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	Mile End Old Town CP/Vest/Hmlt

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	889	38
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	380	26
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	219	3
Prison Service, &c.	1	-
Police	233	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	52	9
Other Local or County Official	4	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	57	2
Army Officer (effective/retired)	2	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	14	1
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	2	-
Army Pensioner	20	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Seaman, R.N.	7	1
Royal Marines (officers/men)	1	-
Navy Pensioner	10	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	757	730
Clergymen (Established Church)	27	-
Roman Catholic Priest	6	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	18	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	35	25
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	1
Theological Student	3	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	18	4
Barrister, Solicitor	10	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	110	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	47	-
Dentist	9	2
Medical Student, Assistant	45	1
Midwife	-	9
Subordinate Medical Service	11	206
Schoolmaster	122	351
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	12	17
School Service, and others connected with teaching	24	5
Author, Editor, Journalist	9	1
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	15	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	3	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	3	1
Civil Engineer	15	-
Mining Engineer	1	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	6	-
Painter (artist)	16	6
Engraver (artist)	4	1
Sculptor	1	-
Architect	10	-
Musician, Music Master	107	74
Art Student	3	2
Photographer	23	9
Actor	16	11
Art, Music, Theatre Service	3	3
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	11	1
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	14	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	643	3,966
Domestic Coachman, Groom	19	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	118	2,715
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	18	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	387	132
College, Club Service	4	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	14	22
Cook (not domestic)	29	13
Charwoman	2	340
Washing and Bathing Service	18	723
Hospital and Institution Service	18	18
Others engaged in Service	16	3
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	2,116	64
Merchant	17	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	105	3
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	29	-
Accountant	20	1
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	22	4
Commercial Traveller	388	5
Commercial Clerk	1,446	45
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	3	-
Banker	1	-
Bank Service	34	1
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	51	5
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	4,936	45
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	10	-
Railway Guard	35	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	10	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	331	2
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	1	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	21	2
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	356	2
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	1,256	3
Tramway Companies' Service	5	-
Inland Navigation Service	10	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	226	1
Navigation Service (on shore)	1	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	364	4
Pilot	10	-
Ship Steward, Cook	46	1
Boatman on Seas	1	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	846	3
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	352	10
Meter, Weigher	21	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	1,000	4
Telegraph, Telephone Service	34	13
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	87	9
Farmer, Grazier	6	1
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	1	-
Farm Bailiff	4	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	47	5
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	1	-
Agricultural Student	1	-
Woodman	7	1
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	7	2
Gardener (not domestic)	13	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	297	10
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	13	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	163	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	70	4
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	6	-
Drover	23	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	5	-
Fisherman	2	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	15	6
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	909	277
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	37	7
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	5	1
Bookbinder	162	239
Printer	601	19
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	24	9
Others	2	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	70	1
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	5	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	3	1
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	673	18
Engine, Machine Maker	91	5
Millwright	8	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	173	1
Boiler Maker	72	1
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	1	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	1	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	14	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	8	-
File Maker	3	-
Saw Maker	3	-
Pencil Maker (Wood)	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	71	2
Philosophical Instrument Maker	51	1
Electrical Apparatus Maker	14	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	21	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	6	2
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	42	2
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	38	-
Type Cutter, Founder	8	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	12	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	29	4
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	3	-
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	2	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	3,438	119
Builder	132	2
Carpenter, Joiner	911	3
Bricklayer	543	4
Mason	107	-
Slater, Tiler	30	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	75	-
Paperhanger	21	1
Plumber	146	1
Painter, Glazier	595	3
Cabinet Maker	452	48
French Polisher	60	9
Furniture Broker, Dealer	57	8
Locksmith, Bellhanger	14	-
Gas Fitter	99	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	57	2
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	22	-
Wood Carver	14	-
Carver, Gilder	95	6
Dealer in Works of Art	2	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	5	-
Artificial Flower Maker	1	32
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	239	6
Coachmaker	66	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	2	-
Wheelwright	102	1
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Others	3	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	63	5
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	250	3
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	59	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	79	-
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	19	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	36	-
Sail Maker	57	3
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	164	34
Dye, Paint Manufacture	28	1
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	10	2
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	5	24
Chemist, Druggist	70	3
