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 Ashton under Lyne RegD/PLU table	Ashton Town SubD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	78	3
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	12	-
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	8	1
Police	33	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	20	2
Other Local or County Official	5	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	46	1
Army Officer (effective/retired)	1	1
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	7	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	27	-
Army Pensioner	8	-
Seaman, R.N.	1	-
Navy Pensioner	2	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	247	152
Clergymen (Established Church)	5	-
Roman Catholic Priest	7	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	5	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	2	1
Theological Student	4	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	6	1
Barrister, Solicitor	7	-
Law Student	3	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	30	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	14	-
Dentist	4	-
Medical Student, Assistant	9	1
Midwife	-	4
Subordinate Medical Service	9	34
Schoolmaster	46	76
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	4	11
School Service, and others connected with teaching	2	-
Author, Editor, Journalist	4	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	3	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	2	-
Civil Engineer	5	-
Mining Engineer	1	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	5	-
Painter (artist)	5	1
Architect	6	-
Musician, Music Master	31	8
Art Student	1	-
Photographer	4	3
Actor	8	8
Art, Music, Theatre Service	2	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	11	4
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	2	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	125	1,620
Domestic Coachman, Groom	40	-
Domestic Gardener	35	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	18	1,369
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	2	7
Inn, Hotel Servant	18	26
College, Club Service	3	1
Office Keeper (not Government)	3	2
Cook (not domestic)	1	-
Charwoman	-	119
Washing and Bathing Service	5	88
Hospital and Institution Service	-	8
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	441	9
Broker, Agent, Factor	36	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	15	-
Accountant	10	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	4	4
Commercial Traveller	59	2
Commercial Clerk	255	3
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	1	-
Bank Service	36	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	2	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	23	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	576	4
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	6	-
Railway Guard	5	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	17	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	146	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	4	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	31	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	291	1
Inland Navigation Service	2	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	9	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	6	-
Ship Steward, Cook	-	1
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	1	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	16	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	39	1
Telegraph, Telephone Service	3	1
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	90	6
Farmer, Grazier	14	-
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	2	-
Farm Bailiff	2	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	48	6
Shepherd	1	-
Gardener (not domestic)	23	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	72	-
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	4	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	50	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	10	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	3	-
Gamekeeper	1	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	4	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	85	6
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	7	2
Bookbinder	5	2
Printer	60	-
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	7	2
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	6	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	436	12
Engine, Machine Maker	67	1
Millwright	17	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	68	-
Boiler Maker	17	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	205	10
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	13	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	7	-
File Maker	1	-
Needle Maker	-	1
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	18	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	3	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	4	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	7	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	5	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	2	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	808	18
Builder	13	-
Carpenter, Joiner	216	-
Bricklayer	101	-
Mason	136	-
Slater, Tiler	19	1
Plasterer, Whitewasher	38	-
Paperhanger	1	-
Plumber	50	-
Painter, Glazier	144	1
Cabinet Maker	55	8
French Polisher	10	2
Furniture Broker, Dealer	6	1
Locksmith, Bellhanger	2	-
Gas Fitter	8	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	3	1
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	3	2
Wood Carver	1	-
Carver, Gilder	2	-
Dealer in Works of Art	-	1
Artificial Flower Maker	-	1
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	67	-
Coachmaker	16	-
Wheelwright	33	-
Others	1	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	17	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	2	1
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	1	1
Sail Maker	1	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	34	6
Dye, Paint Manufacture	2	-
Chemist, Druggist	23	4
Manufacturing Chemist	2	-
Drysalter	7	2
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	15	1
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	10	1
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	5	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	677	160
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	69	20
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	8	11
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	8	-
Brewer	21	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	42	8
Cellarman	5	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	3	1
Milkseller, Dairyman	2	1
Butcher, Meat Salesman	132	2
Provision Curer, Dealer	22	11
Poulterer, Game Dealer	1	1
Fishmonger	23	5
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	5	-
Corn Miller	7	1
Baker	43	8
Confectioner, Pastrycook	29	31
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	66	14
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	3	-
Sugar Refiner	5	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	173	46
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	10	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	2,868	4,820
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	3	6
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	1	-
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	-	2
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	1	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	3	8
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	2,408	4,584
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	26	3
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	27	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	3
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Fustian Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Tape Manufacturer, Dealer	6	-
Thread Manufacturer, Dealer	3	15
[Others]	2	39
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	7	1
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	1	-
Weaver (undefined)	13	50
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	2	4
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	213	40
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	1	1
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	61	33
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Trimming Maker, Dealer	-	2
Others	85	29
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	531	647
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	137	179
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	1
Tailor	158	77
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	-	324
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	3	43
Hosiery Manufacture	2	-
Hosier, Haberdasher	8	1
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	134	15
Patten, Clog Maker	58	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	29	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	2	3
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	-	4
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	81	17
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	4	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	1	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	4	-
Currier	24	1
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	2	-
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	-	1
Brush, Broom, Maker	44	13
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	1	2
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	140	32
Oil and Colourman	-	1
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	1	-
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	47	-
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	3	1
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	1	1
Sawyer	18	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	5	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	39	16
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	10	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Paper Manufacture	3	4
Stationer, Law Stationer	2	4
Card, Pattern Card Maker	2	-
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	1	5
Others	4	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	1,363	16
Coal Miner	406	2
Lead Miner	3	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	2	1
Mine Service	2	-
Coal Merchant	38	1
Coalheaver	7	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	1	-
Gas Works Service	23	-
Stone Quarrier	6	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	1	-
Limeburner	1	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	1	1
Well Sinker, Borer	4	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	102	1
Paviour	23	-
Road Labourer	7	-
Railway Contractor	1	-
Platelayer	30	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	95	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	1	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	8	2
Salt Maker, Dealer	1	1
Waterworks Service	9	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	5	-
[Iron Manufacture]	346	1
[Steel Manufacture]	3	-
Blacksmith	97	-
Whitesmith	3	-
Nail Manufacture	14	4
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	2	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	18	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	34	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	1	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	52	-
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	-	1
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	14	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	1	-
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	-	1
Others	1	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	921	167
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	29	59
Pawnbroker	15	3
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	49	32
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	14	2
Contractor (undefined)	2	-
General Labourer	590	1
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	114	3
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	52	29
Apprentice (undefined)	4	2
Factory Labourer (undefined)	25	13
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	27	23
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	22	2
Town Drainage Service	7	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	12	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	2	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	1	2
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	109	972
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	109	972
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	94	2,981
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	10	1
[Blank field, or illegible]	84	2,980

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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.)