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 Wirral RegD/PLU	Birkenhead St Mary Ch/CP

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	191	10
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	31	9
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	33	1
Prison Service, &c.	2	-
Police	100	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	20	-
Other Local or County Official	5	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	77	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	13	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	4	-
Army Pensioner	9	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Seaman, R.N.	37	-
Navy Pensioner	12	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	252	289
Clergymen (Established Church)	13	-
Roman Catholic Priest	6	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	7	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	2	5
Theological Student	4	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	6	-
Barrister, Solicitor	10	-
Law Student	1	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	21	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	24	1
Dentist	6	-
Medical Student, Assistant	2	-
Midwife	-	6
Subordinate Medical Service	-	52
Schoolmaster	52	160
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	3	26
School Service, and others connected with teaching	2	-
Author, Editor, Journalist	6	1
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	1	-
Civil Engineer	22	-
Mining Engineer	1	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	5	-
Painter (artist)	8	6
Architect	16	-
Musician, Music Master	12	26
Art Student	2	-
Photographer	6	2
Actor	5	3
Art, Music, Theatre Service	1	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	2	1
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	6	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	338	2,603
Domestic Coachman, Groom	69	1
Domestic Gardener	108	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	49	2,061
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	3	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	97	55
College, Club Service	2	1
Office Keeper (not Government)	4	5
Cook (not domestic)	1	10
Charwoman	1	247
Washing and Bathing Service	1	204
Hospital and Institution Service	2	15
Others engaged in Service	1	4
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	835	24
Merchant	42	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	109	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	13	1
Accountant	24	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	8	6
Commercial Traveller	28	1
Commercial Clerk	554	15
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	3	-
Bank Service	16	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	1	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	37	1
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	3,570	21
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	30	-
Railway Guard	33	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	37	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	397	2
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	11	1
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	92	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	325	1
Tramway Companies' Service	7	-
Inland Navigation Service	2	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	183	1
Navigation Service (on shore)	11	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	973	1
Pilot	54	-
Ship Steward, Cook	91	9
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	1,043	2
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	40	-
Meter, Weigher	5	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	227	2
Telegraph, Telephone Service	9	2
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	154	12
Farmer, Grazier	6	1
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	1	-
Farm Bailiff	67	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	64	10
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	3	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	8	-
Gardener (not domestic)	5	1
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	83	1
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	2	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	51	1
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	9	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	3	-
Drover	3	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	1	-
Fisherman	13	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	88	21
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	7	6
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	4	1
Bookbinder	7	7
Printer	67	1
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	1	4
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	2	1
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	-	1
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	1,207	4
Engine, Machine Maker	200	1
Millwright	12	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	327	-
Boiler Maker	608	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	4	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	1	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	2	-
File Maker	5	1
Saw Maker	2	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	32	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	1	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	2	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	4	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	2	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	4	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	1	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	-	2
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,647	49
Builder	35	-
Carpenter, Joiner	552	2
Bricklayer	214	-
Mason	140	1
Slater, Tiler	25	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	86	1
Paperhanger	7	-
Plumber	143	1
Painter, Glazier	263	2
Cabinet Maker	68	31
French Polisher	20	-
Furniture Broker, Dealer	13	5
Locksmith, Bellhanger	2	-
Gas Fitter	43	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	12	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	2	1
Wood Carver	1	-
Carver, Gilder	18	5
Dealer in Works of Art	1	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	1	-
Artificial Flower Maker	1	-
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	124	-
Coachmaker	58	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	4	-
Wheelwright	34	-
Others	4	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	24	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	688	2
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	370	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	237	1
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	8	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	56	1
Sail Maker	17	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	43	3
Dye, Paint Manufacture	4	1
Chemist, Druggist	36	2
Manufacturing Chemist	2	-
Alkali Manufacture	1	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	11	22
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	11	22
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	952	249
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	110	15
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	-	45
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	12	3
Brewer	16	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	21	14
Cellarman	10	2
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	27	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	31	12
Cheesemonger, Butterman	2	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	212	11
Provision Curer, Dealer	74	17
Poulterer, Game Dealer	6	-
Fishmonger	15	4
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	24	1
Corn Miller	7	-
Baker	122	13
Confectioner, Pastrycook	21	45
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	30	26
Sugar Refiner	1	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	199	35
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	12	6
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	154	66
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	5	1
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	-	1
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	-	2
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	20	3
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	1	-
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	5	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	1	-
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	6	1
Felt Manufacture	1	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	3	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	108	53
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	3
Trimming Maker, Dealer	-	1
Embroiderer	-	1
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	417	906
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	3	2
Tailor	165	21
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	1	746
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	-	111
Hosiery Manufacture	-	1
Hosier, Haberdasher	2	1
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	188	21
Patten, Clog Maker	6	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	48	1
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	2	2
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	26	6
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	8	-
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	-	4
Manure Manufacture	2	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Others	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	2	1
Tanner, Fellmonger	4	-
Currier	3	-
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	1	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	2	1
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	2	-
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	135	22
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Oil and Colourman	5	1
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	1	-
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	2	2
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	3	1
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	4	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	18	4
Sawyer	46	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	1	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	4	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	21	1
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	7	-
Paper Manufacture	1	-
Stationer, Law Stationer	7	12
Card, Pattern Card Maker	-	1
Others	8	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	1,594	7
Coal Miner	8	-
Copper Miner	4	-
Lead Miner	2	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	9	1
Mine Service	1	-
Coal Merchant	49	-
Coalheaver	35	1
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	2	-
Gas Works Service	53	-
Stone Quarrier	30	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	7	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	2	-
Limeburner	1	-
Well Sinker, Borer	4	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	1	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	89	-
Paviour	16	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	15	-
Platelayer	15	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	32	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	2	-
Glass Manufacture	4	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	5	3
Salt Maker, Dealer	6	1
Waterworks Service	6	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	7	-
[Iron Manufacture]	775	-
Blacksmith	223	-
Whitesmith	28	-
Nail Manufacture	1	-
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	2	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	33	-
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	1	-
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	32	-
[Coppersmith]	18	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	20	1
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	8	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	38	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	1	-
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	7	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	2,457	152
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	58	89
Pawnbroker	35	2
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	16	21
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	74	3
Contractor (undefined)	5	-
General Labourer	1,744	7
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	311	1
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	93	11
Apprentice (undefined)	29	3
Factory Labourer (undefined)	71	2
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	21	13
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	26	1
Town Drainage Service	4	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	13	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	8	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	1	1
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	199	688
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	199	688
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	258	8,866
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	44	4
[Blank field, or illegible]	214	8,862

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.)