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	Holborn RegD/PLU	Amwell City Road Goswell Street Holborn Old Street Pentonville Saffron Hill St Andrew Eastern St James Clerkenwell St Luke Whitecross Street

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	1,018	80
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	141	49
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	272	8
Prison Service, &c.	141	17
Police	383	1
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	71	5
Other Local or County Official	10	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	127	5
Army Officer (effective/retired)	5	1
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	69	2
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	4	-
Army Pensioner	38	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	1	1
Seaman, R.N.	5	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	-	1
Navy Pensioner	5	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	1,993	983
Clergymen (Established Church)	57	-
Roman Catholic Priest	14	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	13	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	14	35
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	48
Theological Student	12	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	19	15
Barrister, Solicitor	133	1
Law Student	27	2
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	347	11
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	97	3
Dentist	24	2
Medical Student, Assistant	136	1
Midwife	-	11
Subordinate Medical Service	11	281
Schoolmaster	67	195
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	31	106
School Service, and others connected with teaching	21	11
Author, Editor, Journalist	57	8
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	18	1
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	8	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	19	1
Civil Engineer	28	-
Mining Engineer	1	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	28	-
Painter (artist)	76	21
Engraver (artist)	67	2
Sculptor	4	-
Architect	69	-
Musician, Music Master	451	128
Art Student	7	13
Photographer	34	16
Actor	36	50
Art, Music, Theatre Service	25	12
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	8	4
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	34	5
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	1,685	7,509
Domestic Coachman, Groom	141	-
Domestic Gardener	24	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	350	4,585
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	10	1
Inn, Hotel Servant	872	348
College, Club Service	5	1
Office Keeper (not Government)	53	102
Cook (not domestic)	77	16
Charwoman	3	903
Washing and Bathing Service	41	1,445
Hospital and Institution Service	27	104
Others engaged in Service	82	4
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	2,453	131
Merchant	60	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	167	2
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	36	1
Accountant	64	3
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	65	25
Commercial Traveller	384	4
Commercial Clerk	1,542	90
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	6	1
Bank Service	63	3
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	5	1
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	61	1
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	5,668	76
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	17	-
Railway Guard	22	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	11	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	321	1
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	57	2
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	644	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	1,610	8
Tramway Companies' Service	10	1
Inland Navigation Service	2	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	34	1
Navigation Service (on shore)	6	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	107	-
Ship Steward, Cook	16	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	96	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	505	18
Meter, Weigher	4	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	2,175	35
Telegraph, Telephone Service	31	10
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	131	98
Farmer, Grazier	18	1
Farm Bailiff	1	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	47	23
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	5	-
Woodman	12	2
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	21	70
Gardener (not domestic)	27	2
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	556	9
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	16	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	369	6
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	116	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	4	-
Drover	27	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	7	2
Fisherman	3	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	14	1
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	3,989	1,519
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	140	29
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	18	10
Bookbinder	869	1,374
Printer	2,503	74
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	92	9
Others	21	1
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	281	4
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	30	2
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	35	16
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	2,547	148
Engine, Machine Maker	269	9
Millwright	16	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	228	5
Boiler Maker	11	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	12	6
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	10	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	13	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	69	1
Cutler, Scissors Maker	43	1
File Maker	11	1
Saw Maker	21	4
Pin Maker	1	1
Steel Pen Maker	1	-
Pencil Maker (Wood)	4	1
Domestic Implement Maker	4	1
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	809	13
Philosophical Instrument Maker	227	13
Electrical Apparatus Maker	64	4
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	81	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	63	26
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	17	1
Sword, Bayonet - Maker, Cutler	4	1
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	213	15
Type Cutter, Founder	229	2
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	33	3
Toy Maker, Dealer	35	25
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	19	4
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	40	11
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	6,213	1,210
Builder	178	-
Carpenter, Joiner	1,162	7
Bricklayer	809	3
Mason	255	5
Slater, Tiler	17	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	140	-
Paperhanger	59	1
Plumber	235	1
Painter, Glazier	962	11
Cabinet Maker	813	163
French Polisher	370	135
Furniture Broker, Dealer	55	3
Locksmith, Bellhanger	46	1
Gas Fitter	225	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	109	12
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	38	2
Others	5	-
Wood Carver	53	1
Carver, Gilder	437	19
Dealer in Works of Art	23	3
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	89	8
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	13	-
Artificial Flower Maker	120	835
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	491	56
Coachmaker	218	7
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	4	-
Wheelwright	95	2
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Others	5	1
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	162	46
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	16	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	4	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	3	-
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	2	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	1	-
Sail Maker	6	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	267	108
Dye, Paint Manufacture	15	5
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	43	-
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	1	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	7	32
Chemist, Druggist	145	24
Manufacturing Chemist	52	43
Alkali Manufacture	-	4
Drysalter	4	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	261	121
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	213	96
