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	Sussex RegC

OCCUPATIONS	[Males] [1]
Total of Males	93,158
1. Persons engaged in the General or Local Government of the Country	1,399
(1) Officers of National Government	662
Civ. Serv. not in Rev. Dep.	91
Post Office	251
Inland Revenue	82
Customs	206
Government Messengers, Workmen	0
Dockyard Artificers	0
Other Govt.	32
(2) Officers of Local Government	652
Magistrate	134
Police	319
Prison Officer	27
Union and Parish Officer	140
Officer of Local Board	2
Other Local Officers	30
(3) Officers of East India and Colonial Government	85
E. India and Col. Service	85
2. Persons engaged in the Defence of the Country	2,484
(1) Army	1,853
Army Officer	226
Army Half-pay Officer	156
Soldier	1,173
Chelsea Pensioner	231
Militia	58
Others	9
(2) Navy	631
Navy Officer	44
Navy Half-pay Officer	47
Seaman, R.N.	79
Royal Marine	9
Greenwich Pensioner	39
Others	413
3. Persons engaged in the Learned Professions or engaged in Literature, Art, and Science (with their immediate Subordinates)	3,389
(1) Clergymen, Ministers, and Church Officers	938
Clergyman	658
Protestant Minister	122
Roman Catholic Priest	19
Other Relig. Teachers	51
Parish Clerk	62
Other Church Officers	26
(2) Lawyers, Law Court Officers, and Law Stationers	592
Barrister	145
Solicitor	277
Law Student	25
Other Lawyers	3
Officers of Law Court	23
Law Clerk	114
Law Stationer	5
(3) Physicians, Surgeons, and Druggists	699
Physician	100
Surgeon, Apothecary	283
Medical Student, Assist.	39
Dentist	40
Druggist	231
Others	6
(4) Authors and Literary Persons	84
Author, Editor, Writer	31
Ors. eng. in Literature	53
(5) Artists	166
Artist, Painter	73
Sculptor	5
Engraver	17
Photographic Artist	69
Ors. Eng. in the Fine Arts	2
(6) Musicians, Teachers of Music	200
Musician	151
Music-master	44
Others	5
(7) Actors, Actresses	59
Actor	15
In Theatres, Exhibitions	44
(8) Teachers	605
Schoolmaster	460
Teacher of Languages	51
Profes. of Mathematics	14
Teacher (General)	34
Teacher of Dancing	21
Other Teachers	25
(9) Scientific Persons	46
Civil Engineer	32
Other Scientific Persons	14
4. Persons engaged in the Domestic Officers or Duties of Wives, Mothers, Mistresses of Families, Children, Relatives (not otherwise returned)	274
(3) Children and Relatives at home (not otherwise described)	200
Son, Grandson, Brother, Neph. (not oth. Des.)	200
(4) Scholars (so described)	74
Scholar (so described)	74
5. Persons engaged in entertaining, and performing Personal Offices for Man	4,838
(1) In Board and Lodging	1,634
Innkeeper, Hotelkeeper	524
Publican	426
Beerseller	262
Lodg., Boardg.-house K.	336
Coffee-house Keeper	28
Cook (not Domst. Serv.)	20
Others--Boarding, &c.	38
(2) Attendance (Domestic Servants, &c.)	3,204
Domst. Serv. (General)	1,551
Coachman	409
Groom	409
Gardener	341
Inn Servant	436
Hosp. Attent., Nurse, &c.	25
Others	33
6. Persons who buy or sell, keep, or lend Money, Houses or Goods of various Kinds	1,464
(1) Mercantile Men [Women]	912
Merchant	188
Banker	37
Insur., Ben. Soci. Offr.	15
Stock Broker, &c.	19
Ship Broker, Agent	14
Broker	21
Agent, Factor	43
Coal, Colliery Agent	3
Iron Merchant, Agent	0
Salesman	4
Auctioneer, Apprsr., Val.	85
