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 Greenwich RegD/PLU table	Greenwich AP/CP

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	297	11
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	81	4
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	46	-
Prison Service, &c.	1	2
Police	132	1
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	30	4
Other Local or County Official	7	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	244	6
Army Officer (effective/retired)	28	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	19	3
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	4	-
Army Pensioner	16	1
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	110	1
Seaman, R.N.	10	1
Royal Marines (officers/men)	15	-
Navy Pensioner	42	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	481	457
Clergymen (Established Church)	24	-
Roman Catholic Priest	2	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	5	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	15	2
Theological Student	1	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	4	6
Barrister, Solicitor	39	1
Law Student	6	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	51	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	30	-
Dentist	7	-
Medical Student, Assistant	21	1
Midwife	-	1
Subordinate Medical Service	10	112
Schoolmaster	93	227
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	14	38
School Service, and others connected with teaching	10	9
Author, Editor, Journalist	8	2
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	4	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	17	1
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	3	-
Civil Engineer	24	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	3	-
Painter (artist)	19	5
Engraver (artist)	4	-
Sculptor	1	-
Architect	17	-
Musician, Music Master	23	37
Art Student	3	5
Photographer	10	10
Actor	3	-
Art, Music, Theatre Service	3	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	2	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	5	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	369	3,402
Domestic Coachman, Groom	30	-
Domestic Gardener	14	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	137	2,590
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	9	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	138	71
College, Club Service	3	1
Office Keeper (not Government)	5	1
Cook (not domestic)	16	1
Charwoman	-	194
Washing and Bathing Service	11	533
Hospital and Institution Service	6	11
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	736	19
Merchant	20	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	54	1
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	14	-
Accountant	20	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	3	-
Commercial Traveller	66	-
Commercial Clerk	464	18
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	3	-
Banker	4	-
Bank Service	55	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	2	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	31	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,588	13
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	9	-
Railway Guard	11	1
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	2	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	80	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	15	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	102	1
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	222	1
Tramway Companies' Service	48	-
Inland Navigation Service	3	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	313	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	4	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	449	3
Pilot	24	-
Ship Steward, Cook	19	2
Boatman on Seas	2	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	84	1
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	15	2
Meter, Weigher	8	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	165	-
Telegraph, Telephone Service	13	2
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	323	38
Farmer, Grazier	6	-
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	2	-
Farm Bailiff	3	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	106	17
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	1	-
Woodman	2	1
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	9	-
Gardener (not domestic)	194	20
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	135	-
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	1	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	40	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	18	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	3	-
Drover	2	-
Gamekeeper	2	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	2	-
Fisherman	66	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	141	7
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	22	2
Bookbinder	17	4
Printer	89	1
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	6	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	7	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	830	14
Engine, Machine Maker	242	2
Millwright	22	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	268	2
Boiler Maker	119	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	1	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	6	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	2	-
Saw Maker	1	-
Domestic Implement Maker	1	1
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	29	2
Philosophical Instrument Maker	21	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	91	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	9	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	1	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	5	-
Type Cutter, Founder	1	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	1	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	3	7
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	7	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,505	25
Builder	58	-
Carpenter, Joiner	369	2
Bricklayer	341	2
Mason	66	-
Slater, Tiler	2	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	64	1
Paperhanger	17	1
Plumber	95	-
Painter, Glazier	315	3
Cabinet Maker	56	15
French Polisher	11	-
Furniture Broker, Dealer	13	-
Locksmith, Bellhanger	1	-
Gas Fitter	66	1
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	10	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	6	-
Carver, Gilder	10	-
Dealer in Works of Art	4	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	1	-
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	66	3
Coachmaker	20	-
Wheelwright	28	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	4	-
Others	1	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	13	3
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	217	1
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	119	1
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	78	-
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	6	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	6	-
Sail Maker	8	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	57	4
Dye, Paint Manufacture	1	-
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	-	3
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	10	-
Chemist, Druggist	21	1
Manufacturing Chemist	23	-
Drysalter	2	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	17	11
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	14	11
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	3	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	871	133
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	82	12
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	1	23
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	27	12
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Maltster	7	-
Brewer	25	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	32	7
Cellarman	10	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	12	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	62	3
Cheesemonger, Butterman	21	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	113	4
Provision Curer, Dealer	17	-
Poulterer, Game Dealer	3	3
Fishmonger	37	6
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	16	2
Corn Miller	7	-
Baker	143	10
Confectioner, Pastrycook	26	28
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	97	14
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	1	-
Sugar Refiner	3	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	127	9
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	122	104
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	-	1
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	1	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	2	11
Silk Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	3	1
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	2	5
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	11	-
Mat Maker, Seller	4	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Weaver (undefined)	-	1
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	13	4
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	1	-
Manchester Warehouseman	2	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	79	62
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	9
Trimming Maker, Dealer	-	6
Embroiderer	-	3
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	359	785
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	13	1
Tailor	94	37
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	4	585
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	-	132
Hosiery Manufacture	2	-
Hosier, Haberdasher	13	5
Glover, Glove Maker	1	-
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	205	18
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	16	1
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	7	1
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	4	5
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	71	10
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	18	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	24	-
Manure Manufacture	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	5	4
Currier	13	-
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	5	4
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	3	1
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	1	1
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	207	24
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	12	-
Oil and Colourman	31	2
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	5	-
Japanner	-	1
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	2	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Others	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	7	2
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	12	1
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	15	4
Sawyer	34	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	5	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	4	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	45	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	3	-
Paper Manufacture	4	1
Stationer, Law Stationer	19	12
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	-	1
Ticket, Label Writer	1	-
Others	6	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	783	36
Coal Miner	3	-
Copper Miner	1	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	1	-
Coal Merchant	9	-
Coalheaver	78	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	1	-
Gas Works Service	89	2
Stone Quarrier	2	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	16	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	3	-
Limeburner	1	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	1	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	27	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	5	-
Paviour	3	-
Road Labourer	2	-
Platelayer	5	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	7	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	6	1
Glass Manufacture	7	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	5	3
Waterworks Service	5	1
Others	1	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	11	3
Gold, Silver, Beater	-	1
Others	10	20
[Iron Manufacture]	196	-
[Steel Manufacture]	1	-
Blacksmith	137	1
Whitesmith	11	-
Nail Manufacture	1	-
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	2	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	27	2
[Coppersmith]	13	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	5	-
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	12	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	2	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	35	-
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	4	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	32	1
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	1	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	2	1
Others	2	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	1,848	148
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	65	56
Pawnbroker	30	1
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	15	12
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	23	-
Contractor (undefined)	3	-
General Labourer	1,462	12
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	103	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	105	16
Apprentice (undefined)	8	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	32	-
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	2	51
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	16	-
Town Drainage Service	2	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	12	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	2	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	281	1,218
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	281	1,218
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	333	7,151
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	15	4
[Blank field, or illegible]	318	7,147

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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.)