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 Aston PLU/RegD	Deritend SubD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	241	7
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	43	5
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	41	-
Police	137	1
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	18	-
Other Local or County Official	2	1
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	27	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	2	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	6	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	1	-
Army Pensioner	14	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Navy Pensioner	3	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	403	434
Clergymen (Established Church)	13	-
Roman Catholic Priest	1	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	11	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	3	1
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	28
Theological Student	1	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	1	3
Barrister, Solicitor	11	1
Law Student	2	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	68	1
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	20	-
Dentist	5	-
Medical Student, Assistant	8	-
Midwife	-	4
Subordinate Medical Service	5	66
Schoolmaster	84	217
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	10	44
School Service, and others connected with teaching	10	1
Author, Editor, Journalist	15	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	4	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	-	1
Civil Engineer	9	-
Mining Engineer	1	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	12	-
Painter (artist)	16	10
Engraver (artist)	21	3
Architect	10	-
Musician, Music Master	22	39
Art Student	2	1
Photographer	22	13
Actor	2	1
Art, Music, Theatre Service	2	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	12	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	137	2,468
Domestic Coachman, Groom	23	-
Domestic Gardener	8	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	39	1,847
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	4	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	44	81
College, Club Service	1	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	5	2
Cook (not domestic)	2	10
Charwoman	-	192
Washing and Bathing Service	7	327
Hospital and Institution Service	2	7
Others engaged in Service	2	2
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	1,236	68
Merchant	10	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	79	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	19	-
Accountant	31	2
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	5	4
Commercial Traveller	220	4
Commercial Clerk	762	57
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	1	1
Banker	1	-
Bank Service	45	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	2	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	61	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,441	245
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	83	-
Railway Guard	40	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	18	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	366	3
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	16	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	126	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	385	1
Tramway Companies' Service	3	-
Wheel Chair Proprietor, Attendant &c.	1	-
Inland Navigation Service	4	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	64	1
Seaman (Merchant Service)	4	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	1	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	119	233
Meter, Weigher	1	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	184	6
Telegraph, Telephone Service	26	1
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	139	6
Farmer, Grazier	10	1
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	2	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	56	2
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	1	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	5	2
Gardener (not domestic)	65	1
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	119	-
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	3	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	96	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	3	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	10	-
Drover	4	-
Gamekeeper	1	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	1	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	321	68
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	17	2
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	2	-
Bookbinder	23	31
Printer	223	25
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	11	8
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	44	2
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	1	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	1,660	205
Engine, Machine Maker	161	4
Millwright	2	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	254	2
Boiler Maker	11	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	3	3
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	34	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	270	1
Cutler, Scissors Maker	4	1
File Maker	43	-
Saw Maker	16	-
Pin Maker	15	37
Needle Maker	-	2
Steel Pen Maker	9	83
Pencil Maker (Wood)	1	1
Domestic Implement Maker	35	34
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	81	9
Philosophical Instrument Maker	19	3
Electrical Apparatus Maker	16	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	150	3
Surgical Instrument Maker	10	1
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	434	6
Sword, Bayonet - Maker, Cutler	13	1
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	24	1
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	36	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	5	8
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	5	5
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	2	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	2,496	203
Builder	115	2
Carpenter, Joiner	586	2
Bricklayer	533	2
Mason	109	2
Slater, Tiler	28	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	98	1
Paperhanger	18	3
Plumber	88	1
Painter, Glazier	357	13
Cabinet Maker	238	29
French Polisher	23	83
Furniture Broker, Dealer	11	4
Locksmith, Bellhanger	30	2
Gas Fitter	119	3
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	48	12
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	26	34
Wood Carver	22	-
Carver, Gilder	43	7
Dealer in Works of Art	2	1
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	1	-
Artificial Flower Maker	1	2
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	511	59
Coachmaker	160	2
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	68	1
Wheelwright	37	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	21	7
Others	9	3
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	216	46
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	15	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	12	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	2	-
Sail Maker	1	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	74	18
Dye, Paint Manufacture	8	2
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	3	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	2	15
Chemist, Druggist	42	1
Manufacturing Chemist	10	-
Alkali Manufacture	2	-
Drysalter	7	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	37	55
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	32	54