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	48	25
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	3,321	497
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	307	56
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	25	87
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	183	45
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Brewer	152	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	66	9
Cellarman	96	3
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	64	1
Milkseller, Dairyman	162	26
Cheesemonger, Butterman	119	5
Butcher, Meat Salesman	570	13
Provision Curer, Dealer	108	12
Poulterer, Game Dealer	20	1
Fishmonger	154	10
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	36	15
Corn Miller	7	4
Baker	475	25
Confectioner, Pastrycook	195	102
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	209	36
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	9	13
Sugar Refiner	4	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	320	32
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	39	1
Others Dealing in Food	-	1
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	603	643
Woolstapler	4	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	67	11
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	1	-
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	8	5
Flannel Manufacture	-	1
Blanket Manufacture	1	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	18	4
Others	3	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	51	32
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Crepe, Gauze Manufacture	-	3
Silk Merchant, Dealer	8	1
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	7	21
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	1	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	4	4
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	9	48
Fustian Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Tape Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	1	-
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	14	5
Mat Maker, Seller	16	9
Net Maker	-	3
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	-	2
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	12	8
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	2	-
Weaver (undefined)	8	10
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	44	13
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	14	1
Felt Manufacture	12	2
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	16	2
Manchester Warehouseman	3	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	202	157
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	49	75
Trimming Maker, Dealer	24	146
Embroiderer	2	74
Others	-	4
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	2,556	4,694
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	106	54
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	8	55
Tailor	843	647
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	95	2,336
Shawl Manufacture	-	1
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	42	752
Hosiery Manufacture	2	14
Hosier, Haberdasher	63	371
Glover, Glove Maker	6	7
Button Maker, Dealer	26	43
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	975	220
Patten, Clog Maker	6	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	158	22
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	203	134
Accoutrement Maker	11	10
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	12	28
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	911	815
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	10	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	33	5
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	4	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	82	3
Comb Maker	2	-
Others	7	6
Furrier, Skinner	209	309
Tanner, Fellmonger	7	2
Currier	116	15
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	229	129
Parchment, Vellum - Maker, Dealer	1	1
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	56	29
Brush, Broom, Maker	115	114
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	40	202
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	1,668	1,535
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	5	3
Oil and Colourman	98	9
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	7	-
Japanner	34	29
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	29	6
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	4	1
Others	12	1
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	74	36
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	13	1
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	116	21
Sawyer	102	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	12	1
Wood Turner, Box Maker	191	15
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	98	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	35	1
Others	28	-
Paper Manufacture	94	88
Envelope Maker	11	195
Stationer, Law Stationer	335	136
Card, Pattern Card Maker	42	45
Paper Stainer	76	59
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	176	845
Ticket, Label Writer	30	26
Others	46	17
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	4,112	416
Coal Miner	2	1
Copper Miner	1	-
Lead Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	6	-
Mine Service	1	-
Coal Merchant	42	10
Coalheaver	72	1
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	5	-
Gas Works Service	50	-
Stone Quarrier	3	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	29	1
Slate Worker, Dealer	2	-
Limeburner	1	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	1	-
Well Sinker, Borer	3	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	6	1
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	26	4
Paviour	130	-
Road Labourer	8	-
Railway Contractor	1	-
Platelayer	6	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	36	-
Others	4	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	30	15
Glass Manufacture	323	15
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	48	14
Salt Maker, Dealer	4	2
Waterworks Service	14	-
Others	73	13
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	992	69
Gold, Silver, Beater	48	5
Lapidary	48	7
Others	81	90
[Iron Manufacture]	190	6
[Steel Manufacture]	17	-
Blacksmith	315	2
Whitesmith	44	-
Nail Manufacture	2	1
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	3	4
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	96	4
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	29	-
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	2	1
[Coppersmith]	46	-
[Tin Manufacture]	1	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	265	50
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	36	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	10	3
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	75	5
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	567	13
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	47	61
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	105	2
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	103	10
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	14	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	26	2
Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker	6	-
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	4	1
Others	12	3
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	5,040	1,512
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	545	360
Pawnbroker	95	1
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	383	202
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	75	27
Contractor (undefined)	7	-
General Labourer	2,780	27
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	220	5
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	524	121
Apprentice (undefined)	51	15
Factory Labourer (undefined)	297	48
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	63	706
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	116	8
Town Drainage Service	13	1
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	41	2
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	54	2
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	8	3
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	495	2,070
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	495	2,070
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	1,083	21,233
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	73	63
[Blank field, or illegible]	1,010	21,170

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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