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 Holborn RegD/PLU	Clerkenwell Vest/CP/AP

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	628	43
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	73	24
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	156	2
Prison Service, &c.	136	16
Police	221	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	37	1
Other Local or County Official	5	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	48	3
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	22	2
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	1	-
Army Pensioner	17	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	-	1
Seaman, R.N.	4	-
Navy Pensioner	4	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	735	426
Clergymen (Established Church)	17	-
Roman Catholic Priest	3	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	6	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	8	16
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	29
Theological Student	7	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	6	8
Barrister, Solicitor	22	1
Law Student	11	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	146	2
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	29	-
Dentist	19	2
Medical Student, Assistant	87	1
Midwife	-	2
Subordinate Medical Service	3	114
Schoolmaster	31	84
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	16	50
School Service, and others connected with teaching	9	2
Author, Editor, Journalist	34	4
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	7	1
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	1	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	8	1
Civil Engineer	15	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	14	-
Painter (artist)	24	6
Engraver (artist)	48	-
Sculptor	2	-
Architect	13	-
Musician, Music Master	85	61
Art Student	3	4
Photographer	16	11
Actor	20	17
Art, Music, Theatre Service	11	5
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	3	3
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	11	2
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	599	2,746
Domestic Coachman, Groom	58	-
Domestic Gardener	11	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	130	1,767
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	3	1
Inn, Hotel Servant	317	110
College, Club Service	4	1
Office Keeper (not Government)	6	5
Cook (not domestic)	37	7
Charwoman	1	291
Washing and Bathing Service	17	557
Hospital and Institution Service	3	4
Others engaged in Service	12	3
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	1,210	58
Merchant	9	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	83	1
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	16	-
Accountant	28	2
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	23	14
Commercial Traveller	183	1
Commercial Clerk	792	38
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	4	-
Bank Service	35	1
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	3	1
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	34	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	2,424	31
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	10	-
Railway Guard	13	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	8	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	191	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	24	1
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	351	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	690	3
Tramway Companies' Service	4	1
Inland Navigation Service	1	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	10	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	63	-
Ship Steward, Cook	12	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	30	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	211	8
Meter, Weigher	1	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	792	11
Telegraph, Telephone Service	13	7
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	52	40
Farmer, Grazier	6	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	20	10
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	3	-
Woodman	6	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	8	30
Gardener (not domestic)	9	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	223	2
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	6	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	135	2
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	59	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	1	-
Drover	10	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	4	-
Fisherman	1	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	7	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	1,996	706
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	74	16
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	10	6
Bookbinder	482	641
Printer	1,205	29
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	42	5
Others	14	1
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	140	2
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	17	1
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	12	5
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	1,436	85
Engine, Machine Maker	136	8
Millwright	8	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	127	1
Boiler Maker	6	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	-	3
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	3	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	42	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	26	1
File Maker	8	-
Saw Maker	11	4
Pencil Maker (Wood)	3	-
Domestic Implement Maker	2	1
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	511	8
Philosophical Instrument Maker	144	11
Electrical Apparatus Maker	35	3
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	38	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	44	14
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	4	1
Sword, Bayonet - Maker, Cutler	1	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	115	9
Type Cutter, Founder	96	1
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	20	1
Toy Maker, Dealer	15	8
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	11	3
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	25	8
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	3,125	543
Builder	91	-
Carpenter, Joiner	616	3
Bricklayer	398	3
Mason	106	-
Slater, Tiler	7	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	76	-
Paperhanger	40	-
Plumber	121	-
Painter, Glazier	551	4
Cabinet Maker	396	56
French Polisher	140	52
Furniture Broker, Dealer	32	1
Locksmith, Bellhanger	22	1
Gas Fitter	117	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	57	5
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	17	1
Others	4	-
Wood Carver	28	-
Carver, Gilder	205	10
Dealer in Works of Art	7	-
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	21	4
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	10	-
Artificial Flower Maker	63	403
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	220	14
Coachmaker	104	2
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	3	-
Wheelwright	53	1
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Others	4	1
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	53	10
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	6	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	1	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	2	-
Sail Maker	3	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	121	49
Dye, Paint Manufacture	5	4
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	11	-
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	1	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	4	22
Chemist, Druggist	72	10
Manufacturing Chemist	26	13
Drysalter	2	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	103	59
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	81	47
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	22	12
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	1,539	195