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	5	1
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	1,319	275
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	96	16
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	2	18
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	13	13
Maltster	35	-
Brewer	69	1
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	73	23
Cellarman	15	2
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	11	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	65	12
Cheesemonger, Butterman	3	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	209	17
Provision Curer, Dealer	50	29
Poulterer, Game Dealer	5	1
Fishmonger	37	4
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	23	5
Corn Miller	1	-
Baker	212	14
Confectioner, Pastrycook	53	52
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	86	23
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	5	3
Sugar Refiner	5	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	237	42
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	14	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	225	186
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	2	1
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	1	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	2	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	1	10
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Ribbon Manufacture	1	5
Silk Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	2	5
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	1	-
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	1	4
Tape Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	2	2
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	77	51
Mat Maker, Seller	1	1
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	2	-
Weaver (undefined)	-	6
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	4	6
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	3	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	2	2
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	112	57
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	3	28
Trimming Maker, Dealer	1	2
Embroiderer	-	5
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	891	1,927
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	15	2
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	2
Tailor	187	220
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	8	999
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	9	135
Hosiery Manufacture	1	3
Hosier, Haberdasher	22	6
Glover, Glove Maker	1	5
Button Maker, Dealer	129	141
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	386	117
Patten, Clog Maker	2	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	56	5
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	63	289
Accoutrement Maker	11	2
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	1	1
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	298	127
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	14	3
Soap Boiler, Maker	2	-
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Manure Manufacture	3	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	104	13
Comb Maker	1	-
Others	2	-
Furrier, Skinner	4	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	5	-
Currier	39	8
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	18	18
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	6	4
Brush, Broom, Maker	99	79
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	-	2
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	362	410
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Oil and Colourman	3	2
Japanner	43	109
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	3	2
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	6	-
Others	10	1
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	25	5
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	3	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	20	-
Sawyer	54	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	8	1
Wood Turner, Box Maker	74	8
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	30	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	3	-
Others	4	3
Paper Manufacture	20	60
Stationer, Law Stationer	37	33
Card, Pattern Card Maker	3	2
Paper Stainer	3	35
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	7	147
Ticket, Label Writer	4	1
Others	-	1
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	6,573	1,341
Coal Miner	5	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	2	-
Mine Service	2	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	5	1
Coal Merchant	102	2
Coalheaver	46	1
Gas Works Service	125	1
Stone Quarrier	1	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	8	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	10	-
Limeburner	1	1
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	1	-
Well Sinker, Borer	9	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	233	6
Paviour	25	-
Road Labourer	61	1
Railway Contractor	2	-
Platelayer	21	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	66	-
Others	2	1
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	16	38
Glass Manufacture	70	9
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	12	1
Salt Maker, Dealer	1	-
Waterworks Service	3	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	189	45
Gold, Silver, Beater	7	-
Lapidary	1	2
Others	7	19
[Iron Manufacture]	831	129
[Steel Manufacture]	85	5
Blacksmith	319	5
Whitesmith	57	2
Nail Manufacture	253	41
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	4	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	71	11
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	305	29
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	17	-
[Coppersmith]	50	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	345	182
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	31	1
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	197	15
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	1,773	168
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	96	274
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	146	52
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	365	23
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	80	197
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	309	47
Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker	19	5
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	9	5
Others	177	22
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	1,558	494
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	42	93
Pawnbroker	24	32
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	50	21
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	27	5
General Labourer	862	10
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	149	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	230	119
Apprentice (undefined)	6	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	105	173
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	63	41
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	40	1
Town Drainage Service	13	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	20	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	4	1
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	3	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	209	1,526
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	209	1,526
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	220	11,404
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	24	17
[Blank field, or illegible]	196	11,387

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.)