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 Northamptonshire RegC Wellingborough RegD/PLU
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 70 Show data context 14 Show data context
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 15 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 16 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Police 22 Show data context -
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 12 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Other Local or County Official 5 Show data context -
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 15 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Army Officer (effective/retired) 3 Show data context -
  Soldier and Non-commissioned officer 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers 2 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 5 Show data context -
  Navy Pensioner 1 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 183 Show data context 240 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 21 Show data context -
  Minister, Priest of other religious bodies 8 Show data context -
  Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher 5 Show data context -
  Theological Student 2 Show data context -
  Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant 4 Show data context -
  Barrister, Solicitor 15 Show data context -
  Law Student 1 Show data context -
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 22 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 13 Show data context -
  Dentist 2 Show data context -
  Medical Student, Assistant 3 Show data context -
  Midwife - 5 Show data context
  Subordinate Medical Service 3 Show data context 49 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 51 Show data context 151 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer - 22 Show data context
  School Service, and others connected with teaching - 2 Show data context
  Author, Editor, Journalist 2 Show data context -
  Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits 3 Show data context -
  Civil Engineer 4 Show data context -
  Land, House, Ship, Surveyor 1 Show data context -
  Painter (artist) 1 Show data context -
  Architect 5 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 8 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Photographer 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service 1 Show data context -
  Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service 3 Show data context -
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 199 Show data context 1,422 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 53 Show data context -
  Domestic Gardener 96 Show data context -
  Domestic Indoor Servant 30 Show data context 1,162 Show data context
  Inn, Hotel Servant 16 Show data context 26 Show data context
  Office Keeper (not Government) 1 Show data context -
  Charwoman - 62 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service 1 Show data context 172 Show data context
  Hospital and Institution Service 1 Show data context -
  Others engaged in Service 1 Show data context -
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 133 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Merchant 3 Show data context -
  Broker, Agent, Factor 6 Show data context -
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 8 Show data context -
  Accountant 2 Show data context -
  Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified) - 1 Show data context
  Commercial Traveller 18 Show data context -
  Commercial Clerk 81 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Bank Service 10 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 570 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Railway Engine Driver, Stoker 191 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Railway Guard 69 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Pointsman, Level Crossing Man 10 Show data context -
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 190 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper 2 Show data context -
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 6 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 67 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Seaman (Merchant Service) 1 Show data context -
  Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service 1 Show data context -
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 10 Show data context -
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 22 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Telegraph, Telephone Service 1 Show data context 3 Show data context
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 1,629 Show data context 28 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 144 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 47 Show data context -
  Farm Bailiff 22 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 1,306 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Shepherd 69 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant 11 Show data context -
  Agricultural Student 3 Show data context -
  Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture 1 Show data context -
  Woodman 3 Show data context -
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Gardener (not domestic) 14 Show data context 1 Show data context
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 103 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 80 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier 4 Show data context -
  Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman 4 Show data context -
  Gamekeeper 12 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Vermin Destroyer 1 Show data context -
  Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c. 1 Show data context -
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 27 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer 1 Show data context -
  Printer 20 Show data context -
  Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper 4 Show data context 2 Show data context
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 118 Show data context 17 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 15 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 39 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Boiler Maker 52 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker 3 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 7 Show data context -
  Philosophical Instrument Maker 1 Show data context -
  Electrical Apparatus Maker 1 Show data context -
  Toy Maker, Dealer - 2 Show data context
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 677 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Builder 51 Show data context -
  Carpenter, Joiner 220 Show data context -
  Bricklayer 193 Show data context -
  Mason 90 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 8 Show data context -
  Plumber 33 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Painter, Glazier 53 Show data context -
  Cabinet Maker 20 Show data context 2 Show data context
  French Polisher 1 Show data context -
  Furniture Broker, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Gas Fitter 2 Show data context -
  House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Carver, Gilder 1 Show data context -
  Dealer in Works of Art 1 Show data context -
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 83 Show data context -
  Coachmaker 20 Show data context -
  Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker 14 Show data context -
  Wheelwright 26 Show data context -
  Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Others 6 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 15 Show data context -
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS. 1 Show data context -
  Ship, Boat, Barge Builder 1 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 21 Show data context -
  Chemist, Druggist 21 Show data context -
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES. - 1 Show data context
  Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker - 1 Show data context
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 541 Show data context 61 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 73 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper - 6 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 1 Show data context -
  Maltster 9 Show data context -
  Brewer 29 Show data context -
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 15 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Cellarman 2 Show data context -
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 2 Show data context -
  Milkseller, Dairyman 12 Show data context -
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 103 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Provision Curer, Dealer 4 Show data context -
  Poulterer, Game Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Fishmonger 9 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 20 Show data context -
  Corn Miller 34 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Baker 107 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 8 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 14 Show data context -
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 93 Show data context 23 Show data context
  Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer 5 Show data context -
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 73 Show data context 452 Show data context
  Woollen Cloth Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer - 4 Show data context
  Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Lace Manufacturer, Dealer 4 Show data context 412 Show data context
  Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Mat Maker, Seller 11 Show data context -
  Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined) - 1 Show data context
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 53 Show data context 32 Show data context
  Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer - 2 Show data context
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 3,367 Show data context 2,405 Show data context
  Hatter, Hat Manufacture 3 Show data context -
  Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture - 4 Show data context
  Tailor 75 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker 1 Show data context 340 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress - 42 Show data context
  Hosier, Haberdasher 2 Show data context -
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 3,272 Show data context 2,007 Show data context
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 14 Show data context 1 Show data context
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES. 227 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Furrier, Skinner 2 Show data context -
  Tanner, Fellmonger 9 Show data context -
  Currier 211 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Parchment, Vellum - Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Brush, Broom, Maker 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 46 Show data context 12 Show data context
  Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 6 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Thatcher 7 Show data context -
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Sawyer 16 Show data context -
  Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker 2 Show data context -
  Wood Turner, Box Maker 2 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 5 Show data context -
  Paper Manufacture 2 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Stationer, Law Stationer - 3 Show data context
  Others 1 Show data context -
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 1,141 Show data context 12 Show data context
  Coal Miner 2 Show data context -
  Ironstone Miner 403 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Miner, in other or undefined Minerals - 1 Show data context
  Coal Merchant 16 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Coalheaver 13 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 11 Show data context -
  Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer 4 Show data context -
  Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 93 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector 1 Show data context -
  Road Labourer 14 Show data context -
  Railway Contractor 3 Show data context -
  Platelayer 48 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 230 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Glass Manufacture 3 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller 3 Show data context -
  [Iron Manufacture] 154 Show data context -
  Blacksmith 98 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Anchor, Chain Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 19 Show data context -
  Other Iron and Steel Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  [Coppersmith] 3 Show data context -
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 10 Show data context -
  Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier 6 Show data context -
  Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer 1 Show data context -
  Others 2 Show data context -
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 720 Show data context 81 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 33 Show data context 22 Show data context
  Pawnbroker 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 30 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 10 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Contractor (undefined) 2 Show data context -
  General Labourer 497 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 60 Show data context -
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 24 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Apprentice (undefined) 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 54 Show data context -
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) 4 Show data context 43 Show data context
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 13 Show data context -
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 10 Show data context -
  Rag Gatherer, Dealer 3 Show data context -
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 110 Show data context 957 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 110 Show data context 957 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 82 Show data context 4,382 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] 6 Show data context 13 Show data context
  [Blank field, or illegible] 76 Show data context 4,369 Show data context

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.


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.)