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 Middlesex RegC	Edmonton RegD/PLU	Cheshunt Edmonton Enfield Hornsey Tottenham Waltham Abbey

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	929	53
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	2	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	335	41
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	136	2
Prison Service, &c.	2	1
Police	378	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	58	7
Other Local or County Official	15	1
East Indian and Colonial Service	3	1
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	116	6
Army Officer (effective/retired)	34	2
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	20	4
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	10	-
Army Pensioner	27	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	7	-
Seaman, R.N.	10	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	3	-
Navy Pensioner	5	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	1,753	1,426
Clergymen (Established Church)	51	-
Roman Catholic Priest	5	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	49	1
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	20	15
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	3
Theological Student	30	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	18	13
Barrister, Solicitor	157	-
Law Student	25	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	378	5
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	97	-
Dentist	31	3
Medical Student, Assistant	51	4
Midwife	-	4
Subordinate Medical Service	10	276
Schoolmaster	222	568
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	43	354
School Service, and others connected with teaching	13	8
Author, Editor, Journalist	46	10
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	30	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	9	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	4	4
Civil Engineer	65	-
Mining Engineer	3	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	48	-
Painter (artist)	63	16
Engraver (artist)	43	-
Sculptor	4	1
Architect	84	-
Musician, Music Master	64	107
Art Student	11	16
Photographer	44	15
Actor	11	2
Art, Music, Theatre Service	13	1
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	2	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	9	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	1,203	9,724
Domestic Coachman, Groom	289	4
Domestic Gardener	395	4
Domestic Indoor Servant	209	8,229
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	9	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	231	134
College, Club Service	5	2
Office Keeper (not Government)	8	6
Cook (not domestic)	9	5
Charwoman	1	319
Washing and Bathing Service	19	979
Hospital and Institution Service	27	42
Others engaged in Service	1	-
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	4,078	89
Merchant	171	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	372	2
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	84	1
Accountant	153	3
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	26	7
Commercial Traveller	443	2
Commercial Clerk	2,283	62
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	12	1
Banker	10	-
Bank Service	299	3
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	12	1
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	213	7
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	2,555	29
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	31	-
Railway Guard	40	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	4	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	716	3
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	1	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	25	1
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	287	2
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	679	1
Tramway Companies' Service	25	-
Inland Navigation Service	14	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	31	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	8	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	66	-
Ship Steward, Cook	7	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	25	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	246	5
Meter, Weigher	1	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	331	4
Telegraph, Telephone Service	18	13
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	3,144	96
Farmer, Grazier	163	6
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	45	-
Farm Bailiff	32	1
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	1,519	58
Shepherd	5	-
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	2	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	5	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	7	-
Woodman	7	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	263	9
Gardener (not domestic)	1,096	22
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	308	3
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	6	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	174	2
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	58	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	16	-
Drover	21	-
Gamekeeper	23	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	3	-
Vermin Destroyer	3	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	4	1
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	728	46
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	102	4
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	10	3
Bookbinder	66	29
Printer	448	6
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	36	4
Others	1	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	58	-
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	3	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	4	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	1,410	39
Engine, Machine Maker	97	1
Millwright	14	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	147	-
Boiler Maker	7	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	3	2
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	7	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	20	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	4	-
File Maker	3	1
Pencil Maker (Wood)	1	-
Domestic Implement Maker	2	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	157	6
Philosophical Instrument Maker	63	1
Electrical Apparatus Maker	26	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	11	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	10	3
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	667	14
Sword, Bayonet - Maker, Cutler	6	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	120	-
Type Cutter, Founder	17	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	8	1
Toy Maker, Dealer	6	9
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	6	-
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	7	1
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	5,902	96
Builder	416	-
Carpenter, Joiner	1,793	7
Bricklayer	1,377	4
Mason	204	1
Slater, Tiler	21	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	361	3
Paperhanger	49	-
Plumber	253	1
Painter, Glazier	802	2
Cabinet Maker	301	18
French Polisher	42	1
Furniture Broker, Dealer	29	2
Locksmith, Bellhanger	12	1
Gas Fitter	99	2
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	32	2
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	13	-
Wood Carver	14	-
Carver, Gilder	56	2
Dealer in Works of Art	9	1
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	1	1
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	4	-
Artificial Flower Maker	14	48
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	316	7
Coachmaker	113	1
Wheelwright	111	2
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Others	1	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	84	4
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	19	6
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	13	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	2	-
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	1	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	1	-
Sail Maker	2	6
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	314	51
Dye, Paint Manufacture	14	1
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	8	-
