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 Lancashire RegC	Chorlton RegD/PLU	Ardwick Chorlton upon Medlock Didsbury Hulme

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	1,067	83
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	194	40
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	144	6
Prison Service, &c.	38	21
Police	540	1
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	133	15
Other Local or County Official	18	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	488	4
Army Officer (effective/retired)	18	3
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	376	1
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	7	-
Army Pensioner	72	-
Seaman, R.N.	9	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	3	-
Navy Pensioner	3	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	2,848	2,176
Clergymen (Established Church)	64	-
Roman Catholic Priest	33	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	72	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	27	14
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	55
Theological Student	80	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	40	11
Barrister, Solicitor	147	-
Law Student	21	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	416	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	129	4
Dentist	89	1
Medical Student, Assistant	111	3
Midwife	-	29
Subordinate Medical Service	31	428
Schoolmaster	345	940
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	103	301
School Service, and others connected with teaching	14	12
Author, Editor, Journalist	53	2
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	19	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	17	1
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	4	1
Civil Engineer	118	-
Mining Engineer	5	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	50	-
Painter (artist)	106	40
Engraver (artist)	71	3
Sculptor	11	-
Architect	122	1
Musician, Music Master	275	217
Art Student	35	19
Photographer	81	19
Actor	52	63
Art, Music, Theatre Service	24	7
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	12	2
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	71	3
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	1,439	15,861
Domestic Coachman, Groom	276	-
Domestic Gardener	342	1
Domestic Indoor Servant	229	12,762
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	14	2
Inn, Hotel Servant	444	550
College, Club Service	32	5
Office Keeper (not Government)	11	107
Cook (not domestic)	36	31
Charwoman	6	1,095
Washing and Bathing Service	30	1,251
Hospital and Institution Service	9	34
Others engaged in Service	10	23
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	8,730	339
Merchant	451	1
Broker, Agent, Factor	730	31
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	177	2
Accountant	163	1
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	513	147
Commercial Traveller	1,167	8
Commercial Clerk	4,867	145
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	16	-
Banker	5	-
Bank Service	254	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	16	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	371	4
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	9,863	196
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	548	1
Railway Guard	195	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	82	1
Other Railway Officials and Servants	1,533	18
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	5	1
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	82	3
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	698	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	2,107	5
Tramway Companies' Service	153	1
Inland Navigation Service	8	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	139	2
Navigation Service (on shore)	32	2
Seaman (Merchant Service)	77	-
Ship Steward, Cook	5	1
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	11	1
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	2,713	71
Meter, Weigher	3	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	1,404	27
Telegraph, Telephone Service	68	62
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	978	71
Farmer, Grazier	108	14
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	45	1
Farm Bailiff	16	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	414	42
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	1	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	4	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	16	7
Gardener (not domestic)	374	7
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	589	4
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	10	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	485	2
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	64	1
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	12	-
Drover	3	-
Gamekeeper	3	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	8	1
Vermin Destroyer	3	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	1,231	260
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	122	37
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	14	1
Bookbinder	104	134
Printer	755	60
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	53	19
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	178	8
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	3	1
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	2	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	3,910	141
Engine, Machine Maker	771	27
Millwright	121	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	1,393	7
Boiler Maker	694	5
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	332	67
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	6	1
Tool Maker, Dealer	63	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	19	-
File Maker	52	3
Saw Maker	13	-
Pin Maker	-	1
Domestic Implement Maker	2	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	156	3
Philosophical Instrument Maker	21	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	28	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	37	1
Surgical Instrument Maker	10	1
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	16	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	119	2
Type Cutter, Founder	7	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	17	1
Toy Maker, Dealer	17	15
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	2	-
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	14	7
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	8,498	353
Builder	170	1
Carpenter, Joiner	2,662	11
Bricklayer	922	1
Mason	737	1
Slater, Tiler	106	1
Plasterer, Whitewasher	275	1
Paperhanger	70	1
Plumber	786	6
Painter, Glazier	1,424	29
Cabinet Maker	735	188
French Polisher	150	18
Furniture Broker, Dealer	97	27
Locksmith, Bellhanger	19	-
Gas Fitter	59	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	50	3
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	34	5
Wood Carver	49	-
Carver, Gilder	110	6
Dealer in Works of Art	27	1
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	6	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	5	-
Artificial Flower Maker	5	53
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	1,029	16
Coachmaker	353	5
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	254	2
Wheelwright	247	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	7	1
Others	50	4
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	118	4
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	51	1
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	32	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	16	-
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	1	-
Sail Maker	2	1
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	481	31
Dye, Paint Manufacture	39	3
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	7	1
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	8	-
Chemist, Druggist	258	13
Manufacturing Chemist	117	8
Alkali Manufacture	2	-
Drysalter	50	6
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	100	71
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	99	69
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	1	2
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	4,619	1,426
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	206	64
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	3	415
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	49	27
