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 Suffolk RegC Sudbury RegD/PLU
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 73 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 15 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 13 Show data context -
  Police 29 Show data context -
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 7 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Other Local or County Official 7 Show data context -
  East Indian and Colonial Service 2 Show data context -
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 23 Show data context -
  Army Officer (effective/retired) 3 Show data context -
  Soldier and Non-commissioned officer 7 Show data context -
  Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers 2 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 10 Show data context -
  Navy Pensioner 1 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 143 Show data context 210 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 40 Show data context -
  Roman Catholic Priest 2 Show data context -
  Minister, Priest of other religious bodies 14 Show data context -
  Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher - 2 Show data context
  Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Barrister, Solicitor 6 Show data context -
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 10 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 12 Show data context -
  Medical Student, Assistant 4 Show data context -
  Subordinate Medical Service - 29 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 32 Show data context 132 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer - 39 Show data context
  School Service, and others connected with teaching 1 Show data context -
  Reporter, Short-hand Writer 1 Show data context -
  Civil Engineer 3 Show data context -
  Painter (artist) 2 Show data context -
  Architect 1 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 6 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Photographer 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service 2 Show data context -
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 158 Show data context 1,369 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 61 Show data context -
  Domestic Gardener 27 Show data context -
  Domestic Indoor Servant 47 Show data context 1,102 Show data context
  Inn, Hotel Servant 20 Show data context 19 Show data context
  Office Keeper (not Government) - 1 Show data context
  Cook (not domestic) 2 Show data context -
  Charwoman - 85 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service - 160 Show data context
  Hospital and Institution Service 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 75 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Broker, Agent, Factor 1 Show data context -
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 3 Show data context -
  Accountant 5 Show data context -
  Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified) 1 Show data context -
  Commercial Traveller 17 Show data context -
  Commercial Clerk 35 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c. - 1 Show data context
  Bank Service 11 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 2 Show data context -
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 208 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Railway Engine Driver, Stoker 5 Show data context -
  Railway Guard 1 Show data context -
  Pointsman, Level Crossing Man 5 Show data context -
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 47 Show data context -
  Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper 1 Show data context -
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 28 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 67 Show data context -
  Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman 12 Show data context -
  Navigation Service (on shore) 1 Show data context -
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 2 Show data context -
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 39 Show data context -
  Telegraph, Telephone Service - 1 Show data context
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 3,250 Show data context 40 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 230 Show data context 14 Show data context
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 91 Show data context -
  Farm Bailiff 56 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 2,674 Show data context 26 Show data context
  Shepherd 49 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant 22 Show data context -
  Agricultural Student 1 Show data context -
  Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture 1 Show data context -
  Woodman 11 Show data context -
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist 2 Show data context -
  Gardener (not domestic) 113 Show data context -
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 160 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 85 Show data context -
  Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier 5 Show data context -
  Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman 16 Show data context -
  Drover 4 Show data context -
  Gamekeeper 38 Show data context -
  Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer 3 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Vermin Destroyer 7 Show data context -
  Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c. 1 Show data context -
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 28 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian - 3 Show data context
  Printer 24 Show data context -
  Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper 4 Show data context -
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 67 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 12 Show data context -
  Millwright 14 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 18 Show data context -
  Boiler Maker 1 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker 8 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 10 Show data context -
  Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker 1 Show data context -
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 450 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Builder 17 Show data context -
  Carpenter, Joiner 179 Show data context -
  Bricklayer 145 Show data context -
  Mason 8 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 4 Show data context -
  Paperhanger 1 Show data context -
  Plumber 10 Show data context -
  Painter, Glazier 47 Show data context -
  Cabinet Maker 28 Show data context 3 Show data context
  French Polisher 2 Show data context -
  Furniture Broker, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Gas Fitter 3 Show data context -
  Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist 3 Show data context -
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 101 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Coachmaker 20 Show data context -
  Wheelwright 52 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 29 Show data context 2 Show data context
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS. 3 Show data context -
  Ship, Boat, Barge Builder 2 Show data context -
  Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore) 1 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 11 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Chemist, Druggist 11 Show data context 1 Show data context
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES. 3 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist 2 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 554 Show data context 73 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 65 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 1 Show data context -
  Hop - Merchant, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Maltster 98 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Brewer 31 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 19 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Cellarman 3 Show data context -
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 3 Show data context -
  Milkseller, Dairyman 8 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 67 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Provision Curer, Dealer - 3 Show data context
  Poulterer, Game Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Fishmonger 15 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 6 Show data context -
  Corn Miller 81 Show data context -
  Baker 60 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 7 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 6 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 79 Show data context 22 Show data context
  Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer 1 Show data context -
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 828 Show data context 603 Show data context
  Woolstapler 1 Show data context -
  Woollen Cloth Manufacture 1 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture 3 Show data context -
  Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture 198 Show data context 494 Show data context
  Silk Dyer, Printer 2 Show data context -
  Crepe, Gauze Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer 77 Show data context 20 Show data context
  Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer 4 Show data context -
  Mat Maker, Seller 499 Show data context 37 Show data context
  Weaver (undefined) 1 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined) 5 Show data context -
  Factory Hand (textile, undefined) 1 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Carpet, Rug Manufacture 4 Show data context -
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 28 Show data context 24 Show data context
  Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer - 7 Show data context
  Embroiderer - 1 Show data context
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 224 Show data context 1,064 Show data context
  Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture 3 Show data context 498 Show data context
  Tailor 60 Show data context 76 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker - 399 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress 1 Show data context 71 Show data context
  Hosiery Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Hosier, Haberdasher - 1 Show data context
  Glover, Glove Maker - 1 Show data context
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 147 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Patten, Clog Maker 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 8 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Old Clothes Dealer, and others - 1 Show data context
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES. 111 Show data context 499 Show data context
  Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Soap Boiler, Maker 6 Show data context -
  Manure Manufacture 3 Show data context -
  Comb Maker 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Furrier, Skinner 2 Show data context -
  Tanner, Fellmonger 14 Show data context -
  Currier 5 Show data context -
  Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer 75 Show data context 496 Show data context
  Brush, Broom, Maker 3 Show data context 2 Show data context
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 73 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 11 Show data context -
  Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Thatcher 25 Show data context -
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 4 Show data context -
  Sawyer 20 Show data context -
  Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker 3 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 5 Show data context -
  Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Paper Manufacture - 5 Show data context
  Stationer, Law Stationer 3 Show data context 2 Show data context
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 403 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Coal Merchant 8 Show data context -
  Coalheaver 10 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 6 Show data context -
  Stone Quarrier 1 Show data context -
  Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer 4 Show data context -
  Limeburner 11 Show data context -
  Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Plaster, Cement Manufacture 3 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 165 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Paviour 2 Show data context -
  Road Labourer 1 Show data context -
  Platelayer 12 Show data context -
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 5 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller 2 Show data context -
  [Iron Manufacture] 22 Show data context -
  Blacksmith 111 Show data context -
  Whitesmith 11 Show data context -
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 17 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 3 Show data context -
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 315 Show data context 46 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 55 Show data context 24 Show data context
  Pawnbroker 3 Show data context -
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 27 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Contractor (undefined) 1 Show data context -
  General Labourer 152 Show data context -
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 40 Show data context -
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 20 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Apprentice (undefined) 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 13 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 7 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 7 Show data context -
  Rag Gatherer, Dealer - 2 Show data context
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 97 Show data context 779 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 97 Show data context 779 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 101 Show data context 3,537 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] 4 Show data context 4 Show data context
  [Blank field, or illegible] 97 Show data context 3,533 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.)