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 Hampshire RegC	the Isle of Wight RegD/PLU/Inc

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	346	32
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	3	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	65	16
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	56	5
Prison Service, &c.	98	-
Police	66	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	33	10
Other Local or County Official	20	1
East Indian and Colonial Service	5	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	1,244	6
Army Officer (effective/retired)	108	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	770	1
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	39	-
Army Pensioner	34	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	31	-
Seaman, R.N.	181	5
Royal Marines (officers/men)	8	-
Navy Pensioner	73	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	740	679
Clergymen (Established Church)	75	-
Roman Catholic Priest	3	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	35	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	13	5
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	26
Theological Student	2	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	12	3
Barrister, Solicitor	55	-
Law Student	5	2
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	67	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	63	-
Dentist	14	-
Medical Student, Assistant	10	-
Midwife	-	7
Subordinate Medical Service	7	97
Schoolmaster	142	345
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	27	125
School Service, and others connected with teaching	6	1
Author, Editor, Journalist	10	3
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	1	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	3	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	2	2
Civil Engineer	18	-
Mining Engineer	1	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	15	-
Painter (artist)	17	9
Sculptor	1	-
Architect	28	-
Musician, Music Master	29	29
Art Student	11	5
Photographer	51	17
Actor	5	3
Art, Music, Theatre Service	2	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	1	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	9	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	887	6,014
Domestic Coachman, Groom	195	-
Domestic Gardener	257	1
Domestic Indoor Servant	292	4,978
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	1	1
Inn, Hotel Servant	118	94
Office Keeper (not Government)	2	5
Cook (not domestic)	9	19
Charwoman	-	134
Washing and Bathing Service	5	760
Hospital and Institution Service	2	22
Others engaged in Service	6	-
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	406	17
Merchant	23	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	22	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	28	2
Accountant	27	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	3	-
Commercial Traveller	39	2
Commercial Clerk	199	12
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	2	-
Banker	2	-
Bank Service	40	1
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	21	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	2,051	19
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	22	-
Railway Guard	8	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	2	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	135	3
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	7	4
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	27	1
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	185	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	202	1
Tramway Companies' Service	1	-
Wheel Chair Proprietor, Attendant &c.	7	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	28	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	10	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	1,033	2
Pilot	31	-
Ship Steward, Cook	67	1
Boatman on Seas	25	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	25	3
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	9	-
Meter, Weigher	3	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	218	2
Telegraph, Telephone Service	6	2
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	2,740	92
Farmer, Grazier	286	24
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	134	1
Farm Bailiff	58	1
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	1,562	61
Shepherd	82	-
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	1	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	3	1
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	3	-
Woodman	36	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	18	2
Gardener (not domestic)	557	2
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	276	4
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	2	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	103	2
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	12	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	18	-
Drover	5	-
Gamekeeper	19	1
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	3	-
Fisherman	114	1
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	162	17
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	22	8
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	4	-
Bookbinder	16	4
Printer	111	-
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	7	5
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	1	-
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	1	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	196	9
Engine, Machine Maker	42	-
Millwright	10	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	41	-
Boiler Maker	19	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	1	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	1	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	1	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	2	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	60	2
Philosophical Instrument Maker	1	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	1	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	7	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	6	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	1	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	3	7
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	2,465	29
Builder	132	3
Carpenter, Joiner	823	2
Bricklayer	412	1
Mason	363	1
Slater, Tiler	1	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	37	-
Paperhanger	12	-
Plumber	81	-
Painter, Glazier	383	3
Cabinet Maker	138	17
French Polisher	16	-
Furniture Broker, Dealer	14	-
Locksmith, Bellhanger	5	-
Gas Fitter	26	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	3	-
Wood Carver	1	-
Carver, Gilder	12	1
Dealer in Works of Art	-	1
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	4	-
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	158	1
Coachmaker	75	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	1	-
Wheelwright	29	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	53	1
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	348	1
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	134	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	155	1
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	16	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	2	-
Sail Maker	41	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	73	6
Dye, Paint Manufacture	2	2
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	1	-
Chemist, Druggist	68	4
Manufacturing Chemist	2	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	12	2
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	10	2
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	2	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	1,614	511
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	211	43
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	64	313
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	14	13
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Maltster	14	-
Brewer	79	3
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	3	6
Cellarman	17	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	28	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	126	17
Butcher, Meat Salesman	220	6
Provision Curer, Dealer	7	-
Poulterer, Game Dealer	7	-
Fishmonger	48	2
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	26	1
Corn Miller	21	-
Baker	303	30
Confectioner, Pastrycook	21	13
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	56	18
Sugar Refiner	2	1
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	333	45
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	13	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	238	139
Woolstapler	4	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	3	1
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	-	1
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	3	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	2	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	7	1
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	1	-
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	4	7
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	15	-
Mat Maker, Seller	3	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	2	-
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	17	4
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	169	103
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	6	22
Embroiderer	1	-
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	711	1,241
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	3	2
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	9
Tailor	328	52
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	1	1,034
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	1	119
Hosier, Haberdasher	9	1
Glover, Glove Maker	1	1
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	328	12
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	34	3
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	5	5
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	1	3
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	26	3
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	3	-
Manure Manufacture	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	1	2
Tanner, Fellmonger	10	1
Currier	7	-
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	1	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	3	-
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	181	20
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	-	1
Oil and Colourman	5	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	12	1
Thatcher	5	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	19	-
Sawyer	67	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	6	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	5	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	26	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	6	-
Paper Manufacture	4	-
Stationer, Law Stationer	19	18
Others	5	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	973	16
Coal Miner	28	-
Copper Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	1	-
Mine Service	3	-
Coal Merchant	50	1
Coalheaver	21	-
Gas Works Service	25	-
Stone Quarrier	11	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	4	-
Limeburner	10	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	1	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	52	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	131	3
Paviour	3	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	2	-
Road Labourer	5	1
Platelayer	20	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	64	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	2	-
Glass Manufacture	2	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	20	5
Waterworks Service	4	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	19	3
Lapidary	3	-
[Iron Manufacture]	46	-
[Steel Manufacture]	1	-
Blacksmith	266	2
Whitesmith	49	-
Nail Manufacture	1	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	71	1
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	1	-
[Coppersmith]	12	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	22	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	22	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	2,547	132
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	65	48
Pawnbroker	4	1
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	40	21
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	70	1
Contractor (undefined)	8	-
General Labourer	2,107	10
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	109	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	100	33
Apprentice (undefined)	34	9
Factory Labourer (undefined)	9	-
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	1	9
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	32	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	27	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	4	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	1	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	575	3,318
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	575	3,318
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	424	10,279
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	13	4
[Blank field, or illegible]	411	10,275

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.)