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 Wiltshire RegC Swindon and Highworth RegD/PLU
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 78 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 15 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 23 Show data context -
  Police 20 Show data context -
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 14 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Other Local or County Official 6 Show data context -
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 20 Show data context -
  Army Officer (effective/retired) 5 Show data context -
  Soldier and Non-commissioned officer 4 Show data context -
  Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers 1 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 4 Show data context -
  Royal Marines (officers/men) 2 Show data context -
  Navy Pensioner 4 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 210 Show data context 216 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 16 Show data context -
  Roman Catholic Priest 1 Show data context -
  Minister, Priest of other religious bodies 10 Show data context -
  Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher 5 Show data context -
  Theological Student 1 Show data context -
  Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Barrister, Solicitor 11 Show data context -
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 30 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 12 Show data context -
  Dentist 2 Show data context -
  Medical Student, Assistant 5 Show data context -
  Midwife - 1 Show data context
  Subordinate Medical Service 4 Show data context 48 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 47 Show data context 117 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer 3 Show data context 40 Show data context
  School Service, and others connected with teaching 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Author, Editor, Journalist 3 Show data context -
  Reporter, Short-hand Writer 2 Show data context -
  Civil Engineer 21 Show data context -
  Land, House, Ship, Surveyor 1 Show data context -
  Painter (artist) 1 Show data context -
  Architect 7 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 13 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Photographer 4 Show data context -
  Art, Music, Theatre Service 1 Show data context -
  Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service 4 Show data context -
  Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 147 Show data context 1,486 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 58 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Domestic Gardener 19 Show data context -
  Domestic Indoor Servant 44 Show data context 1,233 Show data context
  Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government) 1 Show data context -
  Inn, Hotel Servant 21 Show data context 49 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 - 48 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service 1 Show data context 152 Show data context
  Hospital and Institution Service - 2 Show data context
  Others engaged in Service 1 Show data context -
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 136 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Merchant 1 Show data context -
  Broker, Agent, Factor 5 Show data context -
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 12 Show data context -
  Accountant 12 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified) 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Commercial Traveller 17 Show data context -
  Commercial Clerk 69 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Bank Service 12 Show data context -
  Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent 1 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 6 Show data context -
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 700 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Railway Engine Driver, Stoker 121 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Railway Guard 59 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Pointsman, Level Crossing Man 27 Show data context -
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 362 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper 2 Show data context -
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 7 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 63 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Inland Navigation Service 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman 6 Show data context -
  Seaman (Merchant Service) 8 Show data context -
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 2 Show data context -
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 32 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Telegraph, Telephone Service 10 Show data context 1 Show data context
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 1,619 Show data context 243 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 162 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 42 Show data context -
  Farm Bailiff 34 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 1,245 Show data context 231 Show data context
  Shepherd 50 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant 5 Show data context -
  Agricultural Student 4 Show data context -
  Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture 4 Show data context -
  Woodman 1 Show data context -
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist 3 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Gardener (not domestic) 69 Show data context -
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 111 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer 7 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 90 Show data context -
  Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier 1 Show data context -
  Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman 5 Show data context -
  Drover 4 Show data context -
  Gamekeeper 4 Show data context -
  Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer - 2 Show data context
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 64 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer 1 Show data context -
  Bookbinder 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Printer 50 Show data context -
  Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 1,449 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 422 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Millwright 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 776 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Boiler Maker 221 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Tool Maker, Dealer 4 Show data context -
  Cutler, Scissors Maker 1 Show data context -
  Saw Maker 1 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 8 Show data context -
  Electrical Apparatus Maker 3 Show data context -
  Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker 1 Show data context -
  Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer 3 Show data context -
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 1,034 Show data context 24 Show data context
  Builder 29 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Carpenter, Joiner 392 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Bricklayer 149 Show data context -
  Mason 129 Show data context -
  Slater, Tiler 10 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 28 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Paperhanger 1 Show data context -
  Plumber 30 Show data context -
  Painter, Glazier 199 Show data context -
  Cabinet Maker 33 Show data context 5 Show data context
  French Polisher 5 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Furniture Broker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Locksmith, Bellhanger 6 Show data context -
