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".

List Middlesex RegC	Strand RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	376	29
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	18	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	76	21
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	54	7
Police	197	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	23	1
Other Local or County Official	6	-
East Indian and Colonial Service	2	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	332	6
Army Officer (effective/retired)	64	3
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	215	3
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	9	-
Army Pensioner	17	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	21	-
Seaman, R.N.	2	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	2	-
Navy Pensioner	2	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	897	329
Clergymen (Established Church)	21	-
Roman Catholic Priest	3	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	3	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	2	1
Theological Student	5	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	10	7
Barrister, Solicitor	165	1
Law Student	29	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	96	2
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	65	1
Dentist	16	-
Medical Student, Assistant	56	-
Midwife	-	2
Subordinate Medical Service	8	111
Schoolmaster	20	60
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	7	35
School Service, and others connected with teaching	5	3
Author, Editor, Journalist	59	3
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	6	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	9	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	9	-
Civil Engineer	45	-
Mining Engineer	3	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	6	-
Painter (artist)	27	7
Engraver (artist)	19	1
Sculptor	1	-
Architect	34	1
Musician, Music Master	44	19
Art Student	3	5
Photographer	7	1
Actor	48	52
Art, Music, Theatre Service	43	16
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	4	1
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	19	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	1,326	4,008
Domestic Coachman, Groom	76	-
Domestic Gardener	2	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	349	2,940
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	4	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	671	310
College, Club Service	71	2
Office Keeper (not Government)	61	40
Cook (not domestic)	60	2
Charwoman	4	306
Washing and Bathing Service	10	310
Hospital and Institution Service	7	93
Others engaged in Service	11	5
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	852	54
Merchant	104	1
Broker, Agent, Factor	66	1
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	26	1
Accountant	32	1
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	44	11
Commercial Traveller	59	-
Commercial Clerk	451	38
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	5	-
Banker	9	-
Bank Service	42	1
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	3	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	11	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,336	25
Other Railway Officials and Servants	28	3
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	4	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	69	1
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	155	1
Tramway Companies' Service	1	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	5	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	5	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	26	-
Pilot	1	-
Ship Steward, Cook	5	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	6	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	74	6
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	954	12
Telegraph, Telephone Service	3	2
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	59	32
Farmer, Grazier	12	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	4	5
Shepherd	1	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	8	-
Woodman	4	1
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	22	25
Gardener (not domestic)	8	1
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	78	1
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	2	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	61	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	12	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	1	-
Fisherman	1	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	1
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	793	254
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	98	9
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	10	1
Bookbinder	89	219
Printer	499	6
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	46	9
Others	4	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	28	-
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	4	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	15	10
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	200	12
Engine, Machine Maker	40	1
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	21	-
Boiler Maker	2	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	1	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	1	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	2	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	2	-
Saw Maker	1	-
Pencil Maker (Wood)	-	1
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	30	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	22	3
Electrical Apparatus Maker	9	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	3	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	10	3
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	12	-
Sword, Bayonet - Maker, Cutler	-	1
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	19	1
Type Cutter, Founder	3	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	2	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	8	1
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	3	-
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	4	1
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	815	57
Builder	29	-
Carpenter, Joiner	149	1
Bricklayer	116	1
Mason	30	-
Slater, Tiler	1	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	22	-
Paperhanger	10	-
Plumber	39	1
Painter, Glazier	186	3
Cabinet Maker	54	20
French Polisher	18	2
Furniture Broker, Dealer	5	2
Locksmith, Bellhanger	14	-
Gas Fitter	57	1
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	7	1
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	10	2
Others	2	-
Wood Carver	3	-
Carver, Gilder	43	3
Dealer in Works of Art	17	2
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	-	1
Artificial Flower Maker	3	17
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	153	5
Coachmaker	104	3
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	1	-
Wheelwright	1	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	47	2
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	7	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	6	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	1	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	63	26
Dye, Paint Manufacture	7	-
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	6	1
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	-	1
Chemist, Druggist	37	6
Manufacturing Chemist	13	18
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	59	14
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	59	14
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	1,013	282
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	203	56
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	29	64
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	80	39
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Maltster	1	-
Brewer	38	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	1	1
Cellarman	32	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	34	2
Milkseller, Dairyman	39	10
Cheesemonger, Butterman	22	5
Butcher, Meat Salesman	94	4
Provision Curer, Dealer	14	5
Poulterer, Game Dealer	8	-
Fishmonger	56	9
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	13	2
Corn Miller	1	-
Baker	99	11
Confectioner, Pastrycook	44	31
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	139	29
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	1	7
Sugar Refiner	1	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	57	6
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	6	1
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	201	111
Woolstapler	1	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	16	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	11	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	3	1
Silk Merchant, Dealer	4	2
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	4	-
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	3	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	13
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	2	1
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Net Maker	-	1
Weaver (undefined)	2	2
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	5	4
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	2	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	1	2
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	131	44
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	7	10
Trimming Maker, Dealer	6	16
Embroiderer	1	14
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	689	929
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	18	14
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	2	2
Tailor	344	239
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	15	437
Shawl Manufacture	1	-
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	3	153
Hosier, Haberdasher	32	5
Glover, Glove Maker	1	-
Button Maker, Dealer	9	14
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	202	14
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	47	22
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	8	13
Accoutrement Maker	2	5
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	5	11
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	95	43
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	5	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	14	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	1	1
Comb Maker	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	5	8
Tanner, Fellmonger	4	-
Currier	15	1
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	39	9
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	1	14
Brush, Broom, Maker	9	3
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	1	7
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	182	92
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	-	1
Oil and Colourman	18	1
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	3	-
Japanner	2	5
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Others	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	15	9
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	1	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	5	3
Sawyer	6	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	14	1
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	13	1
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	5	1
Others	2	-
Paper Manufacture	12	4
Envelope Maker	1	12
Stationer, Law Stationer	50	26
Card, Pattern Card Maker	11	3
Paper Stainer	2	3
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	7	13
Ticket, Label Writer	3	4
Others	8	5
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	434	23
Coal Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	4	-
Mine Service	5	-
Coal Merchant	21	1
Coalheaver	21	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	1	-
Gas Works Service	8	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	5	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	2	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	2	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	2	-
Paviour	3	-
Road Labourer	1	-
Railway Contractor	2	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	1	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	3	5
Glass Manufacture	15	2
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	11	2
Waterworks Service	7	-
Others	2	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	64	1
Gold, Silver, Beater	4	-
Lapidary	2	-
Others	11	3
[Iron Manufacture]	19	-
[Steel Manufacture]	1	-
Blacksmith	44	-
Whitesmith	9	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	23	-
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	2	-
[Coppersmith]	7	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	32	2
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	5	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	1
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	15	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	54	-
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	5	6
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	6	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	4	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	10	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	954	268
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	137	89
Pawnbroker	37	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	95	79
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	31	7
Contractor (undefined)	3	-
General Labourer	488	2
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	27	1
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	82	31
Apprentice (undefined)	11	4
Factory Labourer (undefined)	38	9
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	5	46
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	40	-
Town Drainage Service	2	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	22	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	15	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	1	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	358	789
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	358	789
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	266	3,831
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	11	18
[Blank field, or illegible]	255	3,813

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".

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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.)