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 Birmingham RegD/Inc/PLU table	St Martin SubD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	44	3
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	5	1
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	12	-
Police	19	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	3	2
Other Local or County Official	5	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	12	1
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	4	1
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	2	-
Army Pensioner	5	-
Seaman, R.N.	1	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	174	148
Clergymen (Established Church)	1	-
Roman Catholic Priest	1	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	1	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	3	1
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	2	1
Barrister, Solicitor	1	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	12	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	5	-
Dentist	3	-
Medical Student, Assistant	5	-
Subordinate Medical Service	4	27
Schoolmaster	18	48
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	4	8
School Service, and others connected with teaching	5	1
Author, Editor, Journalist	2	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	1	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	1	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	1	-
Painter (artist)	8	-
Engraver (artist)	8	1
Sculptor	1	-
Architect	1	-
Musician, Music Master	52	43
Photographer	5	1
Actor	7	14
Art, Music, Theatre Service	1	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	7	1
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	14	2
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	208	1,570
Domestic Coachman, Groom	20	-
Domestic Gardener	13	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	32	1,043
Inn, Hotel Servant	125	105
College, Club Service	2	1
Office Keeper (not Government)	4	4
Cook (not domestic)	3	2
Charwoman	1	215
Washing and Bathing Service	2	198
Hospital and Institution Service	-	2
Others engaged in Service	6	-
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	326	32
Merchant	6	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	28	3
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	4	-
Accountant	1	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	2	5
Commercial Traveller	102	5
Commercial Clerk	175	19
Bank Service	2	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	1	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	5	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	750	120
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	7	-
Railway Guard	5	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	4	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	111	2
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	10	2
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	87	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	182	2
Tramway Companies' Service	6	-
Inland Navigation Service	6	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	26	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	4	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	51	111
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	245	3
Telegraph, Telephone Service	6	-
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	78	7
Farmer, Grazier	3	2
Farm Bailiff	4	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	24	2
Woodman	3	1
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	2	-
Gardener (not domestic)	42	2
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	180	4
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	10	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	111	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	8	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	19	-
Drover	29	1
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	1	2
Vermin Destroyer	1	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	1
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	222	79
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	15	4
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	2	-
Bookbinder	27	38
Printer	137	30
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	5	6
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	36	1
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	740	235
Engine, Machine Maker	62	8
Millwright	3	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	84	1
Boiler Maker	5	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	3	1
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	14	1
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	108	3
Cutler, Scissors Maker	3	4
File Maker	17	-
Saw Maker	9	-
Pin Maker	3	22
Needle Maker	1	-
Steel Pen Maker	5	109
Pencil Maker (Wood)	1	3
Domestic Implement Maker	26	49
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	69	6
Philosophical Instrument Maker	31	13
Electrical Apparatus Maker	10	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	62	1
Surgical Instrument Maker	4	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	180	9
Sword, Bayonet - Maker, Cutler	4	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	8	1
Type Cutter, Founder	3	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	15	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	5	3
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	3	1
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,519	211
Builder	35	-
Carpenter, Joiner	185	-
Bricklayer	378	-
Mason	40	-
Slater, Tiler	32	1
Plasterer, Whitewasher	56	-
Paperhanger	10	-
Plumber	39	-
Painter, Glazier	232	3
Cabinet Maker	230	25
French Polisher	20	155
Furniture Broker, Dealer	14	8
Locksmith, Bellhanger	11	2
Gas Fitter	74	1
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	24	2
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	8	8
Wood Carver	18	-
Carver, Gilder	94	2
Dealer in Works of Art	3	-
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	15	1
Artificial Flower Maker	1	3
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	370	85
Coachmaker	127	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	8	-
Wheelwright	23	1
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	11	-
Others	14	1
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	187	83
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	6	1
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	4	1
Sail Maker	2	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	43	19
Dye, Paint Manufacture	1	-
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	2	3
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	-	1
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	1	9
Chemist, Druggist	34	3
Manufacturing Chemist	3	1
Drysalter	2	2
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	33	70
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	30	66
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	3	4
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	1,168	278
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	128	24
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	11	23
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	25	17
Maltster	8	-
Brewer	66	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	49	23
Cellarman	9	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	11	6
Milkseller, Dairyman	23	9
Cheesemonger, Butterman	1	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	250	18
Provision Curer, Dealer	44	33
Poulterer, Game Dealer	16	6
Fishmonger	75	9
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	17	1
Corn Miller	5	-
Baker	139	18
Confectioner, Pastrycook	49	42
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	91	34
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	1	-
Sugar Refiner	4	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	136	14
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	10	1
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	107	119
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	3	1
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	1	-
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	-	1
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	2	6
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	1	7
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	-	1
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	-	3
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	1	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	-	4
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	1	9
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	9	8
Mat Maker, Seller	-	2
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	1	2
Weaver (undefined)	2	4
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	5	4
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	-	1
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	1	1
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	74	41
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	5	17
Trimming Maker, Dealer	-	4
Embroiderer	-	1
Others	-	1
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	1,007	1,465
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	14	8
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	3
Tailor	242	238
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	5	492
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	4	114
Hosiery Manufacture	1	2
Hosier, Haberdasher	12	34
Glover, Glove Maker	-	5
Button Maker, Dealer	79	148
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	559	170
Patten, Clog Maker	7	1
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	46	8
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	27	220
Accoutrement Maker	4	5
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	7	17
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	251	120
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	12	-
Manure Manufacture	3	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	39	2
Others	5	3
Furrier, Skinner	15	2
Tanner, Fellmonger	18	-
Currier	45	4
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	21	18
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	3	4
Brush, Broom, Maker	88	84
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	2	3
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	254	234
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	1	1
Oil and Colourman	4	-
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	3	-
Japanner	17	56
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	-	1
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	1	2
Others	3	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	40	17
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	4	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	11	3
Sawyer	41	1
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	4	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	60	18
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	26	1
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	5	2
Paper Manufacture	7	5
Stationer, Law Stationer	12	16
Card, Pattern Card Maker	1	-
Paper Stainer	-	9
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	-	98
Ticket, Label Writer	8	3
Others	6	1
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	3,268	955
Coal Miner	4	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	3	-
Mine Service	1	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	3	-
Coal Merchant	45	4
Coalheaver	24	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	1	-
Gas Works Service	15	5
Stone Quarrier	2	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	7	-
Slate Quarrier	1	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	1	-
Well Sinker, Borer	7	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	8	-
Paviour	8	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	13	1
Platelayer	5	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	25	1
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	9	32
Glass Manufacture	57	11
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	9	9
Salt Maker, Dealer	1	-
Waterworks Service	1	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	138	51
Gold, Silver, Beater	6	-
Lapidary	4	7
Others	6	9
[Iron Manufacture]	340	42
[Steel Manufacture]	55	8
Blacksmith	217	-
Whitesmith	49	1
Nail Manufacture	97	16
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	11	8
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	37	3
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	134	12
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	6	-
[Coppersmith]	26	3
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	168	134
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	25	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	2	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	76	15
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	1,020	92
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	49	164
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	107	75
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	129	26
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	45	158
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	138	41
Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker	29	11
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	13	9
Others	90	7
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	1,084	590
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	76	90
Pawnbroker	27	25
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	183	167
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	12	4
Contractor (undefined)	2	-
General Labourer	471	5
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	67	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	154	120
Apprentice (undefined)	6	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	62	112
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	24	67
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	34	1
Town Drainage Service	3	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	20	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	3	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	8	1
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	174	553
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	174	553
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	176	5,440
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	20	8
[Blank field, or illegible]	156	5,432

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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.)