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 Whitechapel RegD/PLU/PLPar	Spitalfields SubD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	68	2
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	1	2
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	3	-
Police	61	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	3	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	11	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	4	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	4	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	2	-
Seaman, R.N.	1	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	110	85
Clergymen (Established Church)	8	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	4	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	3	1
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	15
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	3	-
Barrister, Solicitor	2	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	8	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	8	-
Dentist	1	-
Medical Student, Assistant	1	-
Midwife	-	1
Subordinate Medical Service	1	25
Schoolmaster	22	35
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	10	3
School Service, and others connected with teaching	2	1
Author, Editor, Journalist	-	1
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	1	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	2	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	1	-
Civil Engineer	-	1
Painter (artist)	1	-
Engraver (artist)	1	-
Architect	1	-
Musician, Music Master	15	1
Photographer	1	-
Actor	6	-
Art, Music, Theatre Service	3	1
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	2	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	3	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	160	1,301
Domestic Coachman, Groom	4	-
Domestic Gardener	2	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	24	792
Inn, Hotel Servant	84	32
College, Club Service	-	1
Office Keeper (not Government)	2	13
Cook (not domestic)	1	1
Charwoman	2	209
Washing and Bathing Service	6	248
Hospital and Institution Service	3	3
Others engaged in Service	32	2
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	202	16
Merchant	1	1
Broker, Agent, Factor	8	-
Accountant	6	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	16	5
Commercial Traveller	74	7
Commercial Clerk	88	3
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	1	-
Bank Service	4	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	4	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,076	6
Railway Guard	3	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	1	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	25	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	3	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	38	1
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	256	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	7	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	14	-
Pilot	1	-
Ship Steward, Cook	1	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	289	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	36	3
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	401	2
Telegraph, Telephone Service	1	-
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	17	9
Farmer, Grazier	3	-
Farm Bailiff	1	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	7	6
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	1	2
Gardener (not domestic)	5	1
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	56	1
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	1	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	34	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	13	-
Drover	7	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	1
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	146	44
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	8	3
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	1	-
Bookbinder	24	36
Printer	103	5
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	4	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	5	-
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	1	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	75	12
Engine, Machine Maker	8	1
Millwright	1	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	4	-
Boiler Maker	1	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	1	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	1	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	2	-
File Maker	4	-
Steel Pen Maker	-	1
Pencil Maker (Wood)	1	-
Domestic Implement Maker	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	15	1
Philosophical Instrument Maker	2	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	1	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	2	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	6	1
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	6	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	9	4
Type Cutter, Founder	1	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	1	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	7	4
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	1	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	658	34
Builder	12	-
Carpenter, Joiner	89	-
Bricklayer	96	1
Mason	27	1
Slater, Tiler	2	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	16	-
Paperhanger	6	-
Plumber	15	1
Painter, Glazier	139	3
Cabinet Maker	158	12
French Polisher	29	6
Furniture Broker, Dealer	4	-
Locksmith, Bellhanger	1	-
Gas Fitter	12	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	9	1
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	2	-
Wood Carver	12	-
Carver, Gilder	28	2
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	1	-
Artificial Flower Maker	-	7
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	62	6
Coachmaker	16	-
Wheelwright	15	1
Others	2	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	29	5
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	13	2
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	6	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	3	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	1	-
Sail Maker	3	2
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	22	10
Dye, Paint Manufacture	2	-
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	-	2
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	1	3
Chemist, Druggist	12	1
Manufacturing Chemist	7	4
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	573	140
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	572	140
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	1	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	546	106
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	46	5
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	9	14
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	14	6
Maltster	1	-
Brewer	14	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	3	2
Cellarman	8	2
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	4	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	20	7
Cheesemonger, Butterman	6	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	69	3
Provision Curer, Dealer	13	2
Poulterer, Game Dealer	6	-
Fishmonger	73	5
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	4	-
Corn Miller	3	-
Baker	81	9
Confectioner, Pastrycook	32	14
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	95	15
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	6	13
Sugar Refiner	4	1
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	29	8
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	6	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	89	128
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	-	1
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	5	2
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	24	49
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	2	5
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	1	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	2	3
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Mat Maker, Seller	2	-
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	1	1
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	3	11
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	-	1
Weaver (undefined)	3	3
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	5	2
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	1	4
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	3	-
Manchester Warehouseman	1	1
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	21	18
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	5	6
Trimming Maker, Dealer	4	19
Others	-	1
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	1,250	1,151
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	48	45
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	2
Tailor	607	674
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	6	178
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	5	116
Hosier, Haberdasher	4	2
Glover, Glove Maker	-	1
Button Maker, Dealer	-	4
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	481	79
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	46	6
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	45	41
Accoutrement Maker	2	-
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	6	3
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	106	88
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	2	1
Soap Boiler, Maker	6	1
Manure Manufacture	1	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	6	-
Others	3	-
Furrier, Skinner	61	57
Tanner, Fellmonger	1	-
Currier	10	-
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	3	3
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	-	1
Brush, Broom, Maker	10	7
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	3	18
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	168	112
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	8	2
Others	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	36	12
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	4	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	6	-
Sawyer	8	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	3	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	24	11
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	26	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	6	1
Paper Manufacture	10	13
Envelope Maker	1	10
Stationer, Law Stationer	14	6
Card, Pattern Card Maker	2	-
Paper Stainer	-	2
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	12	53
Ticket, Label Writer	3	-
Others	3	2
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	271	12
Coal Miner	2	-
Coal Merchant	6	1
Coalheaver	13	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	1	-
Gas Works Service	3	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	4	-
Paviour	5	-
Railway Contractor	1	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	4	1
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	5	2
Glass Manufacture	9	3
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	14	1
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	51	1
Gold, Silver, Beater	6	-
[Iron Manufacture]	4	-
Blacksmith	51	1
Whitesmith	2	1
Nail Manufacture	1	-
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	1	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	10	-
[Coppersmith]	4	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	39	-
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	2	1
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	21	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	5	-
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	1	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	4	-
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	1	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	1,684	316
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	240	80
Pawnbroker	5	1
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	299	139
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	4	7
General Labourer	1,029	7
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	13	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	51	17
Apprentice (undefined)	6	1
Factory Labourer (undefined)	22	6
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	15	58
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	37	4
Town Drainage Service	1	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	11	1
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	12	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	13	3
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	89	276
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	89	276
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	145	2,539
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	13	11
[Blank field, or illegible]	132	2,528

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.)