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	110	9
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	7	56
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	67	9
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Brewer	61	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	36	6
Cellarman	54	3
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	30	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	88	8
Cheesemonger, Butterman	64	1
Butcher, Meat Salesman	311	5
Provision Curer, Dealer	50	5
Poulterer, Game Dealer	7	-
Fishmonger	68	4
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	12	4
Corn Miller	3	1
Baker	214	16
Confectioner, Pastrycook	76	31
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	97	12
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	2	-
Sugar Refiner	1	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	159	23
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	21	1
Others Dealing in Food	-	1
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	251	288
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	15	5
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	1	-
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	3	1
Flannel Manufacture	-	1
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	6	1
Others	3	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	23	10
Crepe, Gauze Manufacture	-	1
Silk Merchant, Dealer	5	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	1	6
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	1	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	4	23
Tape Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	1	-
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Mat Maker, Seller	5	1
Net Maker	-	2
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	-	1
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	6	4
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	2	-
Weaver (undefined)	3	1
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	29	9
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	4	-
Felt Manufacture	3	1
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	3	1
Manchester Warehouseman	1	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	101	84
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	21	37
Trimming Maker, Dealer	6	70
Embroiderer	1	25
Others	-	1
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	906	1,969
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	38	20
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	5	23
Tailor	301	189
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	33	1,164
Shawl Manufacture	-	1
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	11	260
Hosiery Manufacture	1	6
Hosier, Haberdasher	32	155
Glover, Glove Maker	4	4
Button Maker, Dealer	9	8
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	353	75
Patten, Clog Maker	1	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	68	12
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	39	36
Accoutrement Maker	4	5
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	7	11
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	436	342
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	2	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	11	1
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	51	3
Comb Maker	1	-
Others	1	5
Furrier, Skinner	87	130
Tanner, Fellmonger	3	2
Currier	36	7
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	137	64
Parchment, Vellum - Maker, Dealer	-	1
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	9	8
Brush, Broom, Maker	78	56
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	18	65
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	662	484
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	2	2
Oil and Colourman	49	6
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	2	-
Japanner	21	21
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	15	4
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	4	-
Others	6	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	29	10
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	5	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	48	2
Sawyer	37	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	7	1
Wood Turner, Box Maker	89	5
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	27	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	12	-
Others	3	-
Paper Manufacture	28	19
Envelope Maker	1	70
Stationer, Law Stationer	155	58
Card, Pattern Card Maker	13	8
Paper Stainer	29	14
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	46	251
Ticket, Label Writer	9	7
Others	25	6
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	2,290	266
Copper Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	3	-
Coal Merchant	18	3
Coalheaver	36	-
Gas Works Service	31	-
Stone Quarrier	1	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	19	1
Slate Worker, Dealer	1	-
Limeburner	1	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	1	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	4	1
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	10	2
Paviour	31	-
Road Labourer	2	-
Railway Contractor	1	-
Platelayer	6	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	19	-
Others	1	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	14	5
Glass Manufacture	180	11
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	21	7
Salt Maker, Dealer	1	-
Waterworks Service	10	-
Others	5	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	683	58
Gold, Silver, Beater	27	2
Lapidary	38	5
Others	48	76
[Iron Manufacture]	86	5
[Steel Manufacture]	9	-
Blacksmith	145	-
Whitesmith	18	-
Nail Manufacture	1	-
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	3	3
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	52	-
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	19	-
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	1
[Coppersmith]	22	-
[Tin Manufacture]	1	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	142	33
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	23	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	7	1
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	43	3
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	322	6
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	26	35
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	71	2
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	45	3
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	13	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	15	1
Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker	3	-
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	4	-
Others	6	2
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	1,852	574
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	158	120
Pawnbroker	33	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	82	18
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	32	12
Contractor (undefined)	2	-
General Labourer	999	9
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	99	2
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	264	50
Apprentice (undefined)	26	9
Factory Labourer (undefined)	125	18
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	32	336
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	43	4
Town Drainage Service	5	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	20	1
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	15	1
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	3	2
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	156	580
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	156	580
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	579	10,944
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	35	33
[Blank field, or illegible]	544	10,911

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.)

JISC Portsmouth Back to top

• ©2009-2024 University of Portsmouth and others
• About this site
• Expert search
• Web design by Headscape