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 Kensington RegD	Kensington Town SubD	Kensington Vest/AP/CP

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	807	48
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	24	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	273	29
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	154	3
Prison Service, &c.	10	-
Police	240	1
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	58	13
Other Local or County Official	26	-
East Indian and Colonial Service	22	2
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	512	5
Army Officer (effective/retired)	242	4
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	145	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	47	-
Army Pensioner	25	1
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	36	-
Seaman, R.N.	7	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	2	-
Navy Pensioner	8	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	2,025	2,153
Clergymen (Established Church)	78	-
Roman Catholic Priest	33	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	17	1
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	17	14
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	150
Theological Student	11	1
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	23	9
Barrister, Solicitor	449	1
Law Student	51	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	188	1
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	145	2
Dentist	35	-
Medical Student, Assistant	85	-
Midwife	-	10
Subordinate Medical Service	12	732
Schoolmaster	102	403
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	78	529
School Service, and others connected with teaching	12	12
Author, Editor, Journalist	54	23
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	9	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	15	1
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	17	3
Civil Engineer	89	1
Mining Engineer	7	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	32	-
Painter (artist)	146	74
Engraver (artist)	6	-
Sculptor	13	1
Architect	74	1
Musician, Music Master	109	112
Art Student	30	45
Photographer	41	10
Actor	7	13
Art, Music, Theatre Service	10	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	5	1
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	25	3
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	1,832	17,417
Domestic Coachman, Groom	276	-
Domestic Gardener	45	1
Domestic Indoor Servant	1,083	14,050
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	4	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	249	136
College, Club Service	5	3
Office Keeper (not Government)	15	15
Cook (not domestic)	24	6
Charwoman	-	494
Washing and Bathing Service	100	2,681
Hospital and Institution Service	20	30
Others engaged in Service	11	1
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	2,293	98
Merchant	310	4
Broker, Agent, Factor	277	5
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	80	1
Accountant	69	2
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	12	12
Commercial Traveller	125	2
Commercial Clerk	1,152	67
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	14	-
Banker	14	-
Bank Service	136	3
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	14	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	90	2
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	3,198	34
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	70	-
Railway Guard	54	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	9	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	399	6
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	118	4
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	1,131	5
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	575	4
Wheel Chair Proprietor, Attendant &c.	28	-
Inland Navigation Service	1	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	7	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	11	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	64	-
Pilot	1	-
Ship Steward, Cook	6	1
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	13	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	64	3
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	631	5
Telegraph, Telephone Service	16	6
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	322	23
Farmer, Grazier	22	2
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	3	-
Farm Bailiff	5	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	43	4
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	13	-
Woodman	16	4
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	30	11
Gardener (not domestic)	190	2
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	604	5
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	14	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	464	2
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	107	2
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	3	-
Drover	6	-
Gamekeeper	1	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	4	1
Fisherman	1	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	4	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	250	16
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	47	4
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	17	1
Bookbinder	19	7
Printer	124	1
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	26	3
Others	1	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	9	-
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	3	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	4	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	375	20
Engine, Machine Maker	70	1
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	44	-
Boiler Maker	10	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	2	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	3	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	5	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	10	-
Saw Maker	5	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	70	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	15	4
Electrical Apparatus Maker	16	1
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	6	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	5	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	8	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	88	3
Type Cutter, Founder	3	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	4	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	6	11
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	3	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	5,405	99
Builder	228	2
Carpenter, Joiner	1,205	5
Bricklayer	771	-
Mason	285	-
Slater, Tiler	28	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	459	-
Paperhanger	106	-
Plumber	318	-
Painter, Glazier	1,213	9
Cabinet Maker	345	59
French Polisher	71	1
Furniture Broker, Dealer	40	1
Locksmith, Bellhanger	11	-
Gas Fitter	178	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	25	4
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	26	2
Others	5	-
Wood Carver	16	-
Carver, Gilder	55	3
Dealer in Works of Art	16	1
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Artificial Flower Maker	2	12
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	346	7
Coachmaker	187	1
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	13	-
Wheelwright	65	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	4	-
Others	2	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	75	6
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	8	1
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	4	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	2	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	1	-
Sail Maker	1	1
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	139	4
Dye, Paint Manufacture	7	-
