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	Northwich RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	92	11
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	1	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	11	7
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	20	1
Police	36	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	15	3
Other Local or County Official	9	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	18	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	2	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	5	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	4	-
Army Pensioner	7	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	216	191
Clergymen (Established Church)	23	-
Roman Catholic Priest	2	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	15	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	3	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	2	1
Barrister, Solicitor	17	1
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	28	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	15	-
Medical Student, Assistant	6	-
Midwife	-	2
Subordinate Medical Service	3	31
Schoolmaster	65	137
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	-	15
School Service, and others connected with teaching	2	-
Author, Editor, Journalist	1	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	1	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	2	-
Civil Engineer	6	-
Mining Engineer	2	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	2	-
Painter (artist)	2	2
Architect	2	-
Musician, Music Master	9	2
Art Student	1	-
Photographer	4	-
Actor	2	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	1	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	404	1,950
Domestic Coachman, Groom	108	2
Domestic Gardener	168	2
Domestic Indoor Servant	109	1,733
Inn, Hotel Servant	15	34
College, Club Service	2	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	1	1
Cook (not domestic)	-	1
Charwoman	-	87
Washing and Bathing Service	1	90
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	222	4
Merchant	3	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	24	1
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	15	-
Accountant	6	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	1	1
Commercial Traveller	11	-
Commercial Clerk	129	2
Banker	2	-
Bank Service	18	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	13	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,122	26
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	35	-
Railway Guard	13	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	14	1
Other Railway Officials and Servants	127	2
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	3	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	12	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	88	-
Inland Navigation Service	66	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	577	20
Seaman (Merchant Service)	145	1
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	6	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	4	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	29	1
Telegraph, Telephone Service	3	1
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	2,084	122
Farmer, Grazier	492	41
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	277	1
Farm Bailiff	30	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	1,238	77
Shepherd	4	-
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	1	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	1	-
Woodman	7	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	5	-
Gardener (not domestic)	29	3
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	178	1
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	7	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	122	1
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	6	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	12	-
Gamekeeper	29	-
Vermin Destroyer	2	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	29	4
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	3	2
Printer	23	1
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	2	1
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	1	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	353	1
Engine, Machine Maker	20	-
Millwright	8	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	83	1
Boiler Maker	221	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	4	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	12	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	2	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	2	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	903	6
Builder	40	1
Carpenter, Joiner	326	2
Bricklayer	287	-
Mason	54	1
Slater, Tiler	9	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	5	-
Plumber	24	1
Painter, Glazier	118	-
Cabinet Maker	29	-
French Polisher	2	-
Furniture Broker, Dealer	3	1
Gas Fitter	4	-
Carver, Gilder	2	-
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	172	1
Coachmaker	18	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	6	1
Wheelwright	110	-
Others	10	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	28	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	222	1
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	15	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	179	1
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	5	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	1	-
Sail Maker	22	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	128	3
Chemist, Druggist	19	-
Manufacturing Chemist	90	3
Alkali Manufacture	19	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	1	4
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	1	4
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	567	135
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	79	15
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	1	5
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	2	1
Maltster	1	-
Brewer	9	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	8	6
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	6	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	17	10
Cheesemonger, Butterman	3	2
Butcher, Meat Salesman	113	5
Provision Curer, Dealer	37	18
Fishmonger	7	4
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	10	-
Corn Miller	43	-
Baker	32	9
Confectioner, Pastrycook	15	17
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	18	3
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	164	40
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	2	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	119	144
Woolstapler	3	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	3	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	9	16
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	2	8
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Fustian Manufacturer, Dealer	6	95
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	27	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	3	3
Weaver (undefined)	-	1
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	2	10
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	63	9
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	2
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	357	463
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	2	-
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	2
Tailor	138	4
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	1	414
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	-	27
Hosier, Haberdasher	1	6
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	156	9
Patten, Clog Maker	44	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	14	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	1	1
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	64	4
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	-	1
Manure Manufacture	1	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	2	1
Furrier, Skinner	21	1
Tanner, Fellmonger	21	-
Currier	19	-
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	-	1
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	133	3
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	14	2
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	4	1
Thatcher	1	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	16	-
Sawyer	65	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	1	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	25	-
Others	1	-
Stationer, Law Stationer	4	-
Others	1	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	2,837	40
Coal Miner	5	-
Lead Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	1	-
Mine Service	1	-
Coal Merchant	37	2
Coalheaver	9	-
Gas Works Service	11	-
Stone Quarrier	48	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	5	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	3	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	2	-
Well Sinker, Borer	2	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	100	2
Paviour	5	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	17	-
Railway Contractor	1	-
Platelayer	51	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	79	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	8	2
Glass Manufacture	1	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	4	2
Salt Maker, Dealer	1,952	29
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	2	1
[Iron Manufacture]	61	-
Blacksmith	243	-
Whitesmith	8	-
Nail Manufacture	3	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	19	2
[Coppersmith]	135	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	18	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	2	-
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	2	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	1,759	93
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	18	25
Pawnbroker	7	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	43	44
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	19	1
Contractor (undefined)	5	-
General Labourer	1,410	12
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	179	1
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	54	2
Apprentice (undefined)	11	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	13	3
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	-	5
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	7	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	4	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	3	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	147	2,345
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	147	2,345
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	156	5,648
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	22	4
[Blank field, or illegible]	134	5,644

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.)