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 Coventry RegD/Inc/PLU	St John SubD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	36	5
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	12	-
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	7	-
Prison Service, &c.	-	3
Police	10	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	4	2
Other Local or County Official	3	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	90	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	6	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	77	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	1	-
Army Pensioner	5	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	1	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	112	115
Clergymen (Established Church)	7	-
Roman Catholic Priest	3	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	3	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	3	-
Barrister, Solicitor	9	-
Law Student	3	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	11	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	10	-
Dentist	3	-
Midwife	-	2
Subordinate Medical Service	2	19
Schoolmaster	16	60
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	3	20
School Service, and others connected with teaching	2	1
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	1	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	1	-
Civil Engineer	3	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	1	-
Painter (artist)	2	2
Engraver (artist)	1	-
Sculptor	1	-
Architect	6	-
Musician, Music Master	10	10
Photographer	5	1
Actor	1	-
Art, Music, Theatre Service	1	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	4	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	64	1,075
Domestic Coachman, Groom	15	-
Domestic Gardener	16	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	14	796
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	1	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	16	51
College, Club Service	1	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	1	-
Cook (not domestic)	-	4
Charwoman	-	97
Washing and Bathing Service	-	124
Hospital and Institution Service	-	3
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	113	11
Merchant	1	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	13	2
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	3	1
Accountant	4	-
Commercial Traveller	22	-
Commercial Clerk	62	8
Banker	1	-
Bank Service	6	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	1	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	297	7
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	15	-
Railway Guard	5	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	8	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	68	1
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	6	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	82	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	28	1
Seaman (Merchant Service)	1	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	3	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	15	5
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	63	-
Telegraph, Telephone Service	3	-
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	143	11
Farmer, Grazier	10	4
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	1	-
Farm Bailiff	1	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	56	3
Shepherd	1	-
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	1	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	9	3
Gardener (not domestic)	64	1
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	45	2
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	6	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	31	2
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	5	-
Drover	3	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	68	11
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	6	1
Bookbinder	4	5
Printer	49	2
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	6	3
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	2	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	1	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	2,293	139
Engine, Machine Maker	10	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	47	1
Boiler Maker	3	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	5	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	9	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	1	1
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	2,208	135
Electrical Apparatus Maker	1	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	6	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	1	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	1	1
Toy Maker, Dealer	-	1
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	395	20
Builder	20	2
Carpenter, Joiner	112	-
Bricklayer	87	-
Mason	21	-
Slater, Tiler	5	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	7	-
Plumber	19	-
Painter, Glazier	77	2
Cabinet Maker	19	13
French Polisher	2	1
Furniture Broker, Dealer	4	2
Locksmith, Bellhanger	3	-
Gas Fitter	10	-
Wood Carver	1	-
Carver, Gilder	7	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	1	-
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	170	-
Coachmaker	19	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	1	-
Wheelwright	6	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	134	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	10	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	1	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	1	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	42	2
Dye, Paint Manufacture	1	1
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	1	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	1	-
Chemist, Druggist	37	1
Manufacturing Chemist	2	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	22	50
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	19	50
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	3	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	405	99
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	66	20
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	-	15
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	1	1
Maltster	9	-
Brewer	16	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	1	1
Cellarman	2	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	7	1
Milkseller, Dairyman	17	4
Cheesemonger, Butterman	1	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	77	2
Provision Curer, Dealer	12	12
Poulterer, Game Dealer	-	1
Fishmonger	11	4
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	6	-
Corn Miller	2	-
Baker	62	8
Confectioner, Pastrycook	14	3
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	20	11
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	72	16
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	9	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	497	1,774
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	-	16
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	6	16
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	151	1,208
Silk Dyer, Printer	89	1
Ribbon Manufacture	104	154
Silk Merchant, Dealer	4	5
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	12	142
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	4	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	2
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	1	7
Tape Manufacturer, Dealer	-	3
Thread Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	6	3
Net Maker	1	3
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	2	-
Weaver (undefined)	16	7
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	5	-
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	1	4
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	2	1
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	58	19
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	8
Trimming Maker, Dealer	30	173
Embroiderer	-	1
Others	2	1
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	213	473
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	8	4
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	2
Tailor	75	24
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	4	344
Shawl Manufacture	1	-
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	1	60
Hosiery Manufacture	1	-
Hosier, Haberdasher	8	12
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	97	21
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	12	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	4	3
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	2	3
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	9	4
Currier	5	-
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	-	1
Brush, Broom, Maker	4	1
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	-	2
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	111	99
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	1	-
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	61	20
Others	2	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	3	1
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	1	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Sawyer	8	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	7	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	3	-
Others	-	1
Paper Manufacture	6	-
Stationer, Law Stationer	7	5
Card, Pattern Card Maker	-	1
Paper Stainer	-	4
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	8	59
Ticket, Label Writer	1	-
Others	2	8
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	351	12
Coal Miner	7	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	1	-
Mine Service	1	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	3	1
Coal Merchant	17	3
Coalheaver	6	-
Gas Works Service	6	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	1	-
Limeburner	3	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	14	-
Paviour	3	-
Road Labourer	2	-
Platelayer	13	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	12	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	1	-
Glass Manufacture	-	2
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	3	-
Waterworks Service	2	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	15	-
Others	1	-
[Iron Manufacture]	105	-
[Steel Manufacture]	4	-
Blacksmith	50	-
Whitesmith	11	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	14	2
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	11	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	12	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	9	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	19	-
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	-	2
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	3	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	-	1
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	2	1
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	486	87
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	22	44
Pawnbroker	8	2
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	15	9
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	2	2
General Labourer	246	3
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	26	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	52	22
Apprentice (undefined)	22	1
Factory Labourer (undefined)	7	2
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	86	2
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	17	1
Town Drainage Service	2	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	15	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	-	1
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	43	340
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	43	340
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	91	2,549
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	2	3
[Blank field, or illegible]	89	2,546

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.)