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Maltster	5	-
Brewer	225	6
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	417	135
Cellarman	73	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	92	5
Milkseller, Dairyman	234	35
Cheesemonger, Butterman	25	4
Butcher, Meat Salesman	718	43
Provision Curer, Dealer	356	197
Poulterer, Game Dealer	18	4
Fishmonger	113	14
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	67	4
Corn Miller	27	3
Baker	556	50
Confectioner, Pastrycook	156	236
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	270	58
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	7	5
Sugar Refiner	16	1
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	901	117
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	84	3
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	5,199	7,661
Woolstapler	2	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	23	12
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	6	1
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	15	62
Flannel Manufacture	6	-
Blanket Manufacture	1	1
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	86	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	181	515
Silk Dyer, Printer	14	-
Ribbon Manufacture	11	2
Crepe, Gauze Manufacture	-	6
Silk Merchant, Dealer	66	5
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	1,197	4,304
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	936	173
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	552	7
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	53	26
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	24	13
Fustian Manufacturer, Dealer	128	112
Tape Manufacturer, Dealer	1	35
Thread Manufacturer, Dealer	15	37
[Others]	1	4
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	3	1
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	56	12
Mat Maker, Seller	3	2
Net Maker	-	5
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	1	1
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	2	3
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	1	1
Weaver (undefined)	20	399
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	620	109
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	146	608
Felt Manufacture	2	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	34	37
Manchester Warehouseman	184	2
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	723	426
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	26	77
Trimming Maker, Dealer	39	418
Embroiderer	4	179
Others	17	65
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	2,793	7,063
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	182	181
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	6	21
Tailor	1,110	467
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	110	4,678
Shawl Manufacture	4	1
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	53	1,407
Hosiery Manufacture	8	9
Hosier, Haberdasher	88	46
Glover, Glove Maker	7	4
Button Maker, Dealer	39	29
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	826	121
Patten, Clog Maker	111	3
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	174	10
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	72	80
Accoutrement Maker	1	-
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	2	6
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	256	99
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	14	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	18	-
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Manure Manufacture	4	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	10	-
Others	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	8	15
Tanner, Fellmonger	9	-
Currier	83	10
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	49	8
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	1	1
Brush, Broom, Maker	48	18
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	9	47
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	1,579	687
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	45	6
Oil and Colourman	16	2
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	14	1
Japanner	9	17
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	230	123
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	56	51
Others	6	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	42	6
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	12	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	113	4
Sawyer	214	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	33	1
Wood Turner, Box Maker	86	10
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	105	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	9	-
Others	2	-
Paper Manufacture	95	55
Envelope Maker	-	12
Stationer, Law Stationer	165	91
Card, Pattern Card Maker	231	11
Paper Stainer	41	24
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	25	261
Ticket, Label Writer	6	12
Others	24	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	6,752	130
Coal Miner	37	1
Tin Miner	2	-
Lead Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	9	-
Mine Service	7	-
Coal Merchant	189	10
Coalheaver	70	2
Gas Works Service	241	1
Stone Quarrier	12	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	25	1
Slate Quarrier	1	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	3	-
Limeburner	6	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	7	-
Well Sinker, Borer	3	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	6	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	325	2
Paviour	139	1
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	37	-
Railway Contractor	4	-
Platelayer	80	1
Railway Labourer, Navvy	204	-
Others	14	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	15	9
Glass Manufacture	168	5
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	44	23
Salt Maker, Dealer	3	-
Waterworks Service	31	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	91	7
Gold, Silver, Beater	11	-
Lapidary	-	1
Others	4	-
[Iron Manufacture]	2,874	19
[Steel Manufacture]	19	-
Blacksmith	903	5
Whitesmith	57	-
Nail Manufacture	10	5
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	10	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	157	18
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	20	-
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	9	-
[Coppersmith]	87	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	294	3
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	4	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	19	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	50	1
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	272	9
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	1	-
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	7	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	81	2
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	82	1
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	3	-
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	2	-
Others	1	3
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	6,922	2,649
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	231	536
Pawnbroker	151	47
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	197	85
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	166	44
Contractor (undefined)	36	1
General Labourer	3,520	25
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	509	8
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	1,015	180
Apprentice (undefined)	161	10
Factory Labourer (undefined)	855	362
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	81	1,351
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	106	3
Town Drainage Service	19	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	43	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	30	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	14	3
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	1,287	6,829
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	1,287	6,829
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	942	36,350
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	151	75
[Blank field, or illegible]	791	36,275

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".

Click on the triangles for all about a particular number.

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.

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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.)

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