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 Wolverhampton RegD table	Wolverhampton Eastern SubD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	63	11
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	10	-
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	16	1
Police	23	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	11	10
Other Local or County Official	3	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	22	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	12	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	3	-
Army Pensioner	6	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	111	121
Clergymen (Established Church)	7	-
Roman Catholic Priest	4	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	1	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	1	-
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	3
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	1	1
Barrister, Solicitor	1	-
Law Student	1	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	7	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	13	-
Dentist	1	-
Medical Student, Assistant	1	-
Midwife	-	2
Subordinate Medical Service	4	18
Schoolmaster	28	74
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	-	2
School Service, and others connected with teaching	1	1
Author, Editor, Journalist	1	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	1	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	2	1
Civil Engineer	2	-
Mining Engineer	1	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	1	-
Painter (artist)	4	-
Engraver (artist)	2	-
Musician, Music Master	4	7
Art Student	1	-
Photographer	9	5
Actor	7	6
Art, Music, Theatre Service	1	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	1	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	3	1
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	78	1,311
Domestic Coachman, Groom	14	-
Domestic Gardener	6	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	23	972
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	2	1
Inn, Hotel Servant	26	53
College, Club Service	2	2
Office Keeper (not Government)	2	4
Cook (not domestic)	-	1
Charwoman	-	151
Washing and Bathing Service	-	108
Hospital and Institution Service	2	19
Others engaged in Service	1	-
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	254	7
Broker, Agent, Factor	26	2
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	7	-
Accountant	4	-
Commercial Traveller	28	-
Commercial Clerk	166	4
Bank Service	5	1
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	2	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	16	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,077	77
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	89	-
Railway Guard	64	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	26	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	277	1
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	26	1
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	211	4
Tramway Companies' Service	5	-
Inland Navigation Service	9	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	203	10
Seaman (Merchant Service)	3	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	6	1
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	46	53
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	107	7
Telegraph, Telephone Service	5	-
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	97	14
Farmer, Grazier	-	1
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	2	-
Farm Bailiff	4	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	77	13
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	1	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	1	-
Gardener (not domestic)	12	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	96	1
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	14	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	50	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	3	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	9	-
Drover	19	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	1	-
Fisherman	-	1
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	84	17
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	3	1
Bookbinder	11	10
Printer	60	4
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	6	2
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	3	-
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	1	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	781	24
Engine, Machine Maker	68	2
Millwright	14	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	230	-
Boiler Maker	54	1
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	-	1
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	37	1
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	14	1
Tool Maker, Dealer	267	3
File Maker	28	1
Saw Maker	2	-
Domestic Implement Maker	14	8
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	15	3
Philosophical Instrument Maker	17	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	4	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	4	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	2	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	3	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	6	2
Toy Maker, Dealer	1	1
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	1	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,244	51
Builder	20	-
Carpenter, Joiner	149	-
Bricklayer	275	5
Mason	43	1
Slater, Tiler	6	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	18	-
Paperhanger	1	-
Plumber	21	-
Painter, Glazier	128	5
Cabinet Maker	42	10
French Polisher	10	16
Furniture Broker, Dealer	11	1
Locksmith, Bellhanger	403	11
Gas Fitter	94	1
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	8	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	6	1
Wood Carver	2	-
Carver, Gilder	6	-
Dealer in Works of Art	1	-
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	180	-
Coachmaker	62	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	11	-
Wheelwright	38	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	40	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	29	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	25	4
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	24	4
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	1	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	55	8
Dye, Paint Manufacture	2	4
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	2	1
Chemist, Druggist	30	1
Manufacturing Chemist	19	2
Drysalter	2	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	7	7
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	5	6
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	2	1
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	663	165
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	91	22
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	1	26
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	8	7
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Maltster	10	-
Brewer	43	1
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	32	11
Cellarman	9	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	7	1
Milkseller, Dairyman	16	8
Butcher, Meat Salesman	119	4
Provision Curer, Dealer	17	6
Poulterer, Game Dealer	6	-
Fishmonger	26	5
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	6	-
Corn Miller	24	-
Baker	67	12
Confectioner, Pastrycook	17	10
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	31	17
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	127	34
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	5	1
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	74	43
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	-	1
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	-	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	-	1
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	-	2
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	8	8
Net Maker	2	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	-	3
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	3	-
Weaver (undefined)	-	1
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	1	3
Felt Manufacture	1	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	-	1
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	59	19
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	2
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	422	605
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	7	1
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	1
Tailor	86	71
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	2	361
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	1	71
Hosiery Manufacture	-	3
Hosier, Haberdasher	8	10
Glover, Glove Maker	-	1
Button Maker, Dealer	-	1
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	270	73
Patten, Clog Maker	7	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	38	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	1	2
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	2	10
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	27	8
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	1	-
Manure Manufacture	10	3
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	3	-
Furrier, Skinner	1	1
Tanner, Fellmonger	2	-
Currier	5	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	5	4
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	242	142
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	2	1
Oil and Colourman	1	-
Japanner	47	120
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	2	1
Others	13	1
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	5	1
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	3	1
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	12	3
Sawyer	42	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	13	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	26	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	60	2
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Paper Manufacture	2	1
Stationer, Law Stationer	1	4
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	1	7
Ticket, Label Writer	2	-
Others	9	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	4,266	562
Coal Miner	174	9
Ironstone Miner	5	-
Mine Service	1	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	1	-
Coal Merchant	56	2
Coalheaver	13	1
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	5	-
Gas Works Service	46	2
Stone Quarrier	2	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	2	-
Limeburner	1	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	-	3
Well Sinker, Borer	3	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	100	19
Paviour	3	-
Road Labourer	25	-
Railway Contractor	6	-
Platelayer	16	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	67	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	7	2
Glass Manufacture	3	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	-	3
Salt Maker, Dealer	5	-
Waterworks Service	2	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	15	1
Lapidary	-	1
Others	-	1
[Iron Manufacture]	2,348	185
[Steel Manufacture]	26	-
Blacksmith	324	-
Whitesmith	30	-
Nail Manufacture	49	154
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	6	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	16	5
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	11	3
[Coppersmith]	2	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	322	60
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	3	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	13	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	341	16
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	4	8
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	5	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	30	2
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	90	50
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	5	5
Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker	54	29
Others	28	1
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	881	216
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	16	36
Pawnbroker	9	15
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	36	33
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	14	1
Contractor (undefined)	1	-
General Labourer	597	6
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	110	4
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	40	34
Apprentice (undefined)	2	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	49	84
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	7	3
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	17	2
Town Drainage Service	3	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	9	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	1	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	4	2
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	112	684
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	112	684
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	175	6,224
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	13	4
[Blank field, or illegible]	162	6,220

Click on the triangles for all about a particular number.

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.)