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 Middlesex RegC	St Pancras RegD/PLPar

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	1,683	126
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	478	92
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	402	7
Prison Service, &c.	14	-
Police	662	4
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	93	21
Other Local or County Official	29	-
East Indian and Colonial Service	5	2
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	613	85
Army Officer (effective/retired)	76	83
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	434	1
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	16	-
Army Pensioner	61	1
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	11	-
Seaman, R.N.	7	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	1	-
Navy Pensioner	7	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	4,636	2,943
Clergymen (Established Church)	88	-
Roman Catholic Priest	29	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	33	1
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	51	37
Nun, Sister of Charity	5	15
Theological Student	34	1
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	35	20
Barrister, Solicitor	363	4
Law Student	69	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	745	10
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	231	2
Dentist	161	96
Medical Student, Assistant	291	12
Midwife	1	9
Subordinate Medical Service	38	786
Schoolmaster	239	654
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	139	504
School Service, and others connected with teaching	28	22
Author, Editor, Journalist	143	24
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	68	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	34	3
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	34	5
Civil Engineer	141	-
Mining Engineer	3	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	71	2
Painter (artist)	388	111
Engraver (artist)	124	4
Sculptor	49	5
Architect	197	2
Musician, Music Master	426	328
Art Student	56	86
Photographer	106	34
Actor	83	145
Art, Music, Theatre Service	59	13
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	16	5
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	58	3
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	2,240	16,195
Domestic Coachman, Groom	217	-
Domestic Gardener	50	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	681	11,835
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	22	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	1,030	482
College, Club Service	19	1
Office Keeper (not Government)	19	31
Cook (not domestic)	50	6
Charwoman	8	1,168
Washing and Bathing Service	98	2,527
Hospital and Institution Service	26	142
Others engaged in Service	20	3
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	5,960	290
Merchant	203	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	402	8
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	119	-
Accountant	247	6
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	89	61
Commercial Traveller	608	4
Commercial Clerk	3,810	203
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	17	2
Banker	14	-
Bank Service	266	4
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	10	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	175	2
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	10,141	134
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	375	1
Railway Guard	279	1
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	68	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	2,632	28
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	1	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	180	13
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	1,716	4
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	2,120	9
Tramway Companies' Service	16	-
Wheel Chair Proprietor, Attendant &c.	3	-
Inland Navigation Service	11	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	21	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	11	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	108	-
Ship Steward, Cook	17	2
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	31	1
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	414	22
Meter, Weigher	2	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	2,062	18
Telegraph, Telephone Service	74	35
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	524	87
Farmer, Grazier	36	3
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	3	-
Farm Bailiff	14	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	106	34
Shepherd	1	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	4	1
Woodman	32	8
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	44	40
Gardener (not domestic)	284	1
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	1,138	11
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	17	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	779	5
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	244	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	18	-
Drover	29	1
Gamekeeper	4	1
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	23	1
Fisherman	1	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	23	3
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	2,383	391
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	232	14
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	85	4
Bookbinder	263	306
Printer	1,468	34
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	73	25
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	218	2
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	26	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	18	6
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	3,497	137
Engine, Machine Maker	224	7
Millwright	6	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	316	3
Boiler Maker	13	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	12	3
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	9	2
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	10	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	24	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	26	-
File Maker	2	-
Saw Maker	7	-
Needle Maker	-	1
Steel Pen Maker	-	1
Pencil Maker (Wood)	1	-
Domestic Implement Maker	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	239	4
Philosophical Instrument Maker	133	2
Electrical Apparatus Maker	130	5
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	29	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	50	18
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	59	3
Sword, Bayonet - Maker, Cutler	1	1
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	2,073	53
Type Cutter, Founder	29	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	42	1
Toy Maker, Dealer	24	28
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	8	4
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	29	1
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	11,857	1,040
Builder	423	4
Carpenter, Joiner	2,263	14
Bricklayer	1,092	1
Mason	389	2
Slater, Tiler	30	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	343	3
Paperhanger	114	-
Plumber	502	2
Painter, Glazier	2,264	21
Cabinet Maker	2,175	574
French Polisher	747	20
Furniture Broker, Dealer	141	3
Locksmith, Bellhanger	39	1
Gas Fitter	304	2
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	137	20
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	73	4
Others	12	1
Wood Carver	201	4
Carver, Gilder	465	20
Dealer in Works of Art	81	4
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	12	1
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	27	53
Artificial Flower Maker	23	286
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	1,027	19
Coachmaker	579	8
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	45	-
Wheelwright	193	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Others	18	4
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	185	7
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	28	1
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	15	1
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	6	-
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	1	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	1	-
Sail Maker	5	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	376	149
Dye, Paint Manufacture	65	3
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	39	1
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	-	4