Manufacturing Chemist	46	2
Alkali Manufacture	-	1
Drysalter	5	1
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	608	140
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	565	113
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	43	27
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	3,052	326
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	161	17
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	7	22
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	50	10
Maltster	3	-
Brewer	205	1
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	124	19
Cellarman	190	2
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	91	3
Milkseller, Dairyman	114	24
Cheesemonger, Butterman	66	4
Butcher, Meat Salesman	453	14
Provision Curer, Dealer	70	17
Poulterer, Game Dealer	31	-
Fishmonger	225	13
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	48	1
Corn Miller	2	-
Baker	430	30
Confectioner, Pastrycook	142	76
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	136	17
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	10	10
Sugar Refiner	103	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	350	42
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	41	3
Others Dealing in Food	-	1
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	733	401
Woolstapler	8	1
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	21	3
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	3	1
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	8	1
Others	-	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	33	47
Silk Dyer, Printer	11	1
Crepe, Gauze Manufacture	1	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	8	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	14	4
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	2
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	2	12
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	9	3
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	162	9
Mat Maker, Seller	12	2
Net Maker	1	5
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	1	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	9	4
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	5	-
Weaver (undefined)	5	3
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	28	9
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	2	6
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	8	2
Manchester Warehouseman	5	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	334	148
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	24	30
Trimming Maker, Dealer	15	89
Embroiderer	2	16
Others	1	2
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	2,268	4,798
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	81	55
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	6	6
Tailor	844	1,924
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	31	1,601
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	36	707
Hosiery Manufacture	4	6
Hosier, Haberdasher	39	109
Glover, Glove Maker	4	7
Button Maker, Dealer	-	6
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	1,008	257
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	97	3
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	108	109
Accoutrement Maker	2	-
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	8	8
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	522	310
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	8	3
Soap Boiler, Maker	6	-
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	5	1
Manure Manufacture	3	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	17	2
Comb Maker	10	-
Others	11	2
Furrier, Skinner	141	87
Tanner, Fellmonger	3	1
Currier	85	4
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	55	13
Parchment, Vellum - Maker, Dealer	8	-
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	8	3
Brush, Broom, Maker	151	111
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	11	83
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	1,302	332
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	19	1
Oil and Colourman	101	7
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	6	-
Japanner	5	-
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	11	2
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	26	22
Others	12	2
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	34	8
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	12	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	80	3
Sawyer	91	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	8	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	45	22
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	465	2
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	72	7
Paper Manufacture	36	15
Envelope Maker	3	48
Stationer, Law Stationer	188	32
Card, Pattern Card Maker	5	4
Paper Stainer	21	5
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	46	139
Ticket, Label Writer	8	9
Others	8	4
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	1,331	57
Coal Miner	2	-
Ironstone Miner	-	15
Coal Merchant	47	-
Coalheaver	66	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	9	-
Gas Works Service	149	1
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	6	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	1	-
Limeburner	2	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	1	-
Well Sinker, Borer	1	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	2	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	12	-
Paviour	9	-
Road Labourer	10	-
Railway Contractor	3	-
Platelayer	7	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	27	-
Others	1	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	24	2
Glass Manufacture	53	5
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	33	8
Salt Maker, Dealer	-	2
Waterworks Service	8	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	98	7
Gold, Silver, Beater	7	1
Others	6	1
[Iron Manufacture]	131	-
[Steel Manufacture]	1	-
Blacksmith	175	-
Whitesmith	19	-
Nail Manufacture	2	-
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	2	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	55	3
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	6	1
[Coppersmith]	24	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	114	5
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	15	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	16	1
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	13	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	103	1
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	3	-
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	16	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	28	2
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	1	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	20	2
Others	3	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	2,842	874
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	329	120
Pawnbroker	69	5
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	114	43
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	48	5
Contractor (undefined)	10	-
General Labourer	1,716	14
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	198	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	199	40
Apprentice (undefined)	17	5
Factory Labourer (undefined)	129	32
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	13	610
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	71	1
Town Drainage Service	10	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	26	1
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	19	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	16	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	284	2,486
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	284	2,486
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	596	16,295
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	34	13
[Blank field, or illegible]	562	16,282

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.)