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 Chelsea RegD/PLPar	Chelsea North East SubD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	267	1
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	13	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	67	1
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	63	-
Prison Service, &c.	1	-
Police	108	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	9	-
Other Local or County Official	4	-
East Indian and Colonial Service	2	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	66	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	26	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	15	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	5	-
Army Pensioner	9	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	5	-
Seaman, R.N.	3	-
Navy Pensioner	3	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	301	316
Clergymen (Established Church)	11	-
Roman Catholic Priest	4	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	5	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	3	6
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	21
Theological Student	1	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	5	2
Barrister, Solicitor	21	-
Law Student	4	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	30	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	24	-
Dentist	11	-
Medical Student, Assistant	15	-
Midwife	-	2
Subordinate Medical Service	6	116
Schoolmaster	41	71
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	6	52
School Service, and others connected with teaching	3	5
Author, Editor, Journalist	5	3
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	4	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	2	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	3	-
Civil Engineer	9	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	2	-
Painter (artist)	15	10
Engraver (artist)	3	-
Sculptor	6	-
Architect	6	-
Musician, Music Master	27	11
Art Student	4	1
Photographer	7	2
Actor	5	14
Art, Music, Theatre Service	2	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	2	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	9	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	869	2,786
Domestic Coachman, Groom	170	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	508	1,979
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	3	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	85	20
College, Club Service	6	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	1	1
Cook (not domestic)	3	-
Charwoman	1	140
Washing and Bathing Service	78	643
Hospital and Institution Service	8	3
Others engaged in Service	6	-
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	447	25
Merchant	10	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	23	1
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	7	-
Accountant	9	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	26	14
Commercial Traveller	54	-
Commercial Clerk	286	9
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	-	1
Banker	3	-
Bank Service	9	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	20	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,255	9
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	36	-
Railway Guard	32	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	3	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	264	2
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	13	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	297	1
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	227	1
Wheel Chair Proprietor, Attendant &c.	2	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	12	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	16	-
Ship Steward, Cook	2	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	4	1
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	30	1
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	308	-
Telegraph, Telephone Service	9	3
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	89	9
Farmer, Grazier	7	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	25	4
Shepherd	2	-
Woodman	6	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	10	5
Gardener (not domestic)	39	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	202	4
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	3	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	159	1
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	33	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	1	-
Drover	1	3
Gamekeeper	1	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	2	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	2	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	115	4
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	24	-
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	6	-
Bookbinder	13	4
Printer	62	-
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	4	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	6	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	146	4
Engine, Machine Maker	26	-
Millwright	2	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	35	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	1	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	3	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	23	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	4	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	8	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	1	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	5	1
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	3	-
Ordnance Manufacturer	1	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	25	-
Type Cutter, Founder	2	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	2	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	2	3
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	3	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,832	60
Builder	55	1
Carpenter, Joiner	474	1
Bricklayer	279	1
Mason	127	1
Slater, Tiler	4	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	133	-
Paperhanger	12	-
Plumber	111	-
Painter, Glazier	370	3
Cabinet Maker	105	36
French Polisher	20	1
Furniture Broker, Dealer	11	1
Locksmith, Bellhanger	9	-
Gas Fitter	64	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	17	8
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	5	-
Others	3	-
Wood Carver	5	-
Carver, Gilder	20	-
Dealer in Works of Art	5	1
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	2	-
Artificial Flower Maker	1	6
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	131	1
Coachmaker	65	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	8	-
Wheelwright	21	-
Others	3	1
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	34	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	6	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	6	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	26	1
Dye, Paint Manufacture	2	-
Chemist, Druggist	20	-
Manufacturing Chemist	2	1
Drysalter	2	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	9	4
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	9	4
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	601	84
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	27	4
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	19	28
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	10	1
Brewer	3	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	20	1
Cellarman	20	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	9	2
Milkseller, Dairyman	65	10
Cheesemonger, Butterman	32	2
Butcher, Meat Salesman	92	3
Provision Curer, Dealer	11	2
Poulterer, Game Dealer	8	-
Fishmonger	35	1
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	7	-
Baker	96	5
Confectioner, Pastrycook	7	9
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	53	7
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	1	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	83	9
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	3	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	117	82
Woolstapler	1	-
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	3	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	1	-
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	3	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	-	12
Mat Maker, Seller	1	-
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	1	-
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	9	4
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	1	1
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	89	47
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	2	9
Trimming Maker, Dealer	3	2
Embroiderer	1	7
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	449	930
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	6	1
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	2
Tailor	186	50
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	8	765
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	4	65
Hosiery Manufacture	-	2
Hosier, Haberdasher	12	3
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	204	25
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	25	6
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	4	7
Accoutrement Maker	-	1
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	-	3
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	35	1
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	1	-
Manure Manufacture	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	9	-
Currier	4	-
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	10	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	9	1
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	1	-
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	83	18
Oil and Colourman	19	3
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	2	-
Japanner	-	1
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	4	-
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	2	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	5	-
Sawyer	9	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	1	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	7	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	2	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Paper Manufacture	2	1
Envelope Maker	-	3
Stationer, Law Stationer	20	10
Paper Stainer	7	-
Ticket, Label Writer	1	-
Others	1	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	422	12
Coal Miner	1	-
Coal Merchant	15	-
Coalheaver	9	-
Gas Works Service	43	1
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	6	3
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	1	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	16	1
Paviour	12	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	4	-
Railway Contractor	2	-
Platelayer	25	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	29	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	5	-
Glass Manufacture	7	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	8	1
Waterworks Service	4	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	35	4
Gold, Silver, Beater	6	-
Lapidary	1	-
Others	3	1
[Iron Manufacture]	21	-
[Steel Manufacture]	1	-
Blacksmith	68	-
Whitesmith	21	-
Nail Manufacture	1	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	25	1
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	3	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	6	-
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	10	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	1	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	23	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	5	-
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	1	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	2	-
Others	1	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	850	110
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	53	35
Pawnbroker	18	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	8	3
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	21	2
Contractor (undefined)	6	-
General Labourer	615	14
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	69	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	32	8
Apprentice (undefined)	10	4
Factory Labourer (undefined)	12	2
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	6	42
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	30	-
Town Drainage Service	3	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	21	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	6	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	116	974
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	116	974
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	460	5,039
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	11	5
[Blank field, or illegible]	449	5,034

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.)