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 Lancashire RegC	Blackburn RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	297	4
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	1	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	39	1
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	35	2
Police	150	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	56	1
Other Local or County Official	15	-
East Indian and Colonial Service	1	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	38	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	12	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	4	-
Army Pensioner	18	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Seaman, R.N.	1	-
Navy Pensioner	1	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	830	590
Clergymen (Established Church)	46	-
Roman Catholic Priest	17	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	31	1
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	6	4
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	3
Theological Student	1	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	35	-
Barrister, Solicitor	37	-
Law Student	1	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	100	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	54	1
Dentist	9	-
Medical Student, Assistant	19	-
Midwife	-	4
Subordinate Medical Service	17	73
Schoolmaster	228	422
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	2	34
School Service, and others connected with teaching	7	2
Author, Editor, Journalist	13	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	4	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	2	-
Civil Engineer	17	-
Mining Engineer	4	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	20	-
Painter (artist)	7	2
Engraver (artist)	4	-
Sculptor	2	-
Architect	28	1
Musician, Music Master	57	20
Art Student	2	-
Photographer	25	5
Actor	17	11
Art, Music, Theatre Service	2	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	6	6
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	10	1
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	304	7,037
Domestic Coachman, Groom	58	-
Domestic Gardener	57	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	94	6,433
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	2	2
Inn, Hotel Servant	61	120
College, Club Service	20	6
Office Keeper (not Government)	7	9
Cook (not domestic)	-	3
Charwoman	3	249
Washing and Bathing Service	2	194
Hospital and Institution Service	-	19
Others engaged in Service	-	2
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	1,414	37
Merchant	3	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	124	7
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	57	1
Accountant	30	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	3	11
Commercial Traveller	155	2
Commercial Clerk	824	15
Bank Service	37	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	2	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	179	1
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	2,056	18
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	80	1
Railway Guard	38	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	67	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	363	2
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	2	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	9	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	130	1
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	1,017	3
Tramway Companies' Service	1	-
Inland Navigation Service	5	1
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	22	1
Seaman (Merchant Service)	22	-
Ship Steward, Cook	1	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	3	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	135	3
Meter, Weigher	1	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	147	3
Telegraph, Telephone Service	13	3
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	1,458	112
Farmer, Grazier	618	40
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	174	-
Farm Bailiff	21	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	494	72
Shepherd	4	-
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	4	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	1	-
Woodman	3	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	4	-
Gardener (not domestic)	135	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	116	1
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	1	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	78	1
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	7	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	7	-
Gamekeeper	17	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	3	-
Fisherman	2	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	241	21
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	18	3
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	6	2
Bookbinder	28	5
Printer	152	2
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	27	9
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	9	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	1	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	1,442	18
Engine, Machine Maker	247	3
Millwright	80	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	241	-
Boiler Maker	83	1
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	645	10
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	1	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	5	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	5	-
File Maker	4	-
Saw Maker	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	63	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	1	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	4	1
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	19	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	2	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	1	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	9	-
Type Cutter, Founder	22	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	1	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	3	3
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	3	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	3,699	41
Builder	85	-
Carpenter, Joiner	1,069	7
Bricklayer	303	2
Mason	1,015	2
Slater, Tiler	22	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	206	-
Paperhanger	7	1
Plumber	198	1
Painter, Glazier	429	-
Cabinet Maker	247	16
French Polisher	24	5
Furniture Broker, Dealer	24	4
Locksmith, Bellhanger	2	-
Gas Fitter	15	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	5	-
Wood Carver	7	-
Carver, Gilder	23	1
Dealer in Works of Art	7	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	1	-
Artificial Flower Maker	3	2
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	209	-
Coachmaker	38	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	1	-
Wheelwright	123	-
Others	1	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	46	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	10	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	7	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	3	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	242	8
Dye, Paint Manufacture	23	1
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	3	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	3	1
Chemist, Druggist	85	4
Manufacturing Chemist	121	2
Drysalter	7	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	25	10
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	22	10
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	3	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	2,552	794
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	310	83
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	13	59
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	10	5
Maltster	5	-
Brewer	127	1
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	145	40
Cellarman	15	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	17	1
Milkseller, Dairyman	5	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	355	28
Provision Curer, Dealer	92	27
Poulterer, Game Dealer	4	1
Fishmonger	125	9
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	11	-
Corn Miller	155	-
Baker	137	29
Confectioner, Pastrycook	98	247
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	108	29
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	3	1
Sugar Refiner	1	1
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	785	230
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	31	3
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	19,652	28,855
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	59	6
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	1	7
Flannel Manufacture	1	-
Fuller	1	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	15	2
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	2	8
Silk Dyer, Printer	2	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	3	1
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	17,911	28,189
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	191	22
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	156	3
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	-	24
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	1	1
Fustian Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Tape Manufacturer, Dealer	241	3
Thread Manufacturer, Dealer	1	-
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	52	1
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	1	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	1	1
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	-	1
Weaver (undefined)	73	169
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	276	24
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	276	134
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	6	17
Manchester Warehouseman	1	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	329	123
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	3	91
Others	49	27
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	1,331	1,547
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	24	5
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	1	2
Tailor	499	61
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	14	1,324
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	1	88
Hosiery Manufacture	4	24
Hosier, Haberdasher	7	2
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	378	27
Patten, Clog Maker	305	1
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	91	2
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	3	4
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	4	7
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	186	5
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	19	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	19	-
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	4	-
Manure Manufacture	2	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	5	-
Others	3	-
Furrier, Skinner	2	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	14	-
Currier	30	1
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	12	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	76	2
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	-	2
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	1,006	227
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	8	-
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	13	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	4	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	9	4
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	11	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	8	-
Sawyer	76	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	5	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	73	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	48	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	27	1
Paper Manufacture	539	189
Stationer, Law Stationer	18	8
Paper Stainer	158	1
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	2	24
Ticket, Label Writer	2	-
Others	5	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	5,060	24
Coal Miner	1,353	3
Ironstone Miner	1	-
Copper Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	10	-
Mine Service	19	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	2	-
Coal Merchant	164	-
Coalheaver	72	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	10	-
Gas Works Service	103	2
Stone Quarrier	434	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	25	1
Slate Quarrier	1	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	6	-
Limeburner	4	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	3	-
Well Sinker, Borer	1	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	3	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	263	-
Paviour	185	2
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	3	-
Road Labourer	42	-
Railway Contractor	4	-
Platelayer	66	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	145	-
Others	2	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	60	1
Glass Manufacture	3	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	20	4
Salt Maker, Dealer	3	-
Waterworks Service	23	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	10	1
Others	1	-
[Iron Manufacture]	1,215	1
[Steel Manufacture]	2	-
Blacksmith	470	2
Whitesmith	22	-
Nail Manufacture	5	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	76	5
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	5	-
[Coppersmith]	7	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	129	1
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	2	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	42	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	15	1
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	26	-
Others	1	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	4,622	243
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	98	74
Pawnbroker	50	6
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	173	70
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	202	5
Contractor (undefined)	19	1
General Labourer	3,096	9
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	580	2
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	268	12
Apprentice (undefined)	16	4
Factory Labourer (undefined)	112	14
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	8	46
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	80	2
Town Drainage Service	23	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	23	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	17	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	17	2
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	297	3,815
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	297	3,815
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	309	11,404
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	40	2
[Blank field, or illegible]	269	11,402

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.)