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".

Show Cheshire RegC table	Congleton RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	68	7
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	7	1
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	15	1
Prison Service, &c.	-	2
Police	27	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	17	3
Other Local or County Official	2	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	20	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	4	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	3	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	4	-
Army Pensioner	6	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	2	-
Seaman, R.N.	1	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	201	194
Clergymen (Established Church)	20	-
Roman Catholic Priest	1	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	12	1
Theological Student	4	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	3	-
Barrister, Solicitor	13	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	29	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	13	-
Dentist	3	-
Medical Student, Assistant	6	-
Midwife	-	2
Subordinate Medical Service	-	28
Schoolmaster	61	140
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	1	14
School Service, and others connected with teaching	2	-
Author, Editor, Journalist	2	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	1	-
Civil Engineer	2	-
Mining Engineer	7	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	2	-
Painter (artist)	3	1
Engraver (artist)	1	-
Architect	1	-
Musician, Music Master	7	7
Art Student	1	-
Photographer	5	1
Actor	1	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	227	1,868
Domestic Coachman, Groom	61	-
Domestic Gardener	74	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	78	1,720
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	1	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	10	24
College, Club Service	2	1
Cook (not domestic)	-	2
Charwoman	-	45
Washing and Bathing Service	-	75
Hospital and Institution Service	1	1
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	184	6
Broker, Agent, Factor	16	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	7	-
Accountant	4	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	1	1
Commercial Traveller	30	-
Commercial Clerk	98	3
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	-	1
Bank Service	18	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	10	1
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	435	13
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	2	-
Railway Guard	4	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	23	1
Other Railway Officials and Servants	113	1
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	-	2
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	1	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	30	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	79	-
Inland Navigation Service	18	1
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	115	5
Seaman (Merchant Service)	8	1
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	5	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	1	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	35	-
Telegraph, Telephone Service	1	2
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	2,270	136
Farmer, Grazier	563	60
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	274	-
Farm Bailiff	13	2
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	1,306	73
Shepherd	1	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	4	-
Agricultural Student	3	-
Woodman	2	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	9	-
Gardener (not domestic)	95	1
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	105	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	67	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	4	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	3	-
Gamekeeper	27	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	2	-
Vermin Destroyer	2	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	16	4
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	4	2
Bookbinder	1	2
Printer	10	-
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	1	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	161	1
Engine, Machine Maker	38	1
Millwright	7	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	57	-
Boiler Maker	23	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	8	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	8	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	3	-
File Maker	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	13	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	1	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	1	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	1	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	685	6
Builder	19	-
Carpenter, Joiner	223	-
Bricklayer	182	-
Mason	48	1
Slater, Tiler	13	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	8	-
Plumber	32	-
Painter, Glazier	90	4
Cabinet Maker	57	1
French Polisher	1	-
Furniture Broker, Dealer	2	-
Gas Fitter	7	-
Carver, Gilder	3	-
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	115	1
Coachmaker	21	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	9	-
Wheelwright	57	1
Others	6	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	22	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	4	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	4	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	78	-
Chemist, Druggist	19	-
Manufacturing Chemist	38	-
Alkali Manufacture	21	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	2	-
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	2	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	533	144
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	72	15
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	-	9
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	2	-
Brewer	7	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	15	7
Cellarman	1	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	6	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	-	1
Cheesemonger, Butterman	3	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	85	5
Provision Curer, Dealer	7	5
Poulterer, Game Dealer	1	-
Fishmonger	8	1
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	4	-
Corn Miller	64	-
Baker	47	1
Confectioner, Pastrycook	10	16
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	31	7
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	166	77
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	4	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	1,022	2,255
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	1	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	613	1,682
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Ribbon Manufacture	40	-
Crepe, Gauze Manufacture	-	6
Silk Merchant, Dealer	6	1
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	10	34
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	1	-
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Fustian Manufacturer, Dealer	271	457
[Others]	9	43
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Weaver (undefined)	-	2
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	-	1
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	1	1
Manchester Warehouseman	1	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	63	24
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	1
Trimming Maker, Dealer	2	1
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	419	472
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	3	1
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	2
Tailor	124	4
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	-	381
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	-	33
Hosier, Haberdasher	-	2
Button Maker, Dealer	-	4
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	248	44
Patten, Clog Maker	32	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	10	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	2	1
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	22	-
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	1	-
Manure Manufacture	1	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	13	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	1	-
Currier	5	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	1	-
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	88	8
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	7	-
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	10	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	6	-
Sawyer	31	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	12	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	18	-
Paper Manufacture	-	4
Stationer, Law Stationer	2	-
Card, Pattern Card Maker	-	4
Others	2	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	2,346	10
Coal Miner	956	2
Ironstone Miner	10	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	8	-
Mine Service	6	-
Coal Merchant	31	-
Coalheaver	24	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	2	-
Gas Works Service	12	-
Stone Quarrier	21	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	3	-
Limeburner	8	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	14	1
Well Sinker, Borer	2	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	67	1
Paviour	5	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	22	-
Platelayer	55	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	20	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	48	3
Glass Manufacture	1	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	8	1
Salt Maker, Dealer	171	-
Waterworks Service	2	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	2	-
[Iron Manufacture]	572	1
[Steel Manufacture]	3	-
Blacksmith	184	-
Whitesmith	8	-
Nail Manufacture	6	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	15	1
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	1	-
[Coppersmith]	11	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	18	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	10	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	1	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	17	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	1	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	699	78
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	25	25
Pawnbroker	4	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	34	19
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	3	1
Contractor (undefined)	1	1
General Labourer	456	1
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	114	6
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	40	8
Apprentice (undefined)	5	1
Factory Labourer (undefined)	12	3
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	5	13
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	11	-
Town Drainage Service	2	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	7	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	2	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	153	1,684
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	153	1,684
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	65	3,963
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	2	3
[Blank field, or illegible]	63	3,960

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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".

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.)