Vision of Britain | 1881 Census: Ages

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 Portsmouth RegD/PLPar/PLU	Portsea CP/AP

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	872	33
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	265	13
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	67	1
Prison Service, &c.	203	4
Police	277	1
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	46	12
Other Local or County Official	10	-
East Indian and Colonial Service	4	2
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	7,384	49
Army Officer (effective/retired)	407	1
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	2,180	3
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	35	-
Army Pensioner	144	4
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	754	7
Seaman, R.N.	2,202	7
Royal Marines (officers/men)	424	-
Navy Pensioner	1,238	27
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	829	920
Clergymen (Established Church)	37	-
Roman Catholic Priest	4	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	24	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	18	12
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	1
Theological Student	7	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	6	1
Barrister, Solicitor	42	-
Law Student	3	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	66	2
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	66	-
Dentist	13	-
Medical Student, Assistant	34	-
Midwife	-	13
Subordinate Medical Service	11	161
Schoolmaster	176	499
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	22	75
School Service, and others connected with teaching	11	6
Author, Editor, Journalist	24	1
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	4	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	2	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	4	-
Civil Engineer	27	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	8	-
Painter (artist)	21	4
Engraver (artist)	1	-
Sculptor	1	-
Architect	21	1
Musician, Music Master	106	111
Art Student	4	4
Photographer	30	11
Actor	10	16
Art, Music, Theatre Service	6	1
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	5	1
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	15	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	597	6,982
Domestic Coachman, Groom	115	-
Domestic Gardener	55	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	229	5,267
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	1	1
Inn, Hotel Servant	120	123
College, Club Service	7	1
Office Keeper (not Government)	6	3
Cook (not domestic)	25	12
Charwoman	1	502
Washing and Bathing Service	11	1,002
Hospital and Institution Service	19	46
Others engaged in Service	8	25
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	742	24
Merchant	7	2
Broker, Agent, Factor	45	3
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	40	-
Accountant	24	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	5	1
Commercial Traveller	105	2
Commercial Clerk	381	11
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	4	-
Banker	3	1
Bank Service	61	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	6	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	61	4
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	4,548	27
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	101	-
Railway Guard	35	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	8	1
Other Railway Officials and Servants	235	2
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	1	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	44	2
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	113	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	325	7
Tramway Companies' Service	57	-
Wheel Chair Proprietor, Attendant &c.	11	-
Inland Navigation Service	3	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	138	1
Navigation Service (on shore)	1	1
Seaman (Merchant Service)	2,625	7
Pilot	5	-
Ship Steward, Cook	196	3
Boatman on Seas	13	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	175	3
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	49	-
Meter, Weigher	6	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	390	-
Telegraph, Telephone Service	17	-
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	436	13
Farmer, Grazier	37	2
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	5	-
Farm Bailiff	7	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	240	9
Shepherd	1	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	1	-
Agricultural Student	2	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	2	-
Woodman	3	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	18	2
Gardener (not domestic)	120	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	197	-
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	7	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	80	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	8	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	19	-
Drover	16	-
Gamekeeper	3	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	3	-
Fisherman	56	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	5	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	281	24
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	33	9
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	5	1
Bookbinder	21	12
Printer	189	1
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	29	1
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	3	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	1	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	1,236	18
Engine, Machine Maker	166	2
Millwright	78	1
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	551	2
Boiler Maker	282	3
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	2	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	4	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	15	-
Saw Maker	5	-
Domestic Implement Maker	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	90	3
Philosophical Instrument Maker	2	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	4	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	5	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	3	1
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	5	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	12	1
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	2	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	6	5
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	2	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	4,038	54
Builder	149	-
Carpenter, Joiner	1,270	2
Bricklayer	910	2
Mason	226	-
Slater, Tiler	29	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	185	1
Paperhanger	24	1
Plumber	212	2
Painter, Glazier	623	3
Cabinet Maker	196	29
French Polisher	41	1
Furniture Broker, Dealer	47	11
Locksmith, Bellhanger	6	-
Gas Fitter	80	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	8	-
Wood Carver	1	-
Carver, Gilder	19	-
Dealer in Works of Art	2	-
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	1	1
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	4	-
Artificial Flower Maker	-	1
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	198	1
Coachmaker	80	1
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	1	-
Wheelwright	76	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	38	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	3,130	10
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	1,124	8
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	1,777	-
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	23	1
