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 Stepney RegD/PLU table	Shadwell SubD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	96	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	15	-
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	10	-
Police	67	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	4	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	9	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	1	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	1	-
Army Pensioner	4	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	2	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	32	55
Clergymen (Established Church)	1	-
Roman Catholic Priest	1	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	-	1
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	5	3
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	4	-
Medical Student, Assistant	7	-
Midwife	-	1
Subordinate Medical Service	3	28
Schoolmaster	5	16
School Service, and others connected with teaching	1	1
Civil Engineer	1	-
Musician, Music Master	1	5
Actor	1	-
Art, Music, Theatre Service	2	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	82	456
Domestic Coachman, Groom	4	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	11	281
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	7	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	55	22
College, Club Service	1	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	1	5
Charwoman	-	69
Washing and Bathing Service	2	77
Hospital and Institution Service	-	2
Others engaged in Service	1	-
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	93	3
Broker, Agent, Factor	6	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	2	-
Accountant	1	-
Commercial Traveller	7	-
Commercial Clerk	73	3
Bank Service	1	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	3	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,133	8
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	3	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	1	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	19	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	1	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	6	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	144	-
Tramway Companies' Service	1	-
Inland Navigation Service	5	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	152	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	3	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	289	1
Pilot	1	-
Ship Steward, Cook	3	1
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	397	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	15	5
Meter, Weigher	3	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	88	-
Telegraph, Telephone Service	2	1
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	17	3
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	1	-
Farm Bailiff	7	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	8	1
Woodman	1	1
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	-	1
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	16	1
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	9	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	7	1
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	40	15
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	2	-
Bookbinder	8	15
Printer	29	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	1	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	39	2
Engine, Machine Maker	6	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	13	-
Boiler Maker	7	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	1	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	4	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	2	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	2	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	2	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	-	1
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	1	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	1	1
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	171	7
Builder	6	-
Carpenter, Joiner	54	-
Bricklayer	38	-
Mason	6	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	3	-
Paperhanger	1	-
Plumber	7	-
Painter, Glazier	30	1
Cabinet Maker	16	3
French Polisher	1	-
Gas Fitter	1	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	3	-
Wood Carver	1	-
Carver, Gilder	1	-
Artificial Flower Maker	-	3
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	12	2
Coachmaker	3	2
Wheelwright	6	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	3	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	79	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	41	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	14	-
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	3	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	8	-
Sail Maker	13	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	7	2
Dye, Paint Manufacture	1	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	-	2
Chemist, Druggist	2	-
Manufacturing Chemist	4	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	23	23
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	23	23
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	255	47
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	41	3
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	14	6
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	15	7
Brewer	2	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	12	2
Cellarman	15	4
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	6	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	4	-
Cheesemonger, Butterman	1	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	23	-
Provision Curer, Dealer	9	8
Poulterer, Game Dealer	2	-
Fishmonger	15	1
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	6	4
Corn Miller	9	1
Baker	40	1
Confectioner, Pastrycook	5	3
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	14	3
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	-	3
Sugar Refiner	3	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	16	1
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	3	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	42	33
Woolstapler	2	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	1	-
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	-	6
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	1	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	-	1
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	-	1
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	1	1
Thread Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	29	8
Mat Maker, Seller	2	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	1	5
Weaver (undefined)	-	1
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	-	1
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	4	6
Trimming Maker, Dealer	-	3
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	115	384
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	3	-
Tailor	37	149
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	1	137
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	-	71
Hosiery Manufacture	1	1
Hosier, Haberdasher	-	2
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	61	9
Patten, Clog Maker	1	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	6	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	5	15
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	22	13
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	2	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	2	1
Manure Manufacture	4	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	3	1
Currier	5	-
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	2	-
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	2	6
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	-	5
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	78	32
Oil and Colourman	11	2
Japanner	2	-
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	2	3
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	1	1
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	6	2
Sawyer	6	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	2	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	24	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	8	1
Paper Manufacture	1	6
Envelope Maker	-	8
Stationer, Law Stationer	7	2
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	4	6
Ticket, Label Writer	2	1
Others	1	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	166	2
Coal Merchant	3	-
Coalheaver	46	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	1	-
Gas Works Service	19	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	1	-
Paviour	3	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	3	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	1	-
Glass Manufacture	2	1
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	2	-
Waterworks Service	1	-
Others	1	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	3	-
[Iron Manufacture]	8	-
Blacksmith	36	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	5	-
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	1	-
[Coppersmith]	2	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	22	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	4	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	1	1
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	1	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	559	99
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	36	15
Pawnbroker	9	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	12	8
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	20	-
Contractor (undefined)	1	-
General Labourer	384	3
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	56	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	33	3
Apprentice (undefined)	2	1
Factory Labourer (undefined)	6	11
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	-	58
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	10	6
Town Drainage Service	2	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	1	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	7	6
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	19	249
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	19	249
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	23	1,528
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	-	1
[Blank field, or illegible]	23	1,527

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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.)