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	12	112
Chemist, Druggist	214	12
Manufacturing Chemist	37	16
Alkali Manufacture	1	-
Drysalter	8	1
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	202	71
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	175	67
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	27	4
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	4,861	815
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	363	62
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	26	308
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	170	44
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Maltster	5	-
Brewer	124	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	76	10
Cellarman	267	3
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	163	10
Milkseller, Dairyman	356	65
Cheesemonger, Butterman	217	11
Butcher, Meat Salesman	674	14
Provision Curer, Dealer	113	11
Poulterer, Game Dealer	41	2
Fishmonger	198	11
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	90	11
Corn Miller	8	-
Baker	655	38
Confectioner, Pastrycook	155	89
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	359	48
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	20	10
Sugar Refiner	11	1
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	655	64
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	110	1
Others Dealing in Food	4	2
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	1,112	788
Woolstapler	5	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	28	18
Blanket Manufacture	1	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	35	2
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	36	8
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Crepe, Gauze Manufacture	-	3
Silk Merchant, Dealer	19	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	9	36
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	14	2
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	1	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	8	4
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	8	72
Thread Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	9	-
Mat Maker, Seller	5	1
Net Maker	2	3
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	5	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	7	1
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	2	-
Weaver (undefined)	4	-
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	64	34
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	10	6
Felt Manufacture	1	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	28	8
Manchester Warehouseman	6	1
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	736	318
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	26	56
Trimming Maker, Dealer	33	87
Embroiderer	8	125
Others	1	2
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	2,941	7,418
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	64	24
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	8	33
Tailor	1,219	478
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	73	5,655
Shawl Manufacture	1	-
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	27	898
Hosiery Manufacture	5	2
Hosier, Haberdasher	101	38
Glover, Glove Maker	11	5
Button Maker, Dealer	7	27
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	1,159	153
Patten, Clog Maker	4	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	212	33
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	32	26
Accoutrement Maker	10	17
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	8	29
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	439	211
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	16	2
Soap Boiler, Maker	10	1
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Manure Manufacture	2	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	24	3
Others	2	-
Furrier, Skinner	43	39
Tanner, Fellmonger	7	-
Currier	77	4
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	107	29
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	15	6
Brush, Broom, Maker	117	66
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	18	61
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	1,417	619
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	10	2
Oil and Colourman	159	20
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	3	-
Japanner	40	13
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	12	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	18	-
Others	5	2
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	77	18
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	19	-
Thatcher	-	1
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	156	26
Sawyer	163	2
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	17	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	116	1
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	59	1
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	9	3
Others	2	1
Paper Manufacture	47	25
Envelope Maker	6	116
Stationer, Law Stationer	340	191
Card, Pattern Card Maker	47	22
Paper Stainer	22	7
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	47	127
Ticket, Label Writer	18	33
Others	25	8
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	4,081	190
Coal Miner	4	-
Copper Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	9	-
Mine Service	8	-
Coal Merchant	124	6
Coalheaver	405	4
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	4	3
Gas Works Service	106	-
Stone Quarrier	2	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	32	3
Slate Worker, Dealer	4	-
Limeburner	8	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	1	-
Well Sinker, Borer	2	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	4	1
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	61	2
Paviour	34	1
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	7	-
Road Labourer	25	-
Railway Contractor	4	-
Platelayer	115	1
Railway Labourer, Navvy	160	3
Others	4	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	31	6
Glass Manufacture	224	10
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	79	18
Salt Maker, Dealer	1	-
Waterworks Service	31	-
Others	9	1
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	682	46
Gold, Silver, Beater	32	-
Lapidary	8	1
Others	35	27
[Iron Manufacture]	120	1
[Steel Manufacture]	7	-
Blacksmith	478	-
Whitesmith	75	-
Nail Manufacture	2	1
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	6	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	190	6
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	24	-
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	2	1
[Coppersmith]	34	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	191	20
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	96	2
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	10	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	56	2
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	347	4
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	9	9
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	35	1
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	75	5
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	6	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	45	3
Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker	1	-
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	2	2
Others	14	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	4,677	1,216
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	512	278
Pawnbroker	160	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	178	77
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	108	25
Contractor (undefined)	19	2
General Labourer	2,640	18
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	274	3
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	457	149
Apprentice (undefined)	57	16
Factory Labourer (undefined)	221	72
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	51	576
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	130	4
Town Drainage Service	10	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	79	2
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	29	1
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	12	1
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	1,344	5,287
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	1,344	5,287
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	1,317	38,045
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	81	50
[Blank field, or illegible]	1,236	37,995

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.)