Accountant	75
Commercial Clerk	300
Commercial Traveller	77
Other Mercantile Men	31
(2) Other General Dealers	552
Pawnbroker	18
Marine-store Dealer	109
Ge. Dlr., Costermonger	173
Shopkeeper	32
Hawker, Pedlar	212
Other General Dealers	8
7. Persons engaged in the Conveyance of Men, Animals, Goods, and Messages	5,479
(1) Carriers on Railways	752
Rail. Engine Driver, &c.	127
Railway Official	164
Railway Servant	450
Railway Police	8
Ors. eng. in	3
(2) Carriers on Roads	2,813
Toll Collector	99
Coach, Omn., Cab, Ownr.	117
Livery Staple Keeper	30
Coachman (not domstc.)	371
Cabman, Flyman	396
Carm., Carr., Carter, Dray.	1,688
Others	112
(3) Carriers on Canals and Rivers	295
Canal and River Service	29
Bargeman, Waterman	257
Others	9
(4) Carriers on Seas and Rivers	1,062
Shipowner	29
Seaman (Mercht. Serv.)	836
Pilot	38
Boatman on Seas	43
Dock Servant, Labourer	65
Wharfinger	14
Others	37
(5) Engaged in Storage	67
Warehsmn. (not Manch.)	54
Others in Storage	13
(6) Messengers and Porters	490
Messr., Port., Ernd. Boy	478
Telegraph Service	10
Others in Messages	2
8. Persons possessing or working the Land, and engaged in growing Grain, Fruits, Grasses, Animals, and other Products	33,785
(1) In Fields and Pastures (Agriculturists)	31,414
Land Proprietor	478
Farmer, Grazier	3,827
Farmer's "Son", "Brother", "Grandson"	853
Farm Bailiff	624
Agricultural Labourer	24,209
Shepherd (out-door)	688
Farm Servant (in-door)	582
Land Surv., Estate Agt.	65
Others in Agriculture	88
(2) In Woods (Arboriculturists)	233
Woodman	204
Others in Arboriculture	29
(3) In Gardens (Horticulturists)	2,138
Gardener	2,054
Nurseryman	84
Others in Horticulture	0
9. Persons engaged about Animals	2,567
(1) Persons engaged about Animals	2,567
Horse Dealer	28
Horsebreaker	24
Horsekpr., Grm., Jockey	778
Farrier, Veterinary Sur.	125
Cattle, Sheep,--Dealer	35
Drover	37
Pig Merchant, Dealer	17
Gamekeeper	400
Vermin Destroyer	40
Fisherman	1,015
Others about Animals	68
10. Persons engaged in Art and Mechanic Productions, in which Matters of various kinds are employed in combination	12,111
(1) In Books	358
Bookseller, Publisher	98
Bookbinder	35
Printer	187
Newspaper Agent	23
Others in Publications	15
(2) In Musical Instrument	52
Musical Instr. Mak., Dlr.	26
Others	26
(3) In Prints and Pictures	15
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	4
Others	11
(4) In Carving and Figures	25
Wood-carver	8
Others	17
(5) in Tackle for Sport and Games	24
Toy Maker, Dealer	18
Bow, Bat, Tackle,--Mak.	6
(6) In Designs, Medals, and Dies	7
Pattern Designer	4
Others	3
(7) In Watches and Philosophical Instruments	199
Watchmkr., Clockmkr.	184
Optician	7
Weight or Measure Mkr.	8
Others	0
(8) In Surgical Instruments	6
Surgical Instrmt. Maker	3
Others	3
(9) In Arms	57
Gunsmith, Gun Manuf.	29
Others	28
(10) In Machines	314
Eng. and Mach. Maker	258
Spindle-maker	0
Needle manufacture	0
Scissors-maker	0
Tool Maker, Dealer	6
File-maker	2
Saw Smith, Maker	11
Cutler	33
Blade Maker, Forger	0
Knife-maker	0
Razor-maker	0
Others in Tools, Mchns.	4
(11) In Carriages	313
Coachmaker	294
Others	19
(12) In Harness	276
Saddler, Harness-maker	274
Whip-maker	2
(13) In Ships	327
Shipbldr., Shipwright	259
