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".

Show Dewsbury RegD/PLU table Mirfield AP/CP  
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 22 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Police 10 Show data context -
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 3 Show data context -
  Other Local or County Official 2 Show data context -
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 2 Show data context -
  Army Officer (effective/retired) 2 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 86 Show data context 73 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 6 Show data context -
  Minister, Priest of other religious bodies 6 Show data context -
  Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher - 1 Show data context
  Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant 4 Show data context -
  Barrister, Solicitor 8 Show data context -
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 3 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 5 Show data context -
  Dentist 1 Show data context -
  Medical Student, Assistant 1 Show data context -
  Subordinate Medical Service 1 Show data context 12 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 28 Show data context 48 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer - 8 Show data context
  School Service, and others connected with teaching 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Author, Editor, Journalist 1 Show data context -
  Civil Engineer 2 Show data context -
  Mining Engineer 1 Show data context -
  Sculptor 1 Show data context -
  Architect 6 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 5 Show data context -
  Art Student 2 Show data context -
  Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service 3 Show data context 3 Show data context
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 57 Show data context 590 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 17 Show data context -
  Domestic Gardener 22 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Domestic Indoor Servant 10 Show data context 522 Show data context
  Inn, Hotel Servant 5 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Office Keeper (not Government) - 1 Show data context
  Charwoman - 33 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service 3 Show data context 29 Show data context
  Hospital and Institution Service - 1 Show data context
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 104 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Broker, Agent, Factor 6 Show data context -
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 2 Show data context -
  Accountant 5 Show data context -
  Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified) - 1 Show data context
  Commercial Traveller 15 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Commercial Clerk 70 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Bank Service 1 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 5 Show data context -
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 388 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Railway Engine Driver, Stoker 58 Show data context -
  Railway Guard 30 Show data context -
  Pointsman, Level Crossing Man 19 Show data context -
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 96 Show data context -
  Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper 2 Show data context -
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 17 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 56 Show data context -
  Tramway Companies' Service 1 Show data context -
  Inland Navigation Service 3 Show data context -
  Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman 64 Show data context -
  Seaman (Merchant Service) 8 Show data context -
  Boatman on Seas 1 Show data context -
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 11 Show data context -
  Meter, Weigher 1 Show data context -
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 15 Show data context -
  Telegraph, Telephone Service 6 Show data context 1 Show data context
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 273 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 48 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 6 Show data context -
  Farm Bailiff 5 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 176 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant - 1 Show data context
  Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture 1 Show data context -
  Woodman 4 Show data context -
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist 1 Show data context -
  Gardener (not domestic) 32 Show data context 1 Show data context
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 23 Show data context -
  Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 19 Show data context -
  Gamekeeper 2 Show data context -
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 2 Show data context -
  Printer 6 Show data context -
  Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper - 1 Show data context
  Lithographer, Lithographic Printer 1 Show data context -
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 144 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 15 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Millwright 17 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 13 Show data context -
  Boiler Maker 1 Show data context -
  Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker 81 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 3 Show data context -
  Electrical Apparatus Maker 2 Show data context -
  Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker 1 Show data context -
  Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer 9 Show data context -
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 376 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Builder 5 Show data context -
  Carpenter, Joiner 99 Show data context -
  Bricklayer 5 Show data context -
  Mason 143 Show data context -
  Slater, Tiler 1 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 18 Show data context -
  Plumber 26 Show data context -
  Painter, Glazier 30 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Cabinet Maker 40 Show data context 2 Show data context
  French Polisher 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Furniture Broker, Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Gas Fitter 2 Show data context -
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 28 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Coachmaker 1 Show data context -
  Wheelwright 13 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Others 7 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 7 Show data context -
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS. 23 Show data context -
  Ship, Boat, Barge Builder 15 Show data context -
  Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore) 8 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 23 Show data context -
  Dye, Paint Manufacture 10 Show data context -
  Chemist, Druggist 8 Show data context -
  Manufacturing Chemist 4 Show data context -
  Drysalter 1 Show data context -
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES. 1 Show data context -
  Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist 1 Show data context -
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 298 Show data context 44 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 17 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper - 6 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 1 Show data context -
  Hop - Merchant, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Maltster 100 Show data context -
  Brewer 2 Show data context -
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Cellarman 1 Show data context -
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 1 Show data context -
  Milkseller, Dairyman 5 Show data context -
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 50 Show data context -
  Provision Curer, Dealer 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Fishmonger 6 Show data context -
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Corn Miller 18 Show data context -
  Baker 8 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 1 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 9 Show data context -
  Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 68 Show data context 14 Show data context
  Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer 1 Show data context -
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 1,400 Show data context 1,489 Show data context
  Woolstapler 2 Show data context -
  Woollen Cloth Manufacture 727 Show data context 1,148 Show data context
  Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer 55 Show data context -
  Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture 8 Show data context 20 Show data context
  Blanket Manufacture 73 Show data context 102 Show data context
  Fuller 72 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer 24 Show data context -
  Others 7 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture - 2 Show data context
  Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture 55 Show data context 54 Show data context
  Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher 9 Show data context -
  Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Weaver (undefined) 20 Show data context 119 Show data context
  Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined) 42 Show data context -
  Factory Hand (textile, undefined) 241 Show data context 22 Show data context
  Carpet, Rug Manufacture 26 Show data context -
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 26 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Others 3 Show data context 3 Show data context
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 112 Show data context 167 Show data context
  Hatter, Hat Manufacture 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