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 Holborn RegD/PLU Old Street SubD
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 108 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 15 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 20 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Prison Service, &c. 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Police 66 Show data context -
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 4 Show data context -
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 5 Show data context -
  Soldier and Non-commissioned officer 1 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 4 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 68 Show data context 51 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 3 Show data context -
  Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher - 1 Show data context
  Nun, Sister of Charity - 4 Show data context
  Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Barrister, Solicitor 1 Show data context -
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 11 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 6 Show data context -
  Dentist 1 Show data context -
  Medical Student, Assistant 3 Show data context -
  Subordinate Medical Service 1 Show data context 16 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 3 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer 1 Show data context 7 Show data context
  School Service, and others connected with teaching 1 Show data context -
  Author, Editor, Journalist 1 Show data context -
  Reporter, Short-hand Writer 3 Show data context -
  Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits 1 Show data context -
  Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c. 1 Show data context -
  Civil Engineer 2 Show data context -
  Land, House, Ship, Surveyor 1 Show data context -
  Painter (artist) 5 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Engraver (artist) 2 Show data context -
  Architect 1 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 3 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Photographer 6 Show data context -
  Actor 3 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Art, Music, Theatre Service 1 Show data context -
  Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service 1 Show data context -
  Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 100 Show data context 403 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 12 Show data context -
  Domestic Indoor Servant 6 Show data context 237 Show data context
  Inn, Hotel Servant 70 Show data context 17 Show data context
  Office Keeper (not Government) 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Cook (not domestic) 2 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Charwoman - 39 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service 7 Show data context 98 Show data context
  Hospital and Institution Service - 9 Show data context
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 172 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Merchant 1 Show data context -
  Broker, Agent, Factor 10 Show data context -
  Accountant 1 Show data context -
  Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified) 6 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Commercial Traveller 41 Show data context -
  Commercial Clerk 111 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 2 Show data context -
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 426 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Railway Guard 1 Show data context -
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 19 Show data context -
  Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper 6 Show data context -
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 34 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 159 Show data context -
  Tramway Companies' Service 1 Show data context -
  Inland Navigation Service 1 Show data context -
  Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman 1 Show data context -
  Seaman (Merchant Service) 6 Show data context -
  Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service 4 Show data context -
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 44 Show data context -
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 147 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Telegraph, Telephone Service 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 8 Show data context 12 Show data context
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 4 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist - 10 Show data context
  Gardener (not domestic) 4 Show data context -
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 28 Show data context -
  Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 17 Show data context -
  Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier 6 Show data context -
  Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman 1 Show data context -
  Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c. 2 Show data context -
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 286 Show data context 117 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 12 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Bookbinder 66 Show data context 112 Show data context
  Printer 183 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper 5 Show data context -
  Others 1 Show data context -
  Lithographer, Lithographic Printer 15 Show data context -
  Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer 2 Show data context -
  Map and Print - Colourer, Seller 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 337 Show data context 14 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 31 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Millwright 1 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 30 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker 1 Show data context -
  Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Tool Maker, Dealer 7 Show data context -
  Cutler, Scissors Maker 1 Show data context -
  File Maker 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Saw Maker 3 Show data context -
  Steel Pen Maker 1 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 153 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Philosophical Instrument Maker 21 Show data context -
  Electrical Apparatus Maker 10 Show data context -
  Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker 18 Show data context -
  Surgical Instrument Maker 5 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Sword, Bayonet - Maker, Cutler 1 Show data context -
  Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer 13 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Type Cutter, Founder 27 Show data context -
  Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker 5 Show data context -
  Toy Maker, Dealer 3 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer 4 Show data context -
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 390 Show data context 97 Show data context
  Builder 8 Show data context -
  Carpenter, Joiner 81 Show data context -
  Bricklayer 36 Show data context -
  Mason 21 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Slater, Tiler 2 Show data context -
  Paperhanger 3 Show data context -
  Plumber 15 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Painter, Glazier 54 Show data context -
  Cabinet Maker 65 Show data context 12 Show data context
  French Polisher 19 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Furniture Broker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Locksmith, Bellhanger 6 Show data context -
  Gas Fitter 14 Show data context -
  House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer 7 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker 1 Show data context -
  Wood Carver 2 Show data context -
  Carver, Gilder 39 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Artificial Flower Maker 15 Show data context 77 Show data context
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 40 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Coachmaker 25 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Wheelwright 7 Show data context -
  Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 7 Show data context 8 Show data context
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS. 3 Show data context -
  Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker 2 Show data context -
  Sail Maker 1 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 16 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Dye, Paint Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture 3 Show data context -
  Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture - 3 Show data context
  Chemist, Druggist 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Manufacturing Chemist 4 Show data context 2 Show data context
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES. 24 Show data context 12 Show data context
  Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist 16 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker 8 Show data context 2 Show data context
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 224 Show data context 22 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 23 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper - 1 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 14 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Brewer 6 Show data context -
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 6 Show data context -
  Cellarman 4 Show data context -
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 3 Show data context -
  Milkseller, Dairyman 12 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Cheesemonger, Butterman 10 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 47 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Provision Curer, Dealer 6 Show data context -
  Poulterer, Game Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Fishmonger 6 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Corn Miller 1 Show data context -
  Baker 33 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 15 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 14 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 16 Show data context -
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 66 Show data context 58 Show data context
  Woolstapler 1 Show data context -
  Woollen Cloth Manufacture 19 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture 5 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Crepe, Gauze Manufacture - 2 Show data context
  Silk Merchant, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture 3 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Lace Manufacturer, Dealer 1 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Mat Maker, Seller 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Weaver (undefined) 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined) 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Factory Hand (textile, undefined) 2 Show data context -
  Carpet, Rug Manufacture 4 Show data context -
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 9 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 7 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Trimming Maker, Dealer 4 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Embroiderer - 3 Show data context
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 176 Show data context 422 Show data context
  Hatter, Hat Manufacture 17 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture - 7 Show data context
  Tailor 50 Show data context 32 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker 6 Show data context 242 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress 5 Show data context 56 Show data context
  Hosier, Haberdasher 7 Show data context 47 Show data context
  Glover, Glove Maker - 2 Show data context
  Button Maker, Dealer 5 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 56 Show data context 14 Show data context
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 10 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer 19 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Old Clothes Dealer, and others 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES. 96 Show data context 87 Show data context
  Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Soap Boiler, Maker 3 Show data context -
  Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Furrier, Skinner 23 Show data context 33 Show data context
  Tanner, Fellmonger 1 Show data context -
  Currier 19 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer 30 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Brush, Broom, Maker 9 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer 2 Show data context 30 Show data context
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 148 Show data context 142 Show data context
  Oil and Colourman 13 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Japanner 3 Show data context -
  India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Others 1 Show data context -
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 5 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 6 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Sawyer 9 Show data context -
  Wood Turner, Box Maker 14 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 9 Show data context -
  Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Paper Manufacture 7 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Envelope Maker 3 Show data context 20 Show data context
  Stationer, Law Stationer 34 Show data context 12 Show data context
  Card, Pattern Card Maker 3 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Paper Stainer 11 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker 24 Show data context 80 Show data context
  Ticket, Label Writer - 4 Show data context
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 377 Show data context 30 Show data context
  Coal Miner - 1 Show data context
  Lead Miner 1 Show data context -
  Coal Merchant 2 Show data context -
  Coalheaver 4 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 2 Show data context -
  Stone Quarrier 1 Show data context -
  Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer - 2 Show data context
  Paviour 1 Show data context -
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 1 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Glass Manufacture 18 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Salt Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller 119 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Gold, Silver, Beater 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Lapidary 4 Show data context -
  Others 11 Show data context 3 Show data context
  [Iron Manufacture] 25 Show data context 1 Show data context
  [Steel Manufacture] 1 Show data context -
  Blacksmith 25 Show data context -
  Whitesmith 3 Show data context -
  Anchor, Chain Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 4 Show data context -
  Other Iron and Steel Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  [Coppersmith] 6 Show data context -
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 26 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer 6 Show data context -
  Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier 69 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer 4 Show data context 11 Show data context
  White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer 16 Show data context -
  Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer 10 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker 2 Show data context -
  Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker 2 Show data context -
  Others - 1 Show data context
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 288 Show data context 123 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 31 Show data context 25 Show data context
  Pawnbroker 3 Show data context -
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 9 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Contractor (undefined) 1 Show data context -
  General Labourer 118 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 28 Show data context -
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 57 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Apprentice (undefined) 5 Show data context -
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 28 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) 4 Show data context 77 Show data context
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 2 Show data context -
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 1 Show data context -
  Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper 1 Show data context -
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 40 Show data context 224 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 40 Show data context 224 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 43 Show data context 1,729 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] 4 Show data context 5 Show data context
  [Blank field, or illegible] 39 Show data context 1,724 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.)