Vision of Britain | 1881 Census: Ages

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 East Riding RegC	York RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	312	22
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	2	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	94	7
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	49	1
Prison Service, &c.	16	5
Police	95	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	47	9
Other Local or County Official	9	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	1,764	2
Army Officer (effective/retired)	99	1
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	1,588	1
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	41	-
Army Pensioner	25	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	5	-
Seaman, R.N.	2	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	1	-
Navy Pensioner	3	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	810	662
Clergymen (Established Church)	66	-
Roman Catholic Priest	3	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	24	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	11	-
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	53
Theological Student	3	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	12	5
Barrister, Solicitor	67	-
Law Student	12	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	103	2
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	39	-
Dentist	22	-
Medical Student, Assistant	23	-
Midwife	-	2
Subordinate Medical Service	4	127
Schoolmaster	158	285
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	14	129
School Service, and others connected with teaching	5	17
Author, Editor, Journalist	12	1
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	7	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	1	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	2	1
Civil Engineer	19	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	8	-
Painter (artist)	13	3
Engraver (artist)	2	-
Sculptor	7	1
Architect	53	-
Musician, Music Master	74	22
Art Student	10	-
Photographer	18	9
Actor	3	3
Art, Music, Theatre Service	2	2
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	2	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	11	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	700	5,081
Domestic Coachman, Groom	227	-
Domestic Gardener	130	1
Domestic Indoor Servant	189	4,369
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	1	2
Inn, Hotel Servant	104	60
College, Club Service	6	3
Office Keeper (not Government)	4	15
Cook (not domestic)	-	2
Charwoman	-	231
Washing and Bathing Service	5	354
Hospital and Institution Service	34	43
Others engaged in Service	-	1
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	671	17
Merchant	10	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	31	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	33	-
Accountant	28	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	2	5
Commercial Traveller	147	1
Commercial Clerk	342	11
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	1	-
Banker	1	-
Bank Service	40	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	36	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,706	18
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	209	1
Railway Guard	117	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	31	2
Other Railway Officials and Servants	724	8
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	2	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	30	1
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	85	1
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	143	1
Tramway Companies' Service	4	-
Inland Navigation Service	2	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	64	2
Navigation Service (on shore)	1	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	54	-
Ship Steward, Cook	1	-
Boatman on Seas	1	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	4	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	20	1
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	192	1
Telegraph, Telephone Service	22	-
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	2,825	229
Farmer, Grazier	503	21
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	209	-
Farm Bailiff	61	1
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	1,685	194
Shepherd	27	-
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	16	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	9	-
Agricultural Student	2	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	1	-
Woodman	14	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	22	2
Gardener (not domestic)	276	11
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	241	-
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	20	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	133	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	8	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	29	-
Drover	4	-
Gamekeeper	39	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	1	-
Vermin Destroyer	1	-
Fisherman	6	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	289	21
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	43	6
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	1	-
Bookbinder	31	10
Printer	179	3
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	9	2
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	26	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	895	6
Engine, Machine Maker	108	2
Millwright	20	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	419	-
Boiler Maker	79	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	6	2
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	11	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	35	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	10	-
Saw Maker	2	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	57	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	34	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	22	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	3	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	20	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	19	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	44	1
Type Cutter, Founder	1	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	4	1
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	1	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	3,017	39
Builder	55	-
Carpenter, Joiner	991	2
Bricklayer	616	1
Mason	256	-
Slater, Tiler	40	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	78	-
Paperhanger	20	-
Plumber	157	1
Painter, Glazier	411	-
Cabinet Maker	249	20
French Polisher	31	10
Furniture Broker, Dealer	9	1
Gas Fitter	36	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	4	-
Wood Carver	21	-
Carver, Gilder	35	-
Dealer in Works of Art	1	-
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	1	-
Artificial Flower Maker	1	4
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	478	2
Coachmaker	154	1
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	200	1
Wheelwright	57	-
Others	7	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	60	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	26	1
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	7	1
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	19	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	153	23
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	8	21
Chemist, Druggist	133	1
Manufacturing Chemist	8	1
Drysalter	4	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	32	15
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	28	15
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	4	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	1,545	367
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	190	32
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	7	138
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	6	3
Maltster	26	-
Brewer	64	1
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	11	4
Cellarman	11	3
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	34	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	45	5
Cheesemonger, Butterman	1	1
Butcher, Meat Salesman	286	7
Provision Curer, Dealer	82	48
Poulterer, Game Dealer	10	2
Fishmonger	33	3
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	21	3
Corn Miller	44	-
Baker	57	10
Confectioner, Pastrycook	261	57
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	27	5
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	1	1
Sugar Refiner	2	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	316	44
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	10	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	284	79
Woolstapler	3	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	10	1
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	12	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	1	1
Silk Merchant, Dealer	5	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	2	3
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	3	1
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	2	3
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	23	-
Mat Maker, Seller	1	-
Net Maker	1	1
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	-	7
Weaver (undefined)	4	2
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	17	4
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	2	2
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	2	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	194	42
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	12
Others	2	-
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	892	1,339
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	16	1
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	5
Tailor	460	29
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	8	1,182
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	1	91
Hosier, Haberdasher	13	10
Glover, Glove Maker	2	-
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	311	13
Patten, Clog Maker	7	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	64	2
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	6	3
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	4	3
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	265	37
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	10	1
Soap Boiler, Maker	1	-
Manure Manufacture	12	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	3	-
Comb Maker	84	30
Furrier, Skinner	3	3
Tanner, Fellmonger	52	1
Currier	70	1
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	1	-
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	1	1
Brush, Broom, Maker	27	-
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	1	-
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	286	20
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	4	-
Oil and Colourman	1	-
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	4	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	22	2
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	15	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	29	1
Sawyer	84	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	1	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	42	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	16	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	18	1
Paper Manufacture	1	3
Stationer, Law Stationer	42	10
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	1	2
Ticket, Label Writer	1	1
Others	5	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	2,125	21
Coal Miner	9	-
Ironstone Miner	2	-
Lead Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	4	-
Mine Service	10	-
Coal Merchant	78	1
Coalheaver	23	-
Gas Works Service	62	-
Stone Quarrier	1	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	6	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	3	-
Well Sinker, Borer	2	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	2	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	113	1
Paviour	24	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	17	-
Railway Contractor	15	-
Platelayer	72	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	196	1
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	7	-
Glass Manufacture	273	5
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	16	5
Salt Maker, Dealer	1	-
Waterworks Service	6	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	16	2
Lapidary	4	1
Others	1	-
[Iron Manufacture]	406	-
Blacksmith	394	1
Whitesmith	160	-
Nail Manufacture	5	-
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	3	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	51	1
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	4	-
[Coppersmith]	5	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	70	1
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	2	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	26	-
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	2	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	20	1
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	10	-
Others	1	1
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	1,788	185
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	79	68
Pawnbroker	25	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	44	41
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	28	2
Contractor (undefined)	3	-
General Labourer	1,415	16
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	87	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	51	19
Apprentice (undefined)	21	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	26	9
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	9	30
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	35	2
Town Drainage Service	1	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	26	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	2	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	6	2
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	641	3,244
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	641	3,244
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	261	10,809
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	7	3
[Blank field, or illegible]	254	10,806

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".

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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.)