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 Mile End Old Town RegD/PLPar	Mile End Old Town Eastern SubD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	481	22
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	277	12
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	105	1
Police	53	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	42	9
Other Local or County Official	4	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	35	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	7	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	2	-
Army Pensioner	11	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Seaman, R.N.	7	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	1	-
Navy Pensioner	5	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	473	450
Clergymen (Established Church)	17	-
Roman Catholic Priest	4	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	16	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	17	12
Theological Student	2	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	15	2
Barrister, Solicitor	9	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	75	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	32	-
Dentist	4	1
Medical Student, Assistant	28	-
Midwife	-	3
Subordinate Medical Service	6	122
Schoolmaster	81	221
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	7	9
School Service, and others connected with teaching	14	4
Author, Editor, Journalist	6	1
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	3	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	1	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	1	-
Civil Engineer	10	-
Mining Engineer	1	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	4	-
Painter (artist)	11	5
Engraver (artist)	4	1
Sculptor	1	-
Architect	7	-
Musician, Music Master	52	52
Art Student	3	1
Photographer	17	6
Actor	11	7
Art, Music, Theatre Service	2	2
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	4	1
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	8	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	414	2,559
Domestic Coachman, Groom	7	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	72	1,772
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	11	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	259	78
College, Club Service	3	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	10	7
Cook (not domestic)	19	7
Charwoman	1	215
Washing and Bathing Service	8	469
Hospital and Institution Service	9	11
Others engaged in Service	15	-
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	1,420	50
Merchant	12	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	78	2
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	23	-
Accountant	15	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	6	4
Commercial Traveller	237	4
Commercial Clerk	984	34
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	1	-
Banker	1	-
Bank Service	27	1
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	36	5
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	3,066	33
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	6	-
Railway Guard	28	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	9	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	222	1
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	1	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	17	2
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	263	2
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	788	1
Tramway Companies' Service	4	-
Inland Navigation Service	10	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	107	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	199	3
Pilot	6	-
Ship Steward, Cook	29	1
Boatman on Seas	1	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	538	2
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	184	7
Meter, Weigher	12	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	620	4
Telegraph, Telephone Service	22	10
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	61	7
Farmer, Grazier	3	-
Farm Bailiff	1	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	34	4
Agricultural Student	1	-
Woodman	7	1
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	5	2
Gardener (not domestic)	10	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	221	8
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	8	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	125	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	51	3
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	5	-
Drover	18	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	4	-
Fisherman	2	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	8	5
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	601	157
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	21	6
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	4	-
Bookbinder	101	133
Printer	409	13
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	15	3
Others	1	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	44	1
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	4	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	2	1
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	405	9
Engine, Machine Maker	65	1
Millwright	6	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	92	1
Boiler Maker	43	1
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	1	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	1	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	7	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	6	-
File Maker	3	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	36	2
Philosophical Instrument Maker	24	1
Electrical Apparatus Maker	9	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	15	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	4	1
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	26	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	23	-
Type Cutter, Founder	7	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	10	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	22	2
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	2	-
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	2	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	2,304	68
Builder	98	1
Carpenter, Joiner	548	2
Bricklayer	379	3
Mason	84	-
Slater, Tiler	22	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	65	-
Paperhanger	14	1
Plumber	95	1
Painter, Glazier	414	-
Cabinet Maker	324	26
French Polisher	39	7
Furniture Broker, Dealer	33	5
Locksmith, Bellhanger	4	-
Gas Fitter	64	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	34	1
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	13	-
Wood Carver	10	-
Carver, Gilder	60	2
Dealer in Works of Art	1	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	2	-
Artificial Flower Maker	1	19
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	148	3
Coachmaker	43	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	1	-
Wheelwright	63	1
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Others	3	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	36	2
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	151	3
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	37	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	47	-
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	13	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	21	-
Sail Maker	33	3
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	101	30
Dye, Paint Manufacture	17	1
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	2	1
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	2	23
