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 Birmingham RegD/Inc/PLU table	Birmingham AP/CP

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	553	33
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	66	14
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	132	2
Prison Service, &c.	32	9
Police	223	1
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	72	7
Other Local or County Official	28	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	123	5
Army Officer (effective/retired)	5	1
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	73	4
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	4	-
Army Pensioner	28	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Seaman, R.N.	5	-
Navy Pensioner	7	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	1,194	1,157
Clergymen (Established Church)	20	-
Roman Catholic Priest	8	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	9	1
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	26	14
Theological Student	4	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	17	7
Barrister, Solicitor	14	1
Law Student	1	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	119	1
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	75	3
Dentist	35	-
Medical Student, Assistant	42	3
Midwife	-	17
Subordinate Medical Service	27	293
Schoolmaster	159	473
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	28	99
School Service, and others connected with teaching	27	6
Author, Editor, Journalist	17	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	4	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	6	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	7	-
Civil Engineer	21	-
Mining Engineer	3	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	14	-
Painter (artist)	71	14
Engraver (artist)	79	5
Sculptor	7	-
Architect	16	-
Musician, Music Master	175	145
Art Student	5	2
Photographer	35	14
Actor	40	46
Art, Music, Theatre Service	14	2
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	28	9
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	41	2
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	988	9,096
Domestic Coachman, Groom	111	1
Domestic Gardener	78	1
Domestic Indoor Servant	195	6,268
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	7	2
Inn, Hotel Servant	468	528
College, Club Service	21	5
Office Keeper (not Government)	35	49
Cook (not domestic)	20	17
Charwoman	3	937
Washing and Bathing Service	21	1,201
Hospital and Institution Service	13	84
Others engaged in Service	16	3
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	2,654	314
Merchant	49	1
Broker, Agent, Factor	206	19
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	24	-
Accountant	39	1
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	17	44
Commercial Traveller	483	8
Commercial Clerk	1,691	237
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	6	-
Banker	1	-
Bank Service	45	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	6	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	87	4
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	4,101	1,065
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	71	-
Railway Guard	37	1
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	34	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	645	14
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	2	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	46	2
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	406	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	952	5
Tramway Companies' Service	18	-
Inland Navigation Service	27	1
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	253	3
Navigation Service (on shore)	1	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	24	-
Ship Steward, Cook	3	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	14	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	362	1,011
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	1,155	25
Telegraph, Telephone Service	51	3
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	404	28
Farmer, Grazier	24	2
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	3	-
Farm Bailiff	10	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	129	17
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	-	1
Woodman	6	1
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	13	5
Gardener (not domestic)	219	2
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	440	10
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	18	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	332	4
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	17	1
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	23	1
Drover	42	1
Gamekeeper	1	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	5	2
Vermin Destroyer	1	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	1
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	1,054	246
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	60	15
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	7	2
Bookbinder	91	132
Printer	682	76
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	34	18
Others	2	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	174	1
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	2	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	2	2
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	6,453	2,371
Engine, Machine Maker	486	33
Millwright	21	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	943	10
Boiler Maker	161	2
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	12	3
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	49	1
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	21	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	917	19
Cutler, Scissors Maker	27	7
File Maker	141	9
Saw Maker	34	1
Pin Maker	35	163
Needle Maker	3	3
Steel Pen Maker	99	1,592
Pencil Maker (Wood)	4	30
Domestic Implement Maker	102	111
[Others]	1	1
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	487	103
Philosophical Instrument Maker	248	52
Electrical Apparatus Maker	35	1
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	295	79
Surgical Instrument Maker	16	4
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	1,938	101
Sword, Bayonet - Maker, Cutler	40	2
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	60	9
Type Cutter, Founder	16	1
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	215	8
Toy Maker, Dealer	11	20
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	27	6
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	9	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	7,368	779
Builder	316	5
Carpenter, Joiner	1,464	6
Bricklayer	1,613	5
Mason	278	2
Slater, Tiler	159	2
Plasterer, Whitewasher	265	-
Paperhanger	52	1
Plumber	244	1
Painter, Glazier	1,204	28
Cabinet Maker	684	109
French Polisher	72	485
Furniture Broker, Dealer	67	25
Locksmith, Bellhanger	118	8
Gas Fitter	352	4
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	87	14
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	48	22
Wood Carver	47	-
Carver, Gilder	247	44
Dealer in Works of Art	11	2
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	25	3
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	13	1
Artificial Flower Maker	2	12
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	1,380	337
Coachmaker	519	5
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	41	1
Wheelwright	115	1
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	66	1
Others	25	4
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	614	325
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	48	5
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	46	5
Sail Maker	2	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	274	86
Dye, Paint Manufacture	9	4
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	11	8
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	1	1
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	20	58
Chemist, Druggist	178	6
Manufacturing Chemist	39	6
Alkali Manufacture	2	1
Drysalter	14	2
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	112	162
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	94	155
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	18	7
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	4,790	1,158
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	518	107
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	24	78
