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 Cheshire RegC	Chester RegD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	277	22
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	1	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	87	8
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	52	-
Prison Service, &c.	10	2
Police	83	1
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	35	11
Other Local or County Official	9	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	491	4
Army Officer (effective/retired)	32	3
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	277	1
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	157	-
Army Pensioner	20	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	3	-
Navy Pensioner	2	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	680	523
Clergymen (Established Church)	59	-
Roman Catholic Priest	12	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	32	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	9	5
Theological Student	2	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	10	3
Barrister, Solicitor	47	-
Law Student	1	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	110	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	30	-
Dentist	19	-
Medical Student, Assistant	15	1
Midwife	-	5
Subordinate Medical Service	3	92
Schoolmaster	154	317
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	14	56
School Service, and others connected with teaching	3	7
Author, Editor, Journalist	8	1
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	1	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	3	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	1	-
Civil Engineer	21	-
Mining Engineer	18	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	15	-
Painter (artist)	8	7
Engraver (artist)	1	-
Sculptor	3	-
Architect	25	-
Musician, Music Master	25	25
Art Student	3	-
Photographer	10	1
Actor	6	3
Art, Music, Theatre Service	3	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	1	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	8	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	803	5,128
Domestic Coachman, Groom	204	-
Domestic Gardener	282	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	200	4,336
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	5	4
Inn, Hotel Servant	75	85
College, Club Service	3	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	3	6
Cook (not domestic)	1	10
Charwoman	-	268
Washing and Bathing Service	2	372
Hospital and Institution Service	25	40
Others engaged in Service	3	7
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	692	29
Merchant	10	1
Broker, Agent, Factor	48	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	31	-
Accountant	40	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	2	5
Commercial Traveller	82	1
Commercial Clerk	413	19
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	2	1
Banker	4	1
Bank Service	36	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	1	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	23	1
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,512	35
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	172	1
Railway Guard	68	1
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	40	1
Other Railway Officials and Servants	475	15
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	3	2
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	31	2
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	71	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	181	-
Tramway Companies' Service	13	-
Inland Navigation Service	18	1
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	71	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	5	2
Seaman (Merchant Service)	94	1
Pilot	1	-
Ship Steward, Cook	3	1
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	19	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	19	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	203	3
Telegraph, Telephone Service	25	5
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	3,656	258
Farmer, Grazier	755	68
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	385	1
Farm Bailiff	37	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	2,128	137
Shepherd	20	-
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	7	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	5	-
Agricultural Student	2	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	1	-
Woodman	20	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	72	23
Gardener (not domestic)	224	29
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	270	3
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	3	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	119	2
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	9	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	27	-
Drover	6	-
Gamekeeper	50	-
Vermin Destroyer	5	-
Fisherman	51	1
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	168	24
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	30	4
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	1	1
Bookbinder	15	13
Printer	104	2
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	12	4
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	5	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	1	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	444	5
Engine, Machine Maker	69	2
Millwright	26	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	189	-
Boiler Maker	60	1
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	1	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	3	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	4	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	6	-
File Maker	1	-
Saw Maker	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	33	1
Philosophical Instrument Maker	2	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	5	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	2	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	1	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	7	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	32	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	1	1
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	1	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	2,143	46
Builder	63	1
Carpenter, Joiner	639	4
Bricklayer	442	2
Mason	198	-
Slater, Tiler	40	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	101	2
Paperhanger	7	-
Plumber	160	2
Painter, Glazier	255	3
Cabinet Maker	145	25
French Polisher	20	-
Furniture Broker, Dealer	12	6
Locksmith, Bellhanger	4	-
Gas Fitter	15	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	6	-
Wood Carver	10	-
Carver, Gilder	10	-
Dealer in Works of Art	7	-
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	2	-
Artificial Flower Maker	-	1
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	301	3
Coachmaker	80	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	35	-
Wheelwright	100	1
Others	38	1
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	48	1
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	98	1
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	40	1
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	48	-
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	1	-
Sail Maker	9	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	110	3
Dye, Paint Manufacture	1	-
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	1	-
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	1	-
Chemist, Druggist	58	2
Manufacturing Chemist	47	1
Alkali Manufacture	2	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	97	47
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	89	44
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	8	3
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	1,219	356
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	167	59
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	5	58
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	10	13
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	2	-
Maltster	7	-
Brewer	43	3
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	11	2
Cellarman	6	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	41	2
Milkseller, Dairyman	18	18
Cheesemonger, Butterman	13	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	205	15
Provision Curer, Dealer	40	29
Poulterer, Game Dealer	5	3
Fishmonger	15	13
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	37	1
Corn Miller	73	1
Baker	219	19
Confectioner, Pastrycook	54	31
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	27	21
Sugar Refiner	2	2
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	211	65
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	7	1
Others Dealing in Food	1	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	223	65
Woolstapler	2	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	2	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	4	1
Silk Dyer, Printer	2	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	11	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	6	5
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	4	-
Fustian Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	13	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	-	1
Weaver (undefined)	-	2
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	9	1
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	-	2
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	4	1
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	163	49
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	3
Others	1	-
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	871	1,230
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	5	1
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	5
Tailor	333	41
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	6	1,026
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	-	61
Hosiery Manufacture	1	1
Hosier, Haberdasher	17	5
Glover, Glove Maker	1	-
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	451	87
Patten, Clog Maker	10	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	40	1
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	7	1
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	-	1
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	90	3
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	9	2
Soap Boiler, Maker	1	-
Manure Manufacture	18	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	1	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	21	-
Currier	20	-
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	1	1
Brush, Broom, Maker	18	-
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	294	15
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	75	-
Oil and Colourman	2	1
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	8	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	23	-
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	4	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	19	-
Sawyer	45	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	4	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	64	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	7	1
Others	2	-
Paper Manufacture	10	4
Stationer, Law Stationer	24	8
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	-	1
Ticket, Label Writer	1	-
Others	6	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	3,012	60
Coal Miner	1,180	2
Ironstone Miner	3	-
Lead Miner	15	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	5	-
Mine Service	18	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	1	-
Coal Merchant	43	1
Coalheaver	24	-
Gas Works Service	27	-
Stone Quarrier	18	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	2	-
Slate Quarrier	8	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	6	-
Limeburner	5	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	1	2
Well Sinker, Borer	4	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	390	1
Paviour	8	1
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	4	-
Road Labourer	16	-
Railway Contractor	4	-
Platelayer	113	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	140	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	32	3
Glass Manufacture	3	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	12	8
Salt Maker, Dealer	6	2
Waterworks Service	4	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	14	6
[Iron Manufacture]	293	-
[Steel Manufacture]	1	-
Blacksmith	300	2
Whitesmith	27	-
Nail Manufacture	15	-
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	86	1
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	38	1
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	1	-
[Coppersmith]	3	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	25	1
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	90	29
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	4	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	20	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	2	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	1	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	2,339	237
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	62	98
Pawnbroker	15	1
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	63	51
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	31	4
Contractor (undefined)	4	-
General Labourer	1,799	13
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	199	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	118	20
Apprentice (undefined)	15	4
Factory Labourer (undefined)	31	3
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	2	43
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	14	1
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	11	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	2	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	1	1
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	625	3,047
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	625	3,047
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	177	9,887
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	17	7
[Blank field, or illegible]	160	9,880

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".

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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.)