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 Wolverhampton RegD	Wolverhampton Tn/AP/CP/Ch

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	198	18
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	54	7
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	28	1
Police	76	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	27	10
Other Local or County Official	13	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	32	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	3	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	13	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	5	-
Army Pensioner	9	-
Seaman, R.N.	1	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	1	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	452	465
Clergymen (Established Church)	28	-
Roman Catholic Priest	7	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	12	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	4	2
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	28
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	3	2
Barrister, Solicitor	29	-
Law Student	5	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	61	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	28	1
Dentist	12	1
Medical Student, Assistant	9	-
Midwife	-	4
Subordinate Medical Service	9	37
Schoolmaster	102	271
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	3	65
School Service, and others connected with teaching	4	1
Author, Editor, Journalist	12	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	5	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	3	1
Civil Engineer	19	-
Mining Engineer	2	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	4	-
Painter (artist)	13	1
Engraver (artist)	2	-
Sculptor	2	-
Architect	10	-
Musician, Music Master	26	30
Art Student	2	2
Photographer	14	8
Actor	11	10
Art, Music, Theatre Service	2	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	2	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	7	1
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	270	3,432
Domestic Coachman, Groom	99	2
Domestic Gardener	40	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	46	2,792
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	3	2
Inn, Hotel Servant	69	94
College, Club Service	3	2
Office Keeper (not Government)	3	14
Cook (not domestic)	-	1
Charwoman	-	240
Washing and Bathing Service	2	257
Hospital and Institution Service	3	28
Others engaged in Service	2	-
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	1,027	28
Merchant	8	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	90	3
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	20	-
Accountant	22	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	3	5
Commercial Traveller	105	1
Commercial Clerk	699	15
Bank Service	28	1
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	6	1
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	46	2
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,763	141
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	197	-
Railway Guard	82	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	33	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	458	2
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	7	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	72	1
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	359	7
Tramway Companies' Service	21	-
Inland Navigation Service	12	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	210	10
Seaman (Merchant Service)	3	-
Ship Steward, Cook	1	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	6	1
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	85	111
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	207	8
Telegraph, Telephone Service	10	1
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	209	25
Farmer, Grazier	15	3
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	4	-
Farm Bailiff	5	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	130	21
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	3	-
Woodman	1	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	10	-
Gardener (not domestic)	41	1
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	153	2
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	17	1
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	90	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	9	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	11	-
Drover	21	-
Gamekeeper	1	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	1	-
Fisherman	1	1
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	2	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	236	56
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	16	3
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	2	1
Bookbinder	23	36
Printer	170	9
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	9	7
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	14	-
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	2	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	1,558	47
Engine, Machine Maker	180	5
Millwright	17	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	477	-
Boiler Maker	116	1
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	1	1
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	50	1
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	59	2
Tool Maker, Dealer	353	5
Cutler, Scissors Maker	1	-
File Maker	70	1
Saw Maker	3	-
Domestic Implement Maker	32	12
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	31	4
Philosophical Instrument Maker	92	7
Electrical Apparatus Maker	5	1
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	17	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	2	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	35	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	4	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	8	4
Toy Maker, Dealer	3	3
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	2	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	2,912	124
Builder	70	-
Carpenter, Joiner	404	-
Bricklayer	412	6
Mason	86	2
Slater, Tiler	12	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	52	-
Paperhanger	11	1
Plumber	54	-
Painter, Glazier	291	9
Cabinet Maker	145	19
French Polisher	22	34
Furniture Broker, Dealer	16	3
Locksmith, Bellhanger	1,162	46
Gas Fitter	133	1
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	12	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	9	1
Wood Carver	4	-
Carver, Gilder	14	-
Dealer in Works of Art	2	1
Artificial Flower Maker	1	1
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	363	2
Coachmaker	142	1
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	16	-
Wheelwright	59	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	91	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	55	1
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	31	5
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	27	5
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	1	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	3	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	102	20
Dye, Paint Manufacture	8	11
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	2	1
Chemist, Druggist	64	5
Manufacturing Chemist	25	2
Drysalter	3	1
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	19	15
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	15	14
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	4	1
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	1,367	309
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	174	41
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	1	44
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	13	9
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	1	1
Maltster	49	-
Brewer	79	2
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	58	15
Cellarman	14	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	23	2
Milkseller, Dairyman	40	15
Butcher, Meat Salesman	234	14
Provision Curer, Dealer	41	19
Poulterer, Game Dealer	11	-
Fishmonger	41	11
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	15	-
Corn Miller	28	-
Baker	160	20
Confectioner, Pastrycook	45	18
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	54	30
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	1	-
Sugar Refiner	1	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	271	67
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	13	1
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	206	78
Woolstapler	-	1
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	1	1
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	4	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	-	1
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	1
Silk Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	-	2
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	1	1
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	-	2
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	39	15
Net Maker	2	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	1	3
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	3	-
Weaver (undefined)	-	1
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	4	3
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	1	-
Felt Manufacture	1	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	-	1
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	146	41
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	3
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	824	1,296
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	17	4
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	2
Tailor	224	127
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	3	845
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	2	118
Hosiery Manufacture	-	3
Hosier, Haberdasher	18	33
Glover, Glove Maker	-	1
Button Maker, Dealer	-	1
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	481	145
Patten, Clog Maker	8	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	64	1
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	5	4
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	2	12
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	53	11
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	5	1
Manure Manufacture	11	3
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	6	-
Furrier, Skinner	3	1
Tanner, Fellmonger	3	-
Currier	12	-
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	1	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	12	5
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	-	1
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	593	311
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	5	1
Oil and Colourman	1	-
Japanner	228	265
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	2	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	2	3
Others	33	2
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	19	3
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	12	1
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	25	5
Sawyer	55	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	18	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	36	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	110	2
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Others	4	1
Paper Manufacture	5	2
Stationer, Law Stationer	22	15
Paper Stainer	1	-
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	1	11
Ticket, Label Writer	2	-
Others	11	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	6,524	750
Coal Miner	225	10
Ironstone Miner	6	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	2	-
Mine Service	2	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	1	-
Coal Merchant	103	4
Coalheaver	14	1
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	5	-
Gas Works Service	54	2
Stone Quarrier	2	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	11	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	1	-
Limeburner	3	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	-	3
Well Sinker, Borer	4	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	133	24
Paviour	5	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	36	-
Railway Contractor	6	-
Platelayer	17	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	79	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	10	4
Glass Manufacture	4	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	4	9
Salt Maker, Dealer	8	1
Waterworks Service	3	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	25	3
Lapidary	-	1
Others	1	1
[Iron Manufacture]	2,818	216
[Steel Manufacture]	60	1
Blacksmith	530	1
Whitesmith	73	1
Nail Manufacture	62	156
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	12	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	70	6
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	38	17
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	2	-
[Coppersmith]	13	-
[Tin Manufacture]	1	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	869	107
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	5	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	27	1
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	843	34
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	26	26
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	25	3
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	38	3
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	130	76
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	12	8
Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker	69	29
Others	35	2
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	1,460	480
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	36	117
Pawnbroker	18	24
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	57	56
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	33	2
Contractor (undefined)	2	-
General Labourer	872	8
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	169	5
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	147	105
Apprentice (undefined)	7	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	98	146
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	21	17
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	35	3
Town Drainage Service	6	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	23	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	1	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	5	3
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	258	1,483
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	258	1,483
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	347	12,138
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	21	11
[Blank field, or illegible]	326	12,127

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.)