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	137	3
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	25	43
Chemist, Druggist	101	4
Manufacturing Chemist	23	-
Alkali Manufacture	1	-
Drysalter	5	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	72	21
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	64	16
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	8	5
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	2,654	281
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	231	39
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	3	37
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	41	17
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	2	-
Maltster	2	-
Brewer	56	1
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	93	18
Cellarman	44	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	72	4
Milkseller, Dairyman	187	10
Cheesemonger, Butterman	52	1
Butcher, Meat Salesman	392	10
Provision Curer, Dealer	44	7
Poulterer, Game Dealer	15	2
Fishmonger	102	5
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	93	4
Corn Miller	46	-
Baker	393	27
Confectioner, Pastrycook	59	37
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	188	14
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	3	-
Sugar Refiner	9	1
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	518	47
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	8	-
Others Dealing in Food	1	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	645	548
Woolstapler	5	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	10	1
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	6	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	21	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	26	10
Silk Dyer, Printer	7	1
Ribbon Manufacture	1	-
Crepe, Gauze Manufacture	20	57
Silk Merchant, Dealer	21	1
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	3	1
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	1	-
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	4	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	10	1
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	21	10
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	27	159
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Mat Maker, Seller	3	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	3	5
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	1	-
Weaver (undefined)	5	20
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	25	7
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	4	3
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	11	-
Manchester Warehouseman	22	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	349	225
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	17	18
Trimming Maker, Dealer	12	13
Embroiderer	5	16
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	880	1,762
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	30	3
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	7	5
Tailor	234	57
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	33	1,369
Shawl Manufacture	-	1
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	23	218
Hosiery Manufacture	4	2
Hosier, Haberdasher	45	53
Glover, Glove Maker	6	3
Button Maker, Dealer	2	-
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	394	39
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	63	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	33	6
Accoutrement Maker	4	1
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	2	5
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	200	57
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	2	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	4	-
Manure Manufacture	2	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	21	-
Comb Maker	2	-
Others	2	4
Furrier, Skinner	30	11
Tanner, Fellmonger	3	-
Currier	38	1
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	25	6
Parchment, Vellum - Maker, Dealer	3	1
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	12	1
Brush, Broom, Maker	49	19
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	7	14
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	940	179
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	15	1
Oil and Colourman	69	7
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	174	-
Japanner	11	1
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	161	80
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	5	6
Others	9	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	28	10
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	18	-
Thatcher	1	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	48	-
Sawyer	72	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	19	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	17	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	70	1
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	9	-
Others	5	-
Paper Manufacture	12	4
Envelope Maker	2	4
Stationer, Law Stationer	147	46
Card, Pattern Card Maker	6	-
Paper Stainer	21	1
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	15	17
Ticket, Label Writer	5	1
Others	1	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	1,721	42
Coal Miner	2	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	3	-
Mine Service	3	-
Coal Merchant	66	-
Coalheaver	67	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	1	-
Gas Works Service	82	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	23	1
Slate Worker, Dealer	3	-
Limeburner	6	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	1	-
Well Sinker, Borer	13	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	1	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	263	4
Paviour	4	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	5	-
Road Labourer	25	-
Platelayer	100	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	74	-
Others	4	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	50	2
Glass Manufacture	37	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	26	11
Waterworks Service	50	2
Others	2	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	174	4
Gold, Silver, Beater	8	2
Lapidary	3	-
Others	14	5
[Iron Manufacture]	56	2
[Steel Manufacture]	6	-
Blacksmith	234	1
Whitesmith	25	-
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	4	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	102	4
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	6	1
[Coppersmith]	5	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	50	-
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	23	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	4	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	11	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	59	2
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	1	1
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	8	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	5	-
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	2	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	7	-
Others	3	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	3,854	380
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	147	87
Pawnbroker	41	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	47	14
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	75	11
Contractor (undefined)	25	-
General Labourer	2,921	23
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	168	2
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	198	49
Apprentice (undefined)	22	3
Factory Labourer (undefined)	168	85
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	42	106
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	57	-
Town Drainage Service	6	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	44	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	3	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	4	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	873	3,322
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	873	3,322
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	900	23,147
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	34	9
[Blank field, or illegible]	866	23,138

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.)

JISC Portsmouth Back to top

• ©2009-2024 University of Portsmouth and others
• About this site
• Expert search
• Web design by Headscape