Block, Oar, Mast,--Mak.	3
Boat, Barge,--Builder	28
Sailmaker	34
Others	3
(14) In Houses and Buildings	8,714
House Proprietor	333
House Agent	43
Architect	45
Surveyor	38
Builder	389
Carpenter, Joiner	3,089
Bricklayer	2,696
Marble Mason	12
Mason, Pavior	289
Slater, Tiler	6
Plasterer	274
Paperhanger	55
Plumber, Painter, Glazr.	1,428
Others	17
(15) In Furniture	635
Cabinet Maker, Uphol.	445
Undertaker	18
Chair-maker	45
Picture-frame Maker	6
Carver, Gilder	47
Bedstead, Mattress,--Mak.	2
Furniture Broker	68
Others	4
(16) In Implements	735
Wheelwright	629
Millwright	81
Other Implement Mkrs.	25
(17) In Chemicals	54
Manuf. Chemist, Laborer	11
Dye, Colour,--manuf.	0
Dyer, Calenderer	39
Others	4
11. Persons working and Dealing in the Textile Fabrics and in Dress	5,557
(1) In Wool and Worsted	52
Woolstapler	13
Felt manufacture	0
Woollen Cloth manuf.	11
Clothier	15
Fuller	0
Wool, Woollen,--Dyer	0
Worsted manufacture	4
Stuff manufacture	0
Flannel manufacture	0
Blanket manufacture	0
Carpet, Rug,--manuf.	5
Others	4
(2) In Silk	39
Silk manufacture	12
Silk Dyer, Printer	4
Silk Mercer	20
Ribbon manufacture	0
Others	3
(3) In Cotton and Flax	15
Flax, Linen,--manuf.	2
Thread manufacture	0
Lace manufacture	1
Cotton manufacture	4
Fustian manufacture	0
Muslin manufacture	0
Calico, Cotton,--Printer	1
Calico, Cotton,--Dyer	0
Others	7
(4) In Mixed Materials (1, 2, 3.)	799
Packer and Presser	1
Weaver (undefined)	14
Manchester Warehmn.	4
Draper, Mercer	767
Others	13
(5) In Dress	4,558
Hairdresser, Wig-maker	154
Hatter, Hat manuf.	49
Straw Plait manuf.	2
Straw Hat, Bonnet Mak.	4
Shawl manufacture	0
Furrier	3
Tailor	1,326
Clothes Dealer, Outfitr.	26
Button-maker	0
Hose manufacture	0
Hosier, Haberdasher	28
Glover, Leather, &c.	21
Shoemaker, Bootmaker	2,842
Patten, Clog,--Maker	14
Umbrella, Stick,--Mak.	23
Others providing Dress	66
(6) In Hemp and other Fibrous Materials	94
Mat Maker, Seller	11
Rope, Cord,--Maker	67
Canvas Maker, Dealer	1
Sailcloth manufacture	1
Others	14
12. Persons working and dealing in Food and Drinks	6,328
(1) In Animal Food	1,812
Cowkeeper, Milkseller	349
Cheesemonger	27
Butcher, Meat Salesman	1,068
Provision Curer, Dealer	12
Poulterer, Game Dealer	77
Fishmonger	259
Others	20
(2) In Vegetable Food	2,338
Corn Merchant, Dealer	129
Miller	855
Flour Dealer, Agent	18
Baker	897
Confectioner, Pastry Ck.	143
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	255
Fruit, Flower,--Vendor	5
Potato Merchant	15
Seed Mercht., Seedsman	13
Sugar Refiner	4
Others	4
(3) In Drinks and Stimulants	2,178
Maltster	145
Brewer, &c.	464
Wine and Spirit Mercht.	136
Distiller, Rectifier	5
Cellarman	37
Ginger Br., Sod. Wat. Ma.	29
Grocer, Tea Dealer	1,287
Tobo., Cig., Snuff, manuf.	4
Tobacconist	44
Others	27
13. Persons working and dealing in Animal Substances	500
(1) In Grease, Gut, Bones, Horn, Ivory, and Whalebone	67
Soap-boiler	7
Tallow-chandler	51
Comb-maker	0
Others	9
(2) In Skins, Feathers, and Quills	326
Fellmonger	68
Skinner	2
Tanner	133
Currier	93
Others	30
(3) In Hair	107
Hair, Bristle,--manuf.	1
Brush, Broom,--Maker	104
Others	2
14. Persons working and dealing in Vegetable Substances	1,954
(1) In Gums and Resins	68