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	1	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	1	-
Chemist, Druggist	114	2
Manufacturing Chemist	15	2
Drysalter	1	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	48	18
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	48	18
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	2,456	441
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	117	18
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	38	247
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	47	7
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	3	-
Maltster	1	-
Brewer	33	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	38	2
Cellarman	42	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	88	4
Milkseller, Dairyman	256	15
Cheesemonger, Butterman	140	6
Butcher, Meat Salesman	356	4
Provision Curer, Dealer	44	5
Poulterer, Game Dealer	18	1
Fishmonger	146	10
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	54	3
Corn Miller	1	-
Baker	360	22
Confectioner, Pastrycook	75	34
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	232	38
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	1	-
Sugar Refiner	2	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	356	25
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	7	-
Others Dealing in Food	1	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	463	373
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	4	1
Flannel Manufacture	1	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	7	-
Others	-	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	2	-
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	14	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	4	-
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	7	-
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	1	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	2	-
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	1	25
Thread Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Mat Maker, Seller	1	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	1	1
Weaver (undefined)	1	1
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	61	27
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	1	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	7	-
Manchester Warehouseman	5	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	326	263
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	5	18
Trimming Maker, Dealer	9	7
Embroiderer	1	27
Others	-	2
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	1,132	2,538
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	23	5
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	2	5
Tailor	400	91
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	25	2,101
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	1	271
Hosiery Manufacture	2	1
Hosier, Haberdasher	26	5
Glover, Glove Maker	2	2
Button Maker, Dealer	1	-
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	545	34
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	84	5
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	14	3
Accoutrement Maker	2	1
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	5	14
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	86	21
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	11	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	4	-
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	2	-
Others	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	8	2
Currier	11	1
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	31	2
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	12	7
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	3	9
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	375	67
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Oil and Colourman	74	3
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	1	-
Japanner	3	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	6	-
Others	4	1
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	40	12
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	11	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	35	2
Sawyer	21	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	20	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	21	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	14	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Paper Manufacture	7	1
Envelope Maker	1	-
Stationer, Law Stationer	89	46
Card, Pattern Card Maker	3	-
Paper Stainer	5	-
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	4	2
Ticket, Label Writer	8	-
Others	5	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	1,258	31
Coal Miner	2	-
Ironstone Miner	1	-
Copper Miner	2	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	3	-
Mine Service	2	-
Coal Merchant	40	1
Coalheaver	82	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	1	1
Gas Works Service	85	1
Stone Quarrier	1	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	42	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	1	-
Limeburner	3	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	1	-
Well Sinker, Borer	3	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	2	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	79	-
Paviour	15	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	11	-
Railway Contractor	6	-
Platelayer	78	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	68	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	4	3
Glass Manufacture	13	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	30	8
Waterworks Service	18	-
Others	1	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	104	6
Gold, Silver, Beater	2	-
Others	2	1
[Iron Manufacture]	75	2
[Steel Manufacture]	1	-
Blacksmith	173	1
Whitesmith	52	-
Nail Manufacture	-	1
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	94	4
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	5	-
[Coppersmith]	14	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	24	-
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	31	1
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	5	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	10	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	45	-
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	3	-
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	4	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	12	1
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	1	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	3	-
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	1	-
Others	2	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	2,843	463
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	212	138
Pawnbroker	51	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	149	116
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	43	14
Contractor (undefined)	12	-
General Labourer	2,048	15
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	88	2
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	173	79
Apprentice (undefined)	24	10
Factory Labourer (undefined)	39	2
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	4	87
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	88	3
Town Drainage Service	7	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	64	3
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	14	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	3	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	1,105	5,407
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	1,105	5,407
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	807	16,501
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	16	12
[Blank field, or illegible]	791	16,489

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.)

JISC Portsmouth Back to top

• ©2009-2024 University of Portsmouth and others
• About this site
• Expert search
• Web design by Headscape