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 Bethnal Green RegD/PLPar	Church SubD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	93	1
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	8	1
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	31	-
Police	45	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	9	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	13	1
Army Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	11	1
Army Pensioner	1	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	87	56
Clergymen (Established Church)	3	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	9	2
Theological Student	2	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	1	-
Barrister, Solicitor	3	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	8	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	3	-
Dentist	1	-
Midwife	-	2
Subordinate Medical Service	-	19
Schoolmaster	12	16
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	-	6
School Service, and others connected with teaching	2	2
Author, Editor, Journalist	-	1
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	2	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	1	-
Civil Engineer	1	-
Painter (artist)	2	-
Engraver (artist)	2	-
Architect	1	-
Musician, Music Master	20	4
Photographer	9	1
Actor	3	2
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	2	1
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	153	808
Domestic Coachman, Groom	18	-
Domestic Gardener	1	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	48	450
Inn, Hotel Servant	80	26
Office Keeper (not Government)	-	6
Cook (not domestic)	3	1
Charwoman	-	87
Washing and Bathing Service	1	220
Hospital and Institution Service	-	17
Others engaged in Service	2	1
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	164	8
Merchant	1	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	4	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	1	-
Accountant	4	2
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	4	1
Commercial Traveller	40	1
Commercial Clerk	101	3
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	-	1
Bank Service	2	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	7	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,118	14
Railway Guard	12	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	1	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	107	2
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	4	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	49	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	368	2
Tramway Companies' Service	2	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	4	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	17	-
Ship Steward, Cook	3	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	146	1
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	73	5
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	330	4
Telegraph, Telephone Service	2	-
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	19	6
Farmer, Grazier	2	1
Farm Bailiff	1	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	8	2
Woodman	6	1
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	1	2
Gardener (not domestic)	1	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	60	6
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	26	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	17	2
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	2	-
Drover	3	-
Vermin Destroyer	1	1
Fisherman	1	1
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	10	2
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	327	129
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	3	-
Bookbinder	94	121
Printer	204	6
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	2	1
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	21	-
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	3	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	-	1
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	203	29
Engine, Machine Maker	18	-
Millwright	5	1
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	27	-
Boiler Maker	10	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	6	1
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	3	3
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	2	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	3	-
File Maker	1	-
Saw Maker	7	-
Domestic Implement Maker	2	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	11	1
Philosophical Instrument Maker	6	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	3	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	28	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	2	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	7	1
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	15	1
Type Cutter, Founder	17	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	2	1
Toy Maker, Dealer	24	18
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	1	-
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	2	2
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,766	93
Builder	5	-
Carpenter, Joiner	161	-
Bricklayer	147	-
Mason	46	-
Slater, Tiler	3	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	23	-
Paperhanger	15	-
Plumber	28	-
Painter, Glazier	111	-
Cabinet Maker	869	36
French Polisher	110	27
Furniture Broker, Dealer	3	-
Locksmith, Bellhanger	7	-
Gas Fitter	24	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	9	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	11	-
Wood Carver	85	-
Carver, Gilder	107	4
Dealer in Works of Art	1	-
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	-	1
Artificial Flower Maker	-	25
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	54	7
Coachmaker	6	-
Wheelwright	20	-
Others	1	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	27	7
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	7	1
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	4	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	-	1
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	1	-
Sail Maker	2	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	38	17
Dye, Paint Manufacture	5	-
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	2	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	2	6
Chemist, Druggist	18	1
Manufacturing Chemist	10	9
Alkali Manufacture	-	1
Drysalter	1	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	99	58
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	92	56
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	7	2
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	464	66
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	20	4
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	-	2
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	7	-
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Maltster	2	1
Brewer	26	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	22	4
Cellarman	26	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	23	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	17	-
Cheesemonger, Butterman	8	2
Butcher, Meat Salesman	55	1
Provision Curer, Dealer	13	2
Poulterer, Game Dealer	6	-
Fishmonger	51	11
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	5	2
Corn Miller	4	-
Baker	60	5
Confectioner, Pastrycook	25	16
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	20	7
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	1	4
Sugar Refiner	19	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	43	5
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	10	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	347	678
Woolstapler	5	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	9	2
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	3	1
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	3	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	175	368
Silk Dyer, Printer	8	1
Ribbon Manufacture	1	5
Crepe, Gauze Manufacture	-	1
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	2	5
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	1
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	2	4
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	3	1
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	23	1
Mat Maker, Seller	7	4
Net Maker	1	1
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	-	1
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	-	2
Weaver (undefined)	16	40
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	7	-
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	2	4
Felt Manufacture	1	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	12	1
Manchester Warehouseman	1	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	19	15
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	11	18
Trimming Maker, Dealer	34	198
Embroiderer	-	3
Others	-	1
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	797	1,338
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	25	14
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	1
Tailor	44	262
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	9	292
Shawl Manufacture	-	1
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	8	263
Hosiery Manufacture	1	8
Hosier, Haberdasher	3	47
Button Maker, Dealer	-	8
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	641	410
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	20	1
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	45	30
Accoutrement Maker	1	-
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	-	1
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	162	150
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	7	1
Soap Boiler, Maker	5	1
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	24	-
Comb Maker	2	1
Others	3	1
Furrier, Skinner	22	37
Tanner, Fellmonger	3	-
Currier	20	1
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	21	8
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	9	5
Brush, Broom, Maker	41	53
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	4	42
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	570	344
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	3	1
Oil and Colourman	19	-
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	1	-
Japanner	20	1
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	3	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	3	4
Others	2	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	26	36
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	2	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	57	5
Sawyer	63	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	1	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	142	61
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	50	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	24	1
Paper Manufacture	25	9
Envelope Maker	10	31
Stationer, Law Stationer	48	17
Card, Pattern Card Maker	3	1
Paper Stainer	10	5
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	52	169
Ticket, Label Writer	2	1
Others	4	2
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	402	15
Coal Merchant	7	1
Coalheaver	26	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	1	-
Gas Works Service	13	-
Stone Quarrier	1	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	8	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	1	-
Limeburner	1	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	7	-
Road Labourer	1	-
Platelayer	6	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	6	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	4	1
Glass Manufacture	44	1
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	6	1
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	17	2
Gold, Silver, Beater	7	1
Lapidary	3	1
Others	2	4
[Iron Manufacture]	22	-
Blacksmith	55	-
Whitesmith	4	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	10	-
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	24	-
[Coppersmith]	3	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	53	2
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	6	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	3	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	2	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	36	-
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	1	-
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	6	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	8	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	6	-
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	1	-
Others	1	1
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	705	188
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	101	34
Pawnbroker	5	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	109	41
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	14	5
Contractor (undefined)	1	-
General Labourer	335	2
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	34	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	42	17
Apprentice (undefined)	5	1
Factory Labourer (undefined)	49	9
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	10	79
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	15	1
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	3	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	11	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	1	1
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	71	611
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	71	611
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	117	3,550
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	10	18
[Blank field, or illegible]	107	3,532

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.)