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 Norfolk RegC table	Norwich Inc/RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	320	14
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	87	3
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	65	1
Prison Service, &c.	9	1
Police	110	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	41	9
Other Local or County Official	8	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	250	24
Army Officer (effective/retired)	17	24
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	116	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	67	-
Army Pensioner	45	-
Seaman, R.N.	2	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	1	-
Navy Pensioner	2	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	800	746
Clergymen (Established Church)	57	-
Roman Catholic Priest	5	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	26	1
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	9	5
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	4
Theological Student	1	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	20	2
Barrister, Solicitor	63	-
Law Student	4	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	162	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	32	2
Dentist	25	-
Medical Student, Assistant	13	-
Midwife	-	3
Subordinate Medical Service	16	156
Schoolmaster	126	357
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	17	135
School Service, and others connected with teaching	7	14
Author, Editor, Journalist	18	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	6	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	5	1
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	2	1
Civil Engineer	16	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	11	-
Painter (artist)	17	2
Engraver (artist)	8	-
Sculptor	1	-
Architect	20	-
Musician, Music Master	69	51
Art Student	4	1
Photographer	23	7
Actor	4	1
Art, Music, Theatre Service	2	2
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	5	1
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	6	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	428	5,079
Domestic Coachman, Groom	108	1
Domestic Gardener	82	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	130	3,693
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	3	1
Inn, Hotel Servant	72	96
College, Club Service	5	2
Office Keeper (not Government)	3	7
Cook (not domestic)	1	1
Charwoman	-	545
Washing and Bathing Service	5	690
Hospital and Institution Service	19	41
Others engaged in Service	-	2
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	1,069	36
Merchant	10	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	52	3
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	34	2
Accountant	67	3
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	-	7
Commercial Traveller	189	2
Commercial Clerk	534	19
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	1	-
Bank Service	74	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	108	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,544	20
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	126	-
Railway Guard	37	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	9	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	255	3
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	-	1
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	23	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	152	1
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	346	2
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	49	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	67	-
Ship Steward, Cook	1	2
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	6	1
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	113	5
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	352	5
Telegraph, Telephone Service	8	-
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	829	30
Farmer, Grazier	56	2
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	7	-
Farm Bailiff	8	1
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	355	16
Shepherd	4	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	4	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	1	-
Woodman	7	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	46	5
Gardener (not domestic)	341	6
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	313	5
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	11	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	201	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	13	1
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	14	1
Drover	48	-
Gamekeeper	2	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	10	3
Vermin Destroyer	2	-
Fisherman	11	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	516	49
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	58	1
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	8	1
Bookbinder	52	44
Printer	359	1
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	10	2
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	29	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	621	41
Engine, Machine Maker	107	2
Millwright	29	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	222	17
Boiler Maker	68	1
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	5	8
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	17	1
Tool Maker, Dealer	19	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	12	-
Saw Maker	3	-
Needle Maker	1	-
Domestic Implement Maker	2	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	81	4
Philosophical Instrument Maker	1	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	8	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	2	1
Surgical Instrument Maker	1	2
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	7	2
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	31	1
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	1	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	3	2
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	1	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	2,945	91
Builder	74	-
Carpenter, Joiner	863	2
Bricklayer	808	2
Mason	116	1
Slater, Tiler	5	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	65	-
Paperhanger	18	-
Plumber	122	1
Painter, Glazier	370	2
Cabinet Maker	284	75
French Polisher	46	1
Furniture Broker, Dealer	32	2
Locksmith, Bellhanger	6	-
Gas Fitter	60	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	4	-
Wood Carver	25	-
Carver, Gilder	32	1
Dealer in Works of Art	5	-
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	6	-
Artificial Flower Maker	2	4
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	318	3
Coachmaker	180	2
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	1	-
Wheelwright	58	-
Others	1	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	78	1
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	17	1
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	17	-
Sail Maker	-	1
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	271	128
Dye, Paint Manufacture	8	19
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	1	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	2	-
Chemist, Druggist	81	3
Manufacturing Chemist	177	99
Alkali Manufacture	2	7
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	47	35
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	45	32
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	2	3
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	2,135	385
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	330	62
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	2	105
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	12	4
Maltster	79	1
Brewer	217	2
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	3	1
Cellarman	25	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	32	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	28	4
Cheesemonger, Butterman	3	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	222	26
Provision Curer, Dealer	20	7
Poulterer, Game Dealer	9	4
Fishmonger	114	14
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	41	6
Corn Miller	32	3
Baker	306	33
Confectioner, Pastrycook	120	26
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	47	27
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	112	33
Sugar Refiner	26	2
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	334	24
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	21	1
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	564	1,778
Woolstapler	4	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	26	13
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	1	-
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	13	8
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	9	1
Others	4	2
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	126	1,015
Silk Dyer, Printer	6	-
Crepe, Gauze Manufacture	13	92
Silk Merchant, Dealer	3	2
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	-	65
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	2	8
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	37	37
Mat Maker, Seller	11	5
Net Maker	1	4
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	3	4
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	1	1
Weaver (undefined)	23	158
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	36	10
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	16	32
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	2	-
Manchester Warehouseman	5	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	220	263
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	53
Trimming Maker, Dealer	1	4
Embroiderer	-	1
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	3,437	4,247
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	14	3
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	6
Tailor	435	837
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	2	1,746
Shawl Manufacture	1	6
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	4	183
Hosiery Manufacture	2	-
Hosier, Haberdasher	13	8
Glover, Glove Maker	6	13
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	2,895	1,428
Patten, Clog Maker	8	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	44	3
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	8	6
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	5	8
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	437	459
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	11	1
Soap Boiler, Maker	1	-
Manure Manufacture	3	-
Furrier, Skinner	2	10
Tanner, Fellmonger	27	-
Currier	95	2
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	3	1
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	69	174
Brush, Broom, Maker	226	268
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	-	3
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	544	232
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Oil and Colourman	1	1
Japanner	1	-
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	2	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	52	13
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	13	1
Thatcher	3	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	42	-
Sawyer	107	1
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	8	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	74	5
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	93	1
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	13	1
Paper Manufacture	58	43
Stationer, Law Stationer	42	13
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	12	148
Ticket, Label Writer	2	4
Others	13	1
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	1,583	18
Coal Miner	4	-
Lead Miner	1	-
Mine Service	2	1
Coal Merchant	52	3
Coalheaver	93	-
Gas Works Service	85	1
Stone Quarrier	2	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	15	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	1	-
Limeburner	19	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	8	-
Well Sinker, Borer	5	1
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	1	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	120	-
Paviour	6	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	13	-
Platelayer	23	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	43	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	8	-
Glass Manufacture	4	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	17	3
Waterworks Service	16	-
Others	1	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	34	3
[Iron Manufacture]	271	-
Blacksmith	237	-
Whitesmith	91	-
Nail Manufacture	2	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	98	3
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	18	1
[Coppersmith]	11	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	144	2
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	3	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	1	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	32	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	99	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	1	-
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	1	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	2,433	806
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	215	293
Pawnbroker	23	1
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	181	38
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	35	2
Contractor (undefined)	5	-
General Labourer	1,621	8
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	124	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	139	54
Apprentice (undefined)	24	5
Factory Labourer (undefined)	48	211
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	18	194
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	44	1
Town Drainage Service	6	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	27	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	6	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	5	1
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	466	2,939
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	466	2,939
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	207	10,425
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	19	16
[Blank field, or illegible]	188	10,409

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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.)