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	83	67
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Maltster	67	1
Brewer	335	5
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	249	60
Cellarman	44	5
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	38	9
Milkseller, Dairyman	160	58
Cheesemonger, Butterman	2	1
Butcher, Meat Salesman	779	54
Provision Curer, Dealer	112	103
Poulterer, Game Dealer	39	10
Fishmonger	204	32
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	59	3
Corn Miller	66	1
Baker	719	75
Confectioner, Pastrycook	210	188
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	323	114
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	6	4
Sugar Refiner	7	1
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	715	175
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	30	7
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	680	552
Woolstapler	1	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	3	13
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	1	-
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	5	2
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	8	9
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	2	23
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Ribbon Manufacture	2	5
Silk Merchant, Dealer	1	1
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	3	21
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	2	-
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	1	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	12
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	-	14
Tape Manufacturer, Dealer	-	2
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	1	11
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	64	11
Mat Maker, Seller	3	3
Net Maker	-	1
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	3	9
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	2	2
Weaver (undefined)	4	16
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	33	29
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	4	17
Felt Manufacture	5	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	8	11
Manchester Warehouseman	2	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	497	226
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	19	85
Trimming Maker, Dealer	3	17
Embroiderer	-	10
Others	1	2
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	4,264	7,814
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	57	26
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	3	14
Tailor	1,057	915
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	35	3,224
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	22	552
Hosiery Manufacture	2	5
Hosier, Haberdasher	60	94
Glover, Glove Maker	1	8
Button Maker, Dealer	973	2,000
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	1,691	464
Patten, Clog Maker	15	1
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	202	22
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	76	411
Accoutrement Maker	55	25
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	15	53
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	805	465
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	19	5
Soap Boiler, Maker	12	3
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Manure Manufacture	3	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	171	29
Comb Maker	-	2
Others	6	3
Furrier, Skinner	24	11
Tanner, Fellmonger	22	1
Currier	138	43
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	156	149
Parchment, Vellum - Maker, Dealer	-	1
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	12	34
Brush, Broom, Maker	236	179
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	3	5
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	1,243	1,355
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	3	3
Oil and Colourman	11	-
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	15	1
Japanner	136	325
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	14	9
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	9	5
Others	15	1
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	108	37
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	20	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	62	28
Sawyer	164	1
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	10	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	279	38
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	160	2
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	20	8
Others	2	2
Paper Manufacture	26	29
Stationer, Law Stationer	94	96
Card, Pattern Card Maker	5	13
Paper Stainer	3	15
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	36	718
Ticket, Label Writer	18	18
Others	33	6
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	22,008	6,571
Coal Miner	33	-
Ironstone Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	10	-
Mine Service	4	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	24	1
Coal Merchant	252	19
Coalheaver	177	1
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	4	-
Gas Works Service	72	10
Stone Quarrier	8	1
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	38	1
Slate Quarrier	1	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	1	-
Limeburner	7	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	4	-
Well Sinker, Borer	17	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	6	1
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	60	5
Paviour	40	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	5	-
Road Labourer	115	1
Railway Contractor	1	-
Platelayer	29	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	119	2
Others	6	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	47	68
Glass Manufacture	845	117
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	43	28
Salt Maker, Dealer	2	-
Waterworks Service	22	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	4,314	1,357
Gold, Silver, Beater	117	4
Lapidary	131	144
Others	109	149
[Iron Manufacture]	2,315	200
[Steel Manufacture]	312	52
Blacksmith	1,029	8
Whitesmith	67	2
Nail Manufacture	354	260
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	40	204
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	182	21
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	289	27
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	28	2
[Coppersmith]	88	7
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	683	776
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	128	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	10	1
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	628	107
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	5,329	344
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	278	1,266
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	1,082	311
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	545	81
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	337	388
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	842	218
Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker	147	101
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	152	235
Others	479	51
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	6,184	2,722
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	251	470
Pawnbroker	105	118
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	417	350
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	98	29
Contractor (undefined)	9	-
General Labourer	2,584	21
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	492	1
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	1,502	710
Apprentice (undefined)	39	4
Factory Labourer (undefined)	426	783
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	261	236
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	150	3
Town Drainage Service	27	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	94	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	17	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	12	3
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	785	5,228
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	785	5,228
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	875	31,146
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	137	88
[Blank field, or illegible]	738	31,058

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.)

JISC Portsmouth Back to top

• ©2009-2024 University of Portsmouth and others
• About this site
• Expert search
• Web design by Headscape