  Gas Fitter 19 Show data context -
  Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 702 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Coachmaker 100 Show data context -
  Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker 528 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Wheelwright 30 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Others 19 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 25 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 15 Show data context -
  Chemist, Druggist 14 Show data context -
  Manufacturing Chemist 1 Show data context -
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES. 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 559 Show data context 102 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 66 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper 3 Show data context 16 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 5 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Maltster 4 Show data context -
  Brewer 35 Show data context -
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 31 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Cellarman 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 5 Show data context -
  Milkseller, Dairyman 24 Show data context -
  Cheesemonger, Butterman 5 Show data context -
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 69 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Provision Curer, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Poulterer, Game Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Fishmonger 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 7 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Corn Miller 12 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Baker 114 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 20 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 20 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Sugar Refiner 1 Show data context -
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 119 Show data context 17 Show data context
  Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer 4 Show data context -
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 64 Show data context 73 Show data context
  Woollen Cloth Manufacture - 4 Show data context
  Ribbon Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Mat Maker, Seller 16 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined) 1 Show data context -
  Factory Hand (textile, undefined) - 2 Show data context
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 44 Show data context 55 Show data context
  Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer - 5 Show data context
  Trimming Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 233 Show data context 556 Show data context
  Hatter, Hat Manufacture 3 Show data context -
  Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture - 3 Show data context
  Tailor 75 Show data context 114 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker 1 Show data context 341 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress - 84 Show data context
  Hosier, Haberdasher - 1 Show data context
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 141 Show data context 12 Show data context
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 11 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. 17 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Currier 5 Show data context -
  Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Parchment, Vellum - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer 4 Show data context -
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 93 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Oil and Colourman 1 Show data context -
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 6 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Thatcher 8 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 10 Show data context -
  Sawyer 46 Show data context -
  Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker 2 Show data context -
  Wood Turner, Box Maker 3 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 9 Show data context -
  Stationer, Law Stationer 5 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Others 2 Show data context -
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 1,248 Show data context 17 Show data context
  Coal Miner 1 Show data context -
  Copper Miner 1 Show data context -
  Mine Service 1 Show data context -
  [Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook] 16 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Coal Merchant 9 Show data context -
  Coalheaver 9 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 18 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Stone Quarrier 25 Show data context -
  Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Slate Worker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Limeburner 1 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 43 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector 3 Show data context -
  Road Labourer 6 Show data context -
  Railway Contractor 4 Show data context -
  Platelayer 29 Show data context -
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 238 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Glass Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Waterworks Service 2 Show data context -
  Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller 7 Show data context 2 Show data context
  [Iron Manufacture] 403 Show data context 3 Show data context
  [Steel Manufacture] 2 Show data context -
  Blacksmith 223 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Whitesmith 2 Show data context -
  Nail Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Anchor, Chain Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 23 Show data context -
  Other Iron and Steel Manufacture 6 Show data context -
  [Coppersmith] 24 Show data context -
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 32 Show data context -
  Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier 89 Show data context 1 Show data context
  White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer 1 Show data context -
  Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker 14 Show data context -
  Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker 1 Show data context -
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 1,770 Show data context 122 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 34 Show data context 41 Show data context
  Pawnbroker 3 Show data context -
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 41 Show data context 16 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 3 Show data context -
  Contractor (undefined) 2 Show data context -
  General Labourer 878 Show data context 40 Show data context
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 38 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 46 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Apprentice (undefined) 10 Show data context -
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 707 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) 8 Show data context 11 Show data context
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 8 Show data context -
  Town Drainage Service 1 Show data context -
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 5 Show data context -
  Rag Gatherer, Dealer 2 Show data context -
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 83 Show data context 1,177 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 83 Show data context 1,177 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 67 Show data context 4,805 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] - 1 Show data context
  [Blank field, or illegible] 67 Show data context 4,804 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.)