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 Staffordshire RegC	Dudley RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	196	21
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	1	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	44	12
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	29	6
Police	77	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	30	3
Other Local or County Official	15	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	22	1
Army Officer (effective/retired)	6	1
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	9	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	1	-
Army Pensioner	4	-
Seaman, R.N.	2	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	593	458
Clergymen (Established Church)	32	-
Roman Catholic Priest	2	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	27	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	4	3
Theological Student	2	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	9	2
Barrister, Solicitor	24	-
Law Student	4	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	52	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	32	-
Dentist	3	-
Medical Student, Assistant	26	-
Midwife	-	7
Subordinate Medical Service	6	40
Schoolmaster	178	324
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	1	47
School Service, and others connected with teaching	8	1
Author, Editor, Journalist	8	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	5	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	3	-
Civil Engineer	21	-
Mining Engineer	59	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	19	-
Painter (artist)	1	-
Engraver (artist)	1	-
Architect	9	-
Musician, Music Master	37	21
Art Student	-	2
Photographer	6	1
Actor	2	2
Art, Music, Theatre Service	1	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	7	8
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	4	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	177	3,954
Domestic Coachman, Groom	57	-
Domestic Gardener	12	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	61	3,391
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	1	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	35	83
College, Club Service	1	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	7	5
Cook (not domestic)	-	4
Charwoman	-	209
Washing and Bathing Service	2	256
Hospital and Institution Service	1	6
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	893	11
Merchant	11	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	92	2
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	24	-
Accountant	16	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	1	-
Commercial Traveller	70	2
Commercial Clerk	600	7
Bank Service	23	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	3	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	53	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,922	37
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	11	1
Railway Guard	5	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	39	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	298	-
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	6	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	1	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	58	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	545	7
Inland Navigation Service	94	1
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	466	8
Navigation Service (on shore)	2	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	11	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	119	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	75	12
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	191	2
Telegraph, Telephone Service	1	6
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	489	31
Farmer, Grazier	62	-
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	17	-
Farm Bailiff	14	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	308	30
Shepherd	3	-
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	1	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	2	-
Woodman	2	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	1	-
Gardener (not domestic)	79	1
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	160	2
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	15	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	110	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	8	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	15	1
Drover	5	-
Gamekeeper	3	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	4	1
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	92	8
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	10	2
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	4	-
Bookbinder	1	1
Printer	71	3
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	5	2
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	1	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	1,490	21
Engine, Machine Maker	158	1
Millwright	30	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	318	2
Boiler Maker	423	4
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	104	1
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	282	4
Cutler, Scissors Maker	4	-
File Maker	48	4
Saw Maker	2	-
Pin Maker	2	-
Domestic Implement Maker	14	-
[Others]	2	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	30	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	1	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	7	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	4	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	36	2
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	17	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	5	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	1	3
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,997	28
Builder	58	1
Carpenter, Joiner	408	1
Bricklayer	889	7
Mason	70	1
Slater, Tiler	23	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	32	-
Paperhanger	1	-
Plumber	39	-
Painter, Glazier	280	5
Cabinet Maker	47	5
French Polisher	4	-
Furniture Broker, Dealer	8	3
Locksmith, Bellhanger	17	-
Gas Fitter	115	2
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Carver, Gilder	1	-
Artificial Flower Maker	2	3
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	209	5
Coachmaker	33	2
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	12	-
Wheelwright	97	2
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Others	1	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	61	1
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	116	2
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	113	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	1	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	2	1
Sail Maker	-	1
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	88	7
Dye, Paint Manufacture	1	1
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	1	-
Chemist, Druggist	58	2
Manufacturing Chemist	21	2
Alkali Manufacture	4	-
Drysalter	3	2
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	19	12
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	14	10
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	5	2
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	1,808	329
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	342	60
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	1	9
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	8	5
Maltster	81	1
Brewer	165	2
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	52	14
Cellarman	6	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	12	1
Milkseller, Dairyman	33	13
Cheesemonger, Butterman	2	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	300	11
Provision Curer, Dealer	11	14
Poulterer, Game Dealer	5	-
Fishmonger	34	8
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	24	1
Corn Miller	19	-
Baker	101	19
Confectioner, Pastrycook	48	18
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	114	35
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	1	-
Sugar Refiner	9	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	419	117
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	21	1
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	157	103
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	7	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	1	-
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	-	2
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	1	2
Tape Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	7	4
Mat Maker, Seller	2	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	4	31
Weaver (undefined)	1	5
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	3	1
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	-	1
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	1	1
Manchester Warehouseman	1	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	126	50
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	3
Embroiderer	-	3
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	784	1,788
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	18	1
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	1	3
Tailor	188	456
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	4	1,101
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	-	125
Hosiery Manufacture	1	4
Hosier, Haberdasher	20	22
Glover, Glove Maker	-	3
Button Maker, Dealer	3	-
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	489	65
Patten, Clog Maker	12	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	45	1
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	3	1
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	-	6
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	68	-
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	17	-
Manure Manufacture	4	-
Furrier, Skinner	3	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	16	-
Currier	24	-
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	1	-
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	2	-
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	229	28
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	6	2
Oil and Colourman	4	-
Japanner	5	11
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Others	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	10	3
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	11	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	28	1
Sawyer	56	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	7	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	12	4
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	65	-
Paper Manufacture	-	2
Stationer, Law Stationer	12	3
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	4	1
Others	5	1
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	19,471	4,975
Coal Miner	6,118	55
Ironstone Miner	244	6
Copper Miner	1	-
Tin Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	128	5
Mine Service	113	2
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	10	-
Coal Merchant	108	3
Coalheaver	67	4
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	89	16
Gas Works Service	46	-
Stone Quarrier	530	5
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	42	1
Slate Worker, Dealer	2	1
Limeburner	24	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	28	4
Well Sinker, Borer	33	1
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	5	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	447	369
Paviour	2	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	54	-
Railway Contractor	2	-
Platelayer	60	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	92	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	162	11
Glass Manufacture	170	5
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	9	5
Waterworks Service	7	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	15	2
[Iron Manufacture]	6,140	126
[Steel Manufacture]	41	1
Blacksmith	747	2
Whitesmith	244	1
Nail Manufacture	994	3,528
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	1,361	648
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	68	2
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	459	37
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	12	-
[Coppersmith]	1	-
[Tin Manufacture]	2	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	93	13
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	85	6
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	105	7
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	8	4
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	1	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	30	1
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	333	101
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	4	-
Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker	34	2
Others	99	1
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	4,771	372
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	85	116
Pawnbroker	34	40
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	76	89
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	42	4
Contractor (undefined)	24	-
General Labourer	3,037	33
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	705	2
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	515	19
Apprentice (undefined)	11	4
Factory Labourer (undefined)	227	43
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	15	22
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	24	1
Town Drainage Service	5	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	8	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	5	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	6	1
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	408	2,625
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	408	2,625
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	862	21,916
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	34	16
[Blank field, or illegible]	828	21,900

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.)