Chemist, Druggist	42	2
Manufacturing Chemist	34	2
Alkali Manufacture	-	1
Drysalter	4	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	316	86
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	280	68
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	36	18
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	1,815	196
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	100	11
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	5	9
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	32	6
Maltster	2	-
Brewer	150	1
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	87	10
Cellarman	111	1
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	46	1
Milkseller, Dairyman	62	9
Cheesemonger, Butterman	43	3
Butcher, Meat Salesman	250	9
Provision Curer, Dealer	39	6
Poulterer, Game Dealer	20	-
Fishmonger	141	7
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	38	1
Corn Miller	1	-
Baker	222	19
Confectioner, Pastrycook	96	51
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	90	9
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	7	7
Sugar Refiner	32	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	217	33
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	24	2
Others Dealing in Food	-	1
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	441	281
Woolstapler	8	1
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	8	3
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	6	-
Others	-	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	22	39
Silk Dyer, Printer	9	1
Crepe, Gauze Manufacture	1	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	7	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	12	4
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	1	12
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	8	3
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	134	8
Mat Maker, Seller	9	1
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	1	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	4	1
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	4	-
Weaver (undefined)	4	3
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	17	8
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	1	5
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	5	-
Manchester Warehouseman	5	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	146	92
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	14	18
Trimming Maker, Dealer	13	70
Embroiderer	1	11
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	1,171	2,915
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	41	28
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	5	3
Tailor	319	1,102
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	19	955
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	25	496
Hosiery Manufacture	3	1
Hosier, Haberdasher	27	73
Glover, Glove Maker	4	3
Button Maker, Dealer	-	4
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	595	180
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	62	3
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	65	60
Accoutrement Maker	1	-
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	5	7
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	300	179
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	7	3
Soap Boiler, Maker	4	-
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	5	1
Manure Manufacture	3	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	9	2
Comb Maker	6	-
Others	7	2
Furrier, Skinner	44	38
Tanner, Fellmonger	3	1
Currier	33	2
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	35	9
Parchment, Vellum - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	7	2
Brush, Broom, Maker	131	79
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	4	40
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	854	224
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	15	-
Oil and Colourman	54	5
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	4	-
Japanner	2	-
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	9	2
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	22	17
Others	10	2
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	25	4
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	7	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	63	3
Sawyer	63	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	8	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	36	17
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	284	2
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	36	2
Paper Manufacture	26	11
Envelope Maker	1	21
Stationer, Law Stationer	118	17
Card, Pattern Card Maker	4	4
Paper Stainer	18	4
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	35	104
Ticket, Label Writer	7	7
Others	7	2
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	878	39
Ironstone Miner	-	15
Coal Merchant	31	-
Coalheaver	50	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	3	-
Gas Works Service	139	1
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	4	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	1	-
Limeburner	2	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	1	-
Well Sinker, Borer	1	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	1	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	9	-
Paviour	5	-
Road Labourer	6	-
Railway Contractor	3	-
Platelayer	7	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	20	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	20	2
Glass Manufacture	35	3
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	13	6
Waterworks Service	6	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	63	4
Gold, Silver, Beater	6	-
Others	6	-
[Iron Manufacture]	83	-
Blacksmith	105	-
Whitesmith	11	-
Nail Manufacture	1	-
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	2	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	38	2
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	2	-
[Coppersmith]	12	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	74	3
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	9	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	14	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	9	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	44	-
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	7	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	22	1
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	1	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	11	2
Others	1	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	1,822	584
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	178	83
Pawnbroker	45	5
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	75	33
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	27	4
Contractor (undefined)	8	-
General Labourer	1,190	8
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	124	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	98	20
Apprentice (undefined)	5	4
Factory Labourer (undefined)	67	23
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	5	404
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	51	1
Town Drainage Service	9	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	18	1
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	15	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	9	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	177	1,909
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	177	1,909
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	389	10,078
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	20	10
[Blank field, or illegible]	369	10,068

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.)