanner	0
Others	4
(2) In Wood	175
Timber Merch., Dealer	24
Wood Dealer	3
Sawyer	58
Fence, Hurdle,--Maker	0
Lath-maker	1
Turner	37
Box-maker	1
Cooper	31
Hoop Maker, Bender	0
Others	20
(3) In Bark	32
Cork Cutter, manuf.	32
Others Workers in Bark	0
(4) In Cane, Rush, and Straw	29
Basket-maker	26
Hay and Straw Dealer	3
Thatcher	0
Others	0
(5) In Paper	121
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	29
Paper manufacture	76
Stationer (not Law)	11
Paper-stainer	0
Others Workers in Paper	5
15. Persons working and dealing in Minerals	4,868
(1) In Mining	749
Coal-miner	733
Copper-miner	0
Tin-miner	0
Lead-miner	0
Iron-miner	3
Others	13
(2) In Coal	199
Coal Merchant, Dealer	74
Coalheaver, Labourer	31
Coke Burner, Dealer	2
Chimney Sweeper	25
Gas Works Service	66
Other Workers in Coal	1
(3) In Stone, Clay	2,173
Stone Quarrier	1,256
Stone Cutter, Polisher	391
Slate Quarrier	1
Limestone Quar., Burner	1
Clay Labourer	8
Brick Maker, Dealer	84
Railway Labourer	10
Platelayer	38
Excavator, Navvy	200
Road Contractor, &c.	8
Road Labourer	113
Scavenger	19
Dust Collector	0
Others	44
(4) In Earthenware	83
Earthenware manuf.	29
Tobacco-pipe Makers	24
Earthenw., Glass, Dealer	30
Others	0
(5) In Glass	2
Glass manufacture	1
Other Workers in Glass	1
(6) In Salt	6
Salt manufacture	0
Other Dealers in Salt	6
(7) In Water	13
Waterworks Service	6
Others	7
(8) In Gold, Silver, and Precious Stones	10
Goldsmith, Jeweller	8
Plater, Plated Wareman	0
Others	2
(9) In Copper	0
Copper manufacture	0
Coppersmith	0
Others	0
(10) In Tin and Quicksilver	58
Tin manufacture	0
Tinman, Tinker	29
Tinplate Worker	29
Others	0
(11) In Zinc	0
Zinc manufacture	0
Others	0
(12) In Lead and Antimony	1
Lead manufacture	0
Typefounder	1
Others	0
(13) In Brass and other mixed Metals	466
Brass Founder, manuf.	35
Brazier	1
Locksmith, Bellhanger	7
Gasfitter	11
Wire Maker, Drawer	393
Wire Worker, Weaver	18
Others	1
(14) In Iron and Steel	1,108
Iron manufacture	494
Whitesmith	65
Blacksmith	421
Nail manufacture	9
Anchor, Chain,--Smith	0
Boiler-maker	42
Ironmonger	37
Hardwareman, Dealer	12
Steel manufacture	0
Grinder (branch undef.)	3
Others	25
16. Labourers and others - Branch of Labour undefined	658
(1) General Labourers	440
Labourer	440
(2) Other Persons of indefinite Occupations	218
Mechanic	154
Shopman	0
Apprentice	0
Others of indef. occu.	64
17. Persons of Rank or Property, not returned under any Office or Occupation	39
(1) Persons of Rank or property, not returned under any Office or Occupation	39
Gentleman	17
Annuitant	22
18. Persons supported by the Community and of no specified Occupation	54
(1) On Income from voluntary Sources and Rates	52
Dependent on Relatives	13
Almserperson, no stat. occ.	3
Pauper, no stated occ.	18
Lunatic, no stated occ.	4
Others	14
(2) Prisoners and others of Criminal Class	0
Prisoner, no stated occ.	0
(3) Vagrants and Gipsies	2
Vagrant, Beggar	2
Gipsy	0
19. Persons of no stated Rank, Profession, or Occupation	151
Visitor, no stated occ.	2
Others of no stated occupation or condition	149

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.