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 Surrey RegC	Epsom RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	234	8
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	74	5
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	35	2
Police	107	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	7	1
Other Local or County Official	10	-
East Indian and Colonial Service	1	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	52	2
Army Officer (effective/retired)	21	2
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	13	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	4	-
Army Pensioner	8	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	5	-
Seaman, R.N.	1	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	451	448
Clergymen (Established Church)	36	-
Roman Catholic Priest	2	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	8	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	3	1
Theological Student	3	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	6	1
Barrister, Solicitor	62	-
Law Student	4	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	34	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	28	2
Dentist	9	-
Medical Student, Assistant	11	-
Midwife	-	3
Subordinate Medical Service	-	77
Schoolmaster	101	177
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	23	149
School Service, and others connected with teaching	2	9
Author, Editor, Journalist	10	2
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	2	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	3	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	1	1
Civil Engineer	15	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	10	-
Painter (artist)	13	6
Engraver (artist)	4	-
Sculptor	2	-
Architect	22	-
Musician, Music Master	15	17
Art Student	5	2
Photographer	5	1
Actor	3	-
Art, Music, Theatre Service	1	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	1	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	7	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	687	3,961
Domestic Coachman, Groom	175	-
Domestic Gardener	186	1
Domestic Indoor Servant	220	3,192
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	3	3
Inn, Hotel Servant	43	41
College, Club Service	1	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	1	1
Cook (not domestic)	-	15
Charwoman	-	102
Washing and Bathing Service	5	515
Hospital and Institution Service	52	86
Others engaged in Service	1	5
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	499	8
Merchant	42	1
Broker, Agent, Factor	84	1
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	13	-
Accountant	24	1
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	4	-
Commercial Traveller	13	-
Commercial Clerk	211	4
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	1	-
Banker	7	-
Bank Service	49	1
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	51	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	632	6
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	8	-
Railway Guard	9	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	113	1
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	1	2
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	14	1
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	145	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	226	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	1	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	6	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	14	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	7	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	12	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	67	-
Telegraph, Telephone Service	9	2
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	1,811	68
Farmer, Grazier	69	5
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	20	1
Farm Bailiff	44	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	971	53
Shepherd	33	1
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	2	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	2	-
Agricultural Student	2	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	1	-
Woodman	12	1
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	10	1
Gardener (not domestic)	645	6
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	344	3
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	1	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	277	2
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	22	1
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	2	-
Gamekeeper	38	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	4	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	51	9
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	13	4
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	-	1
Bookbinder	6	2
Printer	27	-
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	2	2
Others	1	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	2	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	76	2
Engine, Machine Maker	10	-
Millwright	16	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	10	-
Boiler Maker	2	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	20	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	3	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	1	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	3	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	8	1
Type Cutter, Founder	1	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	-	1
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	1	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,388	18
Builder	73	-
Carpenter, Joiner	435	4
Bricklayer	433	1
Mason	40	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	52	-
Paperhanger	6	-
Plumber	70	-
Painter, Glazier	213	-
Cabinet Maker	34	7
French Polisher	5	-
Furniture Broker, Dealer	4	1
Locksmith, Bellhanger	1	-
Gas Fitter	12	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	2	-
Wood Carver	2	-
Carver, Gilder	3	1
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	1	-
Artificial Flower Maker	-	4
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	111	1
Coachmaker	43	-
Wheelwright	34	1
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	34	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	3	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	1	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	1	-
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	1	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	24	3
Dye, Paint Manufacture	4	-
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	-	1
Chemist, Druggist	18	2
Manufacturing Chemist	2	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	7	2
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	6	2
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	1	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	778	85
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	81	17
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	-	21
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	7	1
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Maltster	4	-
Brewer	37	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	33	3
Cellarman	7	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	30	1
Milkseller, Dairyman	26	2
Cheesemonger, Butterman	2	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	119	2
Provision Curer, Dealer	4	-
Poulterer, Game Dealer	2	-
Fishmonger	29	-
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	32	-
Corn Miller	13	2
Baker	152	11
Confectioner, Pastrycook	6	5
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	29	4
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	-	1
Sugar Refiner	1	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	160	15
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	3	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	72	63
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	1	-
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	1	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	3	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	2	3
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	4	1
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	1	-
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	-	2
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Weaver (undefined)	1	3
Felt Manufacture	1	-
Manchester Warehouseman	1	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	49	45
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	5
Trimming Maker, Dealer	3	4
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	247	527
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	9	-
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	1
Tailor	80	19
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	-	389
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	1	108
Hosier, Haberdasher	7	1
Glover, Glove Maker	1	-
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	129	8
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	18	1
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	2	-
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	74	4
Soap Boiler, Maker	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	21	1
Tanner, Fellmonger	4	-
Currier	44	-
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	2	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	2	2
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	-	1
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	123	42
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Oil and Colourman	9	-
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	1	-
Others	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	6	2
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	7	-
Sawyer	27	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	6	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	3	1
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	11	-
Paper Manufacture	25	26
Envelope Maker	-	1
Stationer, Law Stationer	22	7
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	3	5
Others	1	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	435	5
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	1	-
Coal Merchant	14	-
Coalheaver	21	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	1	1
Gas Works Service	27	-
Stone Quarrier	2	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	1	1
Slate Worker, Dealer	1	-
Limeburner	5	-
Well Sinker, Borer	2	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	88	1
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	2	-
Road Labourer	7	-
Platelayer	17	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	26	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	8	-
Glass Manufacture	4	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	3	-
Waterworks Service	6	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	9	-
[Iron Manufacture]	5	-
Blacksmith	113	1
Whitesmith	31	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	26	1
[Coppersmith]	1	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	6	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	4	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	3	-
Others	1	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	1,338	66
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	30	20
Pawnbroker	6	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	46	19
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	11	-
Contractor (undefined)	5	-
General Labourer	1,143	6
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	26	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	66	16
Apprentice (undefined)	-	2
Factory Labourer (undefined)	4	-
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	1	3
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	19	2
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	16	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	2	2
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	1	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	361	1,676
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	361	1,676
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	365	5,213
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	5	1
[Blank field, or illegible]	360	5,212

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.)