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	132	1
Sail Maker	74	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	101	3
Dye, Paint Manufacture	2	2
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	1	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	1	-
Chemist, Druggist	88	1
Manufacturing Chemist	8	-
Drysalter	1	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	51	19
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	46	19
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	5	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	2,497	638
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	214	41
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	42	291
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	29	10
Maltster	5	-
Brewer	136	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	174	55
Cellarman	34	1
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	30	3
Milkseller, Dairyman	136	11
Cheesemonger, Butterman	6	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	338	20
Provision Curer, Dealer	30	-
Poulterer, Game Dealer	10	2
Fishmonger	69	7
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	28	3
Corn Miller	19	-
Baker	466	24
Confectioner, Pastrycook	67	49
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	186	60
Sugar Refiner	1	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	448	59
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	29	2
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	325	283
Woolstapler	1	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	5	-
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	-	9
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	3	-
Ribbon Manufacture	-	1
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	9	2
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	1	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	2	-
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	1	9
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	49	1
Mat Maker, Seller	1	1
Net Maker	1	1
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	-	1
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	1	-
Weaver (undefined)	1	-
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	18	7
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	1	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	6	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	221	232
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	4	13
Trimming Maker, Dealer	-	1
Embroiderer	-	5
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	1,294	4,274
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	23	13
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	1	11
Tailor	461	435
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	148	3,126
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	4	584
Hosiery Manufacture	4	-
Hosier, Haberdasher	13	5
Glover, Glove Maker	-	1
Button Maker, Dealer	2	-
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	553	67
Patten, Clog Maker	1	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	73	3
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	6	8
Accoutrement Maker	2	5
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	3	16
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	79	16
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	6	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	6	-
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	1	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	1	-
Currier	21	1
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	11	2
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	29	5
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	1	8
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	357	92
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	3	1
Oil and Colourman	7	-
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	23	7
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	3	-
Thatcher	1	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	48	2
Sawyer	108	1
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	17	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	25	3
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	51	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	22	-
Paper Manufacture	5	2
Stationer, Law Stationer	29	14
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	5	62
Ticket, Label Writer	3	-
Others	5	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	1,823	33
Coal Miner	64	-
Ironstone Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	1	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	1	-
Coal Merchant	63	5
Coalheaver	32	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	6	-
Gas Works Service	66	1
Stone Quarrier	5	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	9	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	3	-
Limeburner	1	-
Well Sinker, Borer	1	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	4	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	197	1
Paviour	7	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	47	1
Railway Contractor	1	-
Platelayer	13	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	59	-
Others	1	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	6	1
Glass Manufacture	4	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	34	7
Salt Maker, Dealer	1	1
Waterworks Service	24	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	38	7
Gold, Silver, Beater	3	-
Lapidary	1	-
[Iron Manufacture]	192	-
[Steel Manufacture]	2	-
Blacksmith	621	2
Whitesmith	44	-
Nail Manufacture	3	-
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	2	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	65	4
[Coppersmith]	92	1
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	33	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	2
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	2	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	53	-
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	2	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	4	-
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	2	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	11	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	3,304	181
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	223	70
Pawnbroker	62	11
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	169	42
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	32	4
Contractor (undefined)	9	-
General Labourer	1,984	8
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	548	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	204	7
Apprentice (undefined)	18	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	48	1
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	7	38
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	37	5
Town Drainage Service	7	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	19	1
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	1	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	10	4
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	793	5,610
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	793	5,610
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	313	16,933
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	21	5
[Blank field, or illegible]	292	16,928

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".

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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.)