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 Chorlton RegD/PLU	Gorton CP/Ch

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	104	23
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	14	5
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	12	-
Prison Service, &c.	36	18
Police	33	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	8	-
Other Local or County Official	1	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	12	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	2	-
Army Pensioner	10	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	180	135
Clergymen (Established Church)	4	-
Roman Catholic Priest	9	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	4	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	5	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	4	-
Barrister, Solicitor	3	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	31	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	12	-
Dentist	3	-
Medical Student, Assistant	5	-
Midwife	-	4
Subordinate Medical Service	3	24
Schoolmaster	26	82
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	3	11
School Service, and others connected with teaching	1	1
Author, Editor, Journalist	3	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	2	-
Civil Engineer	8	-
Mining Engineer	1	-
Painter (artist)	8	2
Architect	3	-
Musician, Music Master	27	7
Art Student	-	1
Photographer	5	-
Actor	1	1
Art, Music, Theatre Service	-	2
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	1	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	8	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	76	1,059
Domestic Coachman, Groom	9	-
Domestic Gardener	7	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	14	748
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	2	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	39	27
Office Keeper (not Government)	-	9
Cook (not domestic)	1	2
Charwoman	-	129
Washing and Bathing Service	1	143
Others engaged in Service	3	1
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	553	23
Merchant	5	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	34	2
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	12	-
Accountant	10	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	14	11
Commercial Traveller	89	-
Commercial Clerk	355	9
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	1	-
Bank Service	2	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	1	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	30	1
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,476	16
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	341	-
Railway Guard	77	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	29	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	304	4
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	4	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	108	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	206	2
Tramway Companies' Service	44	1
Inland Navigation Service	2	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	11	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	6	-
Ship Steward, Cook	1	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	1	1
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	214	5
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	118	1
Telegraph, Telephone Service	10	2
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	131	7
Farmer, Grazier	22	2
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	10	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	47	4
Gardener (not domestic)	52	1
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	105	1
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	1	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	88	1
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	10	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	2	-
Gamekeeper	1	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	3	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	75	6
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	4	-
Bookbinder	7	5
Printer	49	1
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	9	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	6	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	1,011	10
Engine, Machine Maker	177	3
Millwright	23	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	419	2
Boiler Maker	258	2
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	70	1
Tool Maker, Dealer	12	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	3	-
File Maker	9	-
Saw Maker	6	-
Domestic Implement Maker	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	11	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	2	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	5	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	1	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	1	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	5	-
Type Cutter, Founder	3	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	1	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	2	2
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	2	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,002	31
Builder	11	-
Carpenter, Joiner	298	3
Bricklayer	196	-
Mason	126	-
Slater, Tiler	13	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	41	-
Paperhanger	3	-
Plumber	56	-
Painter, Glazier	173	2
Cabinet Maker	43	9
French Polisher	7	3
Furniture Broker, Dealer	3	2
Locksmith, Bellhanger	1	-
Gas Fitter	13	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	2	2
Wood Carver	4	-
Carver, Gilder	6	1
Dealer in Works of Art	2	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	1	-
Artificial Flower Maker	1	9
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	182	3
Coachmaker	60	3
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	65	-
Wheelwright	33	-
Others	13	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	11	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	8	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	6	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	1	-
Sail Maker	1	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	56	6
Dye, Paint Manufacture	5	2
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	2	1
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	7	-
Chemist, Druggist	21	-
Manufacturing Chemist	21	1
Drysalter	-	2
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	6	6
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	6	5
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	-	1
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	482	127
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	23	6
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	-	16
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	1	3
Brewer	24	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	44	15
Cellarman	5	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	5	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	18	1
Cheesemonger, Butterman	1	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	73	3
Provision Curer, Dealer	39	22
Poulterer, Game Dealer	3	-
Fishmonger	12	1
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Corn Miller	3	1
Baker	74	17
Confectioner, Pastrycook	12	22
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	27	4
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	1	-
Sugar Refiner	1	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	110	15
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	5	1
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	510	1,194
Woolstapler	1	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	5	1
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	2	3
Flannel Manufacture	2	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	2	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	10	20
Silk Dyer, Printer	2	-
Ribbon Manufacture	1	-
Crepe, Gauze Manufacture	-	2
Silk Merchant, Dealer	8	1
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	216	905
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	58	11
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	22	1
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	4	1
Fustian Manufacturer, Dealer	9	12
Thread Manufacturer, Dealer	3	-
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	11	-
Mat Maker, Seller	1	-
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	1	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Weaver (undefined)	2	48
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	54	5
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	26	101
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	3	5
Manchester Warehouseman	12	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	50	35
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	2
Trimming Maker, Dealer	1	9
Embroiderer	-	13
Others	2	19
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	324	713
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	75	96
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	1
Tailor	86	26
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	6	401
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	2	173
Hosiery Manufacture	1	-
Hosier, Haberdasher	4	1
Button Maker, Dealer	7	2
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	100	11
Patten, Clog Maker	25	1
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	12	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	5	1
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	1	-
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	41	16
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	2	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	4	-
Manure Manufacture	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	1	-
Currier	19	3
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	4	2
Brush, Broom, Maker	10	3
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	-	8
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	191	67
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	10	3
Oil and Colourman	1	-
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	3	-
Japanner	1	7
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	9	4
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	11	2
Others	2	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	3	-
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	1	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	12	-
Sawyer	26	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	4	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	6	1
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	12	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Paper Manufacture	27	17
Envelope Maker	-	1
Stationer, Law Stationer	15	-
Card, Pattern Card Maker	14	-
Paper Stainer	27	11
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	3	17
Ticket, Label Writer	1	4
Others	2	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	1,613	19
Coal Miner	11	-
Lead Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	1	-
Mine Service	1	-
Coal Merchant	23	3
Coalheaver	11	-
Gas Works Service	12	-
Stone Quarrier	1	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	3	-
Slate Quarrier	1	-
Limeburner	1	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	66	1
Paviour	25	-
Road Labourer	7	-
Railway Contractor	1	-
Platelayer	27	1
Railway Labourer, Navvy	70	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	3	1
Glass Manufacture	9	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	2	1
Waterworks Service	5	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	8	-
[Iron Manufacture]	958	5
[Steel Manufacture]	7	-
Blacksmith	199	1
Whitesmith	8	-
Nail Manufacture	4	1
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	2	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	9	5
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	6	-
[Coppersmith]	7	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	40	-
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	4	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	28	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	26	-
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	21	-
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	2	-
Others	1	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	1,228	367
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	18	55
Pawnbroker	18	5
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	39	24
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	16	2
Contractor (undefined)	3	-
General Labourer	742	6
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	109	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	159	22
Apprentice (undefined)	13	1
Factory Labourer (undefined)	100	70
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	11	182
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	16	-
Town Drainage Service	5	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	4	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	5	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	2	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	89	914
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	89	914
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	95	4,428
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	9	7
[Blank field, or illegible]	86	4,421

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.)