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 Lancashire RegC	Lancaster RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	146	14
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	51	4
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	26	1
Prison Service, &c.	12	6
Police	31	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	18	3
Other Local or County Official	8	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	224	2
Army Officer (effective/retired)	13	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	151	2
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	37	-
Army Pensioner	21	-
Seaman, R.N.	1	-
Navy Pensioner	1	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	342	259
Clergymen (Established Church)	30	-
Roman Catholic Priest	4	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	12	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	3	1
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	8
Theological Student	1	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	3	-
Barrister, Solicitor	38	-
Law Student	1	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	28	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	23	1
Dentist	11	-
Medical Student, Assistant	7	-
Midwife	-	1
Subordinate Medical Service	3	37
Schoolmaster	79	165
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	5	15
School Service, and others connected with teaching	3	2
Author, Editor, Journalist	11	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	2	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	1	-
Civil Engineer	11	-
Mining Engineer	1	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	14	-
Painter (artist)	10	6
Architect	10	-
Musician, Music Master	16	13
Art Student	2	2
Photographer	9	2
Actor	1	-
Art, Music, Theatre Service	1	6
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	2	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	305	2,345
Domestic Coachman, Groom	59	-
Domestic Gardener	75	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	58	2,065
Inn, Hotel Servant	32	44
College, Club Service	1	1
Office Keeper (not Government)	2	2
Cook (not domestic)	1	2
Charwoman	-	72
Washing and Bathing Service	7	99
Hospital and Institution Service	68	58
Others engaged in Service	2	2
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	261	10
Merchant	4	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	18	2
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	14	1
Accountant	12	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	1	3
Commercial Traveller	39	1
Commercial Clerk	133	3
Bank Service	21	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	19	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	846	11
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	114	1
Railway Guard	39	1
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	20	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	267	5
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	2	2
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	11	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	61	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	121	1
Inland Navigation Service	10	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	14	1
Seaman (Merchant Service)	47	-
Pilot	2	-
Ship Steward, Cook	1	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	53	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	27	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	48	-
Telegraph, Telephone Service	9	-
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	1,510	106
Farmer, Grazier	366	47
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	271	2
Farm Bailiff	14	1
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	736	50
Shepherd	1	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	1	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	2	-
Woodman	4	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	5	-
Gardener (not domestic)	110	6
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	296	12
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	5	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	55	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	4	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	4	-
Gamekeeper	22	5
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	1	-
Fisherman	205	7
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	100	6
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	12	3
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	1	1
Bookbinder	8	2
Printer	74	-
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	4	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	1	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	251	-
Engine, Machine Maker	34	-
Millwright	2	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	85	-
Boiler Maker	23	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	47	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	3	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	3	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	33	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	5	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	1	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	1	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	1	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	10	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	2	-
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	1	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,906	30
Builder	42	1
Carpenter, Joiner	491	1
Bricklayer	33	-
Mason	593	3
Slater, Tiler	22	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	92	-
Paperhanger	2	1
Plumber	99	1
Painter, Glazier	225	-
Cabinet Maker	226	22
French Polisher	36	-
Furniture Broker, Dealer	5	-
Locksmith, Bellhanger	-	1
Gas Fitter	9	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Wood Carver	23	-
Carver, Gilder	5	-
Dealer in Works of Art	1	-
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	223	1
Coachmaker	34	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	134	-
Wheelwright	25	-
Others	15	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	15	1
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	51	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	12	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	33	-
Sail Maker	6	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	84	2
Dye, Paint Manufacture	30	1
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	1	-
Chemist, Druggist	48	-
Manufacturing Chemist	5	1
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	18	3
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	12	3
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	6	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	637	335
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	96	25
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	18	152
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	7	2
Maltster	11	-
Brewer	38	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	11	2
Cellarman	2	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	12	1
Milkseller, Dairyman	2	-
Cheesemonger, Butterman	1	1
Butcher, Meat Salesman	108	4
Provision Curer, Dealer	8	7
Poulterer, Game Dealer	2	-
Fishmonger	13	8
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	26	1
Corn Miller	18	-
Baker	39	14
Confectioner, Pastrycook	13	37
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	13	7
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	189	74
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	10	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	977	1,270
Woolstapler	4	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	251	1
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	14	-
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	3	12
Blanket Manufacture	2	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	4	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	126	138
Silk Merchant, Dealer	2	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	336	966
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	24	-
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	4	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	1
Fustian Manufacturer, Dealer	1	1
Tape Manufacturer, Dealer	3	-
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	-	5
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	10	2
Mat Maker, Seller	67	16
Weaver (undefined)	2	74
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	12	1
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	13	17
Manchester Warehouseman	1	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	89	27
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	3	3
Trimming Maker, Dealer	1	-
Others	4	6
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	475	605
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	6	1
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	1
Tailor	213	17
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	2	521
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	-	36
Hosiery Manufacture	-	1
Hosier, Haberdasher	6	8
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	199	17
Patten, Clog Maker	29	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	18	1
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	2	1
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	-	1
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	64	1
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	4	-
Manure Manufacture	1	-
Others	2	-
Furrier, Skinner	5	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	13	-
Currier	15	1
Brush, Broom, Maker	24	-
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	131	6
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	34	-
Japanner	1	-
Others	5	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	7	2
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	9	-
Sawyer	34	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	3	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	12	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	12	-
Others	1	-
Paper Manufacture	2	-
Stationer, Law Stationer	5	4
Card, Pattern Card Maker	1	-
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	1	-
Others	2	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	1,113	9
Coal Miner	20	-
Ironstone Miner	12	-
Lead Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	4	-
Mine Service	1	-
Coal Merchant	27	-
Coalheaver	14	-
Gas Works Service	30	1
Stone Quarrier	107	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	4	-
Limeburner	3	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	10	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	19	-
Paviour	8	-
Road Labourer	3	-
Railway Contractor	4	-
Platelayer	34	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	106	1
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	4	-
Glass Manufacture	16	1
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	5	5
Waterworks Service	1	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	4	-
[Iron Manufacture]	326	-
[Steel Manufacture]	1	-
Blacksmith	229	-
Whitesmith	29	-
Nail Manufacture	4	-
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	1	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	35	1
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	36	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	1	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	6	-
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	1	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	1	-
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	6	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	1,080	111
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	15	33
Pawnbroker	5	4
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	51	29
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	15	2
Contractor (undefined)	7	-
General Labourer	854	3
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	51	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	45	18
Apprentice (undefined)	4	1
Factory Labourer (undefined)	30	16
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	3	5
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	5	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	5	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	371	2,152
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	371	2,152
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	79	4,489
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	9	2
[Blank field, or illegible]	70	4,487

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.)