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 Stepney RegD/PLU	Limehouse CP/ExP

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	139	6
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	82	5
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	33	-
Police	17	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	7	1
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	25	1
Army Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	2	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	1	-
Army Pensioner	6	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Seaman, R.N.	5	-
Navy Pensioner	9	1
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	147	180
Clergymen (Established Church)	2	-
Roman Catholic Priest	1	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	4	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	3	3
Theological Student	1	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	2	1
Barrister, Solicitor	3	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	17	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	8	-
Dentist	1	-
Medical Student, Assistant	7	-
Midwife	-	2
Subordinate Medical Service	3	44
Schoolmaster	33	101
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	4	8
School Service, and others connected with teaching	7	3
Author, Editor, Journalist	1	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	3	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	1	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	1	3
Civil Engineer	11	-
Mining Engineer	2	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	1	-
Painter (artist)	5	2
Architect	3	-
Musician, Music Master	12	10
Photographer	1	1
Actor	-	1
Art, Music, Theatre Service	1	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	9	1
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	137	1,098
Domestic Coachman, Groom	4	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	26	783
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	2	1
Inn, Hotel Servant	91	41
College, Club Service	1	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	5	4
Cook (not domestic)	5	3
Charwoman	-	104
Washing and Bathing Service	1	158
Hospital and Institution Service	1	4
Others engaged in Service	1	-
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	391	14
Merchant	3	1
Broker, Agent, Factor	12	1
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	6	1
Accountant	5	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	4	2
Commercial Traveller	39	4
Commercial Clerk	296	4
Banker	1	-
Bank Service	13	1
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	1	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	11	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	2,155	14
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	11	-
Railway Guard	2	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	1	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	54	-
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	2	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	2	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	32	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	359	2
Tramway Companies' Service	1	-
Inland Navigation Service	14	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	394	3
Navigation Service (on shore)	3	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	373	3
Pilot	12	-
Ship Steward, Cook	43	1
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	619	1
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	55	2
Meter, Weigher	5	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	170	1
Telegraph, Telephone Service	3	1
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	32	7
Farmer, Grazier	5	-
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	1	-
Farm Bailiff	1	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	4	2
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	1	1
Woodman	19	4
Gardener (not domestic)	1	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	48	1
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	3	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	21	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	16	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	2	-
Drover	2	-
Vermin Destroyer	1	-
Fisherman	1	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	2	1
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	90	17
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	5	1
Bookbinder	10	14
Printer	63	1
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	7	1
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	5	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	353	7
Engine, Machine Maker	78	1
Millwright	2	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	141	-
Boiler Maker	85	1
Cutler, Scissors Maker	2	-
File Maker	3	-
Saw Maker	6	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	12	3
Philosophical Instrument Maker	7	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	1	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	2	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	5	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	7	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	1	2
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	1	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	727	21
Builder	35	-
Carpenter, Joiner	231	-
Bricklayer	116	2
Mason	18	-
Slater, Tiler	5	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	23	-
Paperhanger	6	-
Plumber	54	-
Painter, Glazier	144	5
Cabinet Maker	39	3
French Polisher	10	-
Furniture Broker, Dealer	10	-
Locksmith, Bellhanger	3	-
Gas Fitter	17	1
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	6	1
Wood Carver	2	-
Carver, Gilder	4	-
Dealer in Works of Art	1	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	2	4
Artificial Flower Maker	1	5
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	45	1
Coachmaker	7	-
Wheelwright	26	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	12	1
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	547	4
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	183	1
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	201	1
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	36	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	43	-
Sail Maker	84	2
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	60	64
Dye, Paint Manufacture	18	2
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	3	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	13	60
Chemist, Druggist	13	-
Manufacturing Chemist	13	2
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	37	17
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	24	15
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	13	2
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	735	183
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	49	10
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	10	40
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	19	6
Brewer	33	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	43	4
Cellarman	24	5
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	12	1
Milkseller, Dairyman	56	4
Cheesemonger, Butterman	26	3
Butcher, Meat Salesman	73	5
Provision Curer, Dealer	13	4
Fishmonger	93	14
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	14	1
Corn Miller	3	-
Baker	88	1
Confectioner, Pastrycook	59	52
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	38	17
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	1	5
Sugar Refiner	6	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	69	11
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	6	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	149	87
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	4	3
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	-	1
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	1	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	-	4
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	-	1
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	1	2
Tape Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	92	6
Mat Maker, Seller	6	1
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	-	7
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	2	11
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	-	3
Weaver (undefined)	1	1
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	3	1
Felt Manufacture	1	-
Manchester Warehouseman	1	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	30	34
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	2	3
Trimming Maker, Dealer	-	5
Embroiderer	1	4
Others	2	-
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	243	1,050
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	10	3
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	2
Tailor	78	407
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	8	380
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	8	216
Hosiery Manufacture	-	3
Hosier, Haberdasher	9	11
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	105	17
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	20	2
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	5	5
Accoutrement Maker	-	1
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	-	3
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	47	25
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	2	1
Soap Boiler, Maker	3	-
Furrier, Skinner	13	2
Tanner, Fellmonger	2	-
Currier	3	3
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	4	1
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	3	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	16	9
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	1	9
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	457	58
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	43	-
Oil and Colourman	27	3
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	1	-
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	6	2
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	9	7
Others	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	5	2
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	1	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	49	7
Sawyer	69	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	2	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	9	4
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	195	1
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	5	3
Paper Manufacture	8	4
Envelope Maker	-	2
Stationer, Law Stationer	17	3
Paper Stainer	1	-
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	6	20
Others	3	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	845	29
Coal Miner	4	-
Ironstone Miner	-	4
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	1	-
Mine Service	1	-
Coal Merchant	17	1
Coalheaver	45	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	11	-
Gas Works Service	62	1
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	12	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	1	-
Limeburner	3	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	1	-
Well Sinker, Borer	1	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	4	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	9	-
Paviour	4	-
Road Labourer	3	-
Railway Contractor	1	-
Platelayer	12	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	10	1
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	22	3
Glass Manufacture	9	3
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	3	1
Salt Maker, Dealer	2	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	3	-
Others	23	-
[Iron Manufacture]	209	1
[Steel Manufacture]	2	-
Blacksmith	172	-
Whitesmith	2	-
Nail Manufacture	8	-
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	2	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	6	1
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	1	-
[Coppersmith]	12	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	48	8
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	8	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	28	5
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	7	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	47	-
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	3	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	19	-
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	4	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	3	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	1,404	218
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	72	41
Pawnbroker	21	1
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	23	11
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	24	2
Contractor (undefined)	5	-
General Labourer	1,091	5
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	73	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	56	21
Apprentice (undefined)	1	4
Factory Labourer (undefined)	37	17
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	1	116
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	33	5
Town Drainage Service	4	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	7	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	22	3
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	-	2
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	107	827
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	107	827
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	285	5,189
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	18	2
[Blank field, or illegible]	267	5,187

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.

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.)