Oil Miller, Refiner	13
Oil and Colourman	9
French-polisher	39
Japanner	1
Others	6
(2) In Wood	1,460
Timber Merch., Dealer	97
Wood Dealer	68
Sawyer	790
Fence, Hurdle,--Maker	34
Lath-maker	89
Turner	63
Box-maker	5
Cooper	126
Hoop Maker, Bender	147
Others	41
(3) In Bark	21
Cork Cutter, manuf.	19
Others Workers in Bark	2
(4) In Cane, Rush, and Straw	307
Basket-maker	144
Hay and Straw Dealer	2
Thatcher	148
Others	13
(5) In Paper	98
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	9
Paper manufacture	20
Stationer (not Law)	59
Paper-stainer	0
Others Workers in Paper	10
15. Persons working and dealing in Minerals	5,132
(1) In Mining	7
Coal-miner	2
Copper-miner	0
Tin-miner	0
Lead-miner	0
Iron-miner	0
Others	5
(2) In Coal	538
Coal Merchant, Dealer	173
Coalheaver, Labourer	82
Coke Burner, Dealer	11
Chimney Sweeper	117
Gas Works Service	129
Other Workers in Coal	26
(3) In Stone, Clay	2,105
Stone Quarrier	11
Stone Cutter, Polisher	60
Slate Quarrier	0
Limestone Quar., Burner	60
Clay Labourer	0
Brick Maker, Dealer	669
Railway Labourer	806
Platelayer	91
Excavator, Navvy	116
Road Contractor, &c.	18
Road Labourer	144
Scavenger	10
Dust Collector	7
Others	113
(4) In Earthenware	149
Earthenware manuf.	77
Tobacco-pipe Makers	27
Earthenw., Glass, Dealer	40
Others	5
(5) In Glass	13
Glass manufacture	9
Other Workers in Glass	4
(6) In Salt	1
Salt manufacture	0
Other Dealers in Salt	1
(7) In Water	22
Waterworks Service	16
Others	6
(8) In Gold, Silver, and Precious Stones	104
Goldsmith, Jeweller	96
Plater, Plated Wareman	1
Others	7
(9) In Copper	18
Copper manufacture	1
Coppersmith	17
Others	0
(10) In Tin and Quicksilver	109
Tin manufacture	2
Tinman, Tinker	76
Tinplate Worker	31
Others	0
(11) In Zinc	4
Zinc manufacture	4
Others	0
(12) In Lead and Antimony	4
Lead manufacture	1
Typefounder	1
Others	2
(13) In Brass and other mixed Metals	135
Brass Founder, manuf.	47
Brazier	17
Locksmith, Bellhanger	17
Gasfitter	40
Wire Maker, Drawer	2
Wire Worker, Weaver	7
Others	5
(14) In Iron and Steel	1,923
Iron manufacture	126
Whitesmith	176
Blacksmith	1,395
Nail manufacture	1
Anchor, Chain,--Smith	5
Boiler-maker	52
Ironmonger	150
Hardwareman, Dealer	11
Steel manufacture	2
Grinder (branch undef.)	1
Others	4
16. Labourers and others - Branch of Labour undefined	3,793
(1) General Labourers	3,624
Labourer	3,624
(2) Other Persons of indefinite Occupations	169
Mechanic	72
Shopman	28
Apprentice	5
Others of indef. occu.	64
17. Persons of Rank or Property, not returned under any Office or Occupation	877
(1) Persons of Rank or property, not returned under any Office or Occupation	877
Gentleman	403
Annuitant	474
18. Persons supported by the Community and of no specified Occupation	454
(1) On Income from voluntary Sources and Rates	408
Dependent on Relatives	24
Almserperson, no stat. occ.	39
Pauper, no stated occ.	225
Lunatic, no stated occ.	59
Others	61
(2) Prisoners and others of Criminal Class	0
Prisoner, no stated occ.	0
(3) Vagrants and Gipsies	46
Vagrant, Beggar	38
Gipsy	8
19. Persons of no stated Rank, Profession, or Occupation	773
Visitor, no stated occ.	59
Others of no stated occupation or condition	714

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.