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 Lancashire RegC	Wigan RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	237	11
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	1	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	25	7
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	25	2
Police	125	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	43	2
Other Local or County Official	18	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	36	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	2	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	14	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	5	-
Army Pensioner	11	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	2	-
Navy Pensioner	2	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	674	487
Clergymen (Established Church)	40	-
Roman Catholic Priest	18	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	13	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	5	1
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	1
Theological Student	2	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	20	-
Barrister, Solicitor	31	-
Law Student	3	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	91	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	33	-
Dentist	3	-
Medical Student, Assistant	22	-
Midwife	-	11
Subordinate Medical Service	5	65
Schoolmaster	167	357
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	5	32
School Service, and others connected with teaching	7	3
Author, Editor, Journalist	5	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	3	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	4	-
Civil Engineer	15	-
Mining Engineer	70	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	29	-
Painter (artist)	7	-
Architect	9	-
Musician, Music Master	37	11
Art Student	2	-
Photographer	8	1
Actor	7	4
Art, Music, Theatre Service	3	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	1	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	9	1
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	288	5,131
Domestic Coachman, Groom	69	3
Domestic Gardener	95	1
Domestic Indoor Servant	74	4,659
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	2	2
Inn, Hotel Servant	38	88
College, Club Service	3	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	3	13
Cook (not domestic)	1	2
Charwoman	-	214
Washing and Bathing Service	-	141
Hospital and Institution Service	2	8
Others engaged in Service	1	-
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	777	23
Merchant	1	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	49	2
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	33	-
Accountant	16	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	3	10
Commercial Traveller	68	5
Commercial Clerk	502	6
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	1	-
Banker	1	-
Bank Service	22	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	1	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	80	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,840	35
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	277	2
Railway Guard	64	1
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	106	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	466	2
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	4	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	65	1
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	474	5
Tramway Companies' Service	10	-
Inland Navigation Service	61	1
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	115	16
Navigation Service (on shore)	1	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	38	1
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	26	-
Meter, Weigher	8	1
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	100	3
Telegraph, Telephone Service	25	2
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	1,711	204
Farmer, Grazier	469	43
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	195	-
Farm Bailiff	39	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	924	157
Shepherd	2	-
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	2	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	2	-
Woodman	12	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	4	-
Gardener (not domestic)	62	4
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	128	1
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	2	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	73	1
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	8	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	3	-
Drover	1	-
Gamekeeper	38	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	1	-
Vermin Destroyer	1	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	116	13
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	17	1
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	1	1
Bookbinder	15	4
Printer	72	-
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	11	7
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	698	11
Engine, Machine Maker	91	1
Millwright	7	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	311	-
Boiler Maker	117	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	58	8
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	32	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	5	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	2	-
File Maker	8	1
Saw Maker	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	47	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	8	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	5	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	1	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	4	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	-	1
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	2,117	13
Builder	32	1
Carpenter, Joiner	889	1
Bricklayer	346	-
Mason	251	1
Slater, Tiler	20	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	59	-
Plumber	89	-
Painter, Glazier	276	-
Cabinet Maker	47	7
French Polisher	6	1
Furniture Broker, Dealer	21	1
Locksmith, Bellhanger	43	-
Gas Fitter	19	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	5	1
Wood Carver	1	-
Carver, Gilder	8	-
Dealer in Works of Art	5	-
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	250	-
Coachmaker	44	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	28	-
Wheelwright	108	-
Others	33	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	37	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	44	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	34	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	9	-
Sail Maker	1	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	56	10
Dye, Paint Manufacture	2	1
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	1	1
Chemist, Druggist	33	1
Manufacturing Chemist	19	7
Drysalter	1	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	13	4
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	10	4
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	3	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	1,636	467
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	266	50
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	-	18
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	4	5
Maltster	5	-
Brewer	69	10
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	74	17
Cellarman	5	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	3	2
Milkseller, Dairyman	18	13
Cheesemonger, Butterman	3	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	224	9
Provision Curer, Dealer	136	78
Poulterer, Game Dealer	2	1
Fishmonger	47	11
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	11	-
Corn Miller	34	1
Baker	146	16
Confectioner, Pastrycook	21	55
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	44	20
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	1	-
Sugar Refiner	4	1
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	505	159
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	14	1
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	1,309	8,228
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	1	4
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	-	2
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	3	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	3	24
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	1,026	7,764
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	14	52
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	8	1
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	7
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Fustian Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	-	1
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	23	1
Weaver (undefined)	8	49
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	7	17
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	15	220
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	195	57
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	4
Trimming Maker, Dealer	-	3
Embroiderer	-	2
Others	3	18
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	744	1,464
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	13	-
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	1
Tailor	231	419
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	2	879
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	2	148
Hosiery Manufacture	-	1
Hosier, Haberdasher	2	-
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	212	11
Patten, Clog Maker	236	3
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	44	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	1	2
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	37	2
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	10	-
Manure Manufacture	3	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	2	1
Furrier, Skinner	1	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	6	-
Currier	8	1
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	6	-
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	239	37
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	16	-
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	8	-
Others	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	19	2
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	3	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	9	-
Sawyer	79	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	2	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	32	1
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	21	-
Paper Manufacture	27	27
Envelope Maker	-	1
Stationer, Law Stationer	11	5
Paper Stainer	2	1
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	4	-
Ticket, Label Writer	1	-
Others	3	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	21,719	969
Coal Miner	17,974	762
Ironstone Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	84	73
Mine Service	111	2
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	17	2
Coal Merchant	38	1
Coalheaver	41	7
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	89	3
Gas Works Service	49	-
Stone Quarrier	123	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	12	3
Slate Worker, Dealer	1	-
Limeburner	1	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	1	1
Well Sinker, Borer	6	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	326	42
Paviour	77	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	34	1
Railway Contractor	2	-
Platelayer	161	1
Railway Labourer, Navvy	119	-
Others	1	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	12	2
Glass Manufacture	37	22
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	15	3
Salt Maker, Dealer	3	1
Waterworks Service	6	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	2	3
[Iron Manufacture]	1,214	2
[Steel Manufacture]	1	-
Blacksmith	562	4
Whitesmith	23	-
Nail Manufacture	138	24
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	3	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	54	5
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	3	-
[Coppersmith]	9	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	54	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	8	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	72	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	3	-
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	59	1
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	2	-
Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker	169	4
Others	1	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	3,520	553
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	71	112
Pawnbroker	35	5
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	68	84
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	45	4
Contractor (undefined)	25	-
General Labourer	2,002	22
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	831	4
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	188	35
Apprentice (undefined)	18	1
Factory Labourer (undefined)	231	208
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	6	78
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	29	-
Town Drainage Service	3	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	6	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	11	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	9	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	286	3,455
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	286	3,455
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	276	16,388
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	21	10
[Blank field, or illegible]	255	16,378

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.)