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 Essex RegC Billericay RegD/PLU
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 63 Show data context 12 Show data context
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 12 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 15 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Prison Service, &c. 1 Show data context -
  Police 21 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 7 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Other Local or County Official 5 Show data context -
  East Indian and Colonial Service 2 Show data context -
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 517 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Army Officer (effective/retired) 16 Show data context -
  Soldier and Non-commissioned officer 483 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers 5 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 9 Show data context -
  Navy Officer (effective/retired) 1 Show data context -
  Royal Marines (officers/men) 2 Show data context -
  Navy Pensioner 1 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 133 Show data context 196 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 22 Show data context -
  Minister, Priest of other religious bodies 3 Show data context -
  Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Nun, Sister of Charity - 4 Show data context
  Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Barrister, Solicitor 10 Show data context -
  Law Student 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 17 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 7 Show data context -
  Medical Student, Assistant 4 Show data context -
  Midwife - 1 Show data context
  Subordinate Medical Service - 41 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 31 Show data context 88 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer 4 Show data context 43 Show data context
  School Service, and others connected with teaching - 2 Show data context
  Author, Editor, Journalist 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Reporter, Short-hand Writer 2 Show data context -
  Civil Engineer 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Land, House, Ship, Surveyor 2 Show data context -
  Painter (artist) 4 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Architect 1 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 7 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Art Student 1 Show data context -
  Photographer 3 Show data context -
  Art, Music, Theatre Service 1 Show data context -
  Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service 1 Show data context -
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 235 Show data context 1,213 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 79 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Domestic Gardener 63 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Domestic Indoor Servant 48 Show data context 1,000 Show data context
  Inn, Hotel Servant 13 Show data context 12 Show data context
  College, Club Service - 1 Show data context
  Office Keeper (not Government) - 1 Show data context
  Cook (not domestic) 1 Show data context -
  Charwoman - 31 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service 1 Show data context 115 Show data context
  Hospital and Institution Service 30 Show data context 49 Show data context
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 106 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Merchant 3 Show data context -
  Broker, Agent, Factor 10 Show data context -
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 3 Show data context -
  Accountant 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Commercial Traveller 16 Show data context -
  Commercial Clerk 55 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c. 1 Show data context -
  Bank Service 7 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 8 Show data context -
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 191 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Railway Engine Driver, Stoker 10 Show data context -
  Railway Guard 8 Show data context -
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 45 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper 2 Show data context -
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 24 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 47 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman 5 Show data context -
  Seaman (Merchant Service) 15 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service 8 Show data context -
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 6 Show data context -
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 20 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Telegraph, Telephone Service 1 Show data context -
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 1,557 Show data context 26 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 110 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 50 Show data context -
  Farm Bailiff 38 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 1,260 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Shepherd 12 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant 7 Show data context -
  Agricultural Student 3 Show data context -
  Woodman 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Gardener (not domestic) 69 Show data context 3 Show data context
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 106 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 72 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier 9 Show data context -
  Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman 8 Show data context -
  Drover 3 Show data context -
  Gamekeeper 7 Show data context -
  Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Vermin Destroyer 3 Show data context -
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 14 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Bookbinder 1 Show data context -
  Printer 8 Show data context -
  Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper - 1 Show data context
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 45 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 8 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 17 Show data context -
  Boiler Maker - 2 Show data context
  Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker 1 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker 4 Show data context -
  Cutler, Scissors Maker 1 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Philosophical Instrument Maker 2 Show data context -
  Electrical Apparatus Maker 3 Show data context -
  Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Toy Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 443 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Builder 24 Show data context -
  Carpenter, Joiner 146 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Bricklayer 161 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Mason 10 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 13 Show data context -
  Plumber 19 Show data context -
  Painter, Glazier 53 Show data context -
  Cabinet Maker 8 Show data context 1 Show data context
  French Polisher 1 Show data context -
  Furniture Broker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Locksmith, Bellhanger 1 Show data context -
  Gas Fitter 5 Show data context -
  Wood Carver 1 Show data context -
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 79 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Coachmaker 22 Show data context -
  Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker 1 Show data context -
  Wheelwright 35 Show data context -
  Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 19 Show data context 1 Show data context
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS. 1 Show data context -
  Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker 1 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 11 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Chemist, Druggist 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Manufacturing Chemist 2 Show data context -
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES. 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 324 Show data context 46 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 47 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper 1 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Maltster 21 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Brewer 16 Show data context -
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 22 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Cellarman 1 Show data context -
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 3 Show data context -
  Milkseller, Dairyman 8 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 43 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Poulterer, Game Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Fishmonger 11 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 8 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Corn Miller 10 Show data context -
  Baker 65 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 4 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 5 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Sugar Refiner - 1 Show data context
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 54 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer 1 Show data context -
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 32 Show data context 35 Show data context
  Woollen Cloth Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture - 5 Show data context
  Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Lace Manufacturer, Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Mat Maker, Seller 1 Show data context -
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 29 Show data context 26 Show data context
  Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Trimming Maker, Dealer - 1 Show data context
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 126 Show data context 213 Show data context
  Hatter, Hat Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture - 4 Show data context
  Tailor 33 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker - 166 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress - 30 Show data context
  Hosiery Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Hosier, Haberdasher 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 82 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES. 7 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Soap Boiler, Maker 1 Show data context -
  Furrier, Skinner 2 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Currier 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 49 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Oil and Colourman 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 3 Show data context -
  Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer 6 Show data context -
  Thatcher 4 Show data context -
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Sawyer 16 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker 4 Show data context -
  Wood Turner, Box Maker 2 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 4 Show data context -
  Stationer, Law Stationer 3 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Others 1 Show data context -
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 270 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Coal Merchant 6 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Coalheaver 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Gas Works Service 9 Show data context -
  Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 64 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Road Labourer 1 Show data context -
  Platelayer 34 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 29 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Glass Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Waterworks Service 1 Show data context -
  Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller 1 Show data context -
  [Iron Manufacture] 21 Show data context -
  Blacksmith 63 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Whitesmith 5 Show data context -
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 16 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier 1 Show data context -
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 332 Show data context 99 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 22 Show data context 18 Show data context
  Pawnbroker 2 Show data context -
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 23 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 4 Show data context -
  General Labourer 247 Show data context 53 Show data context
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 15 Show data context -
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 15 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Apprentice (undefined) - 1 Show data context
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 1 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) 3 Show data context 2 Show data context
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 7 Show data context -
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 7 Show data context -
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 181 Show data context 1,055 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 181 Show data context 1,055 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 66 Show data context 1,970 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  [Blank field, or illegible] 64 Show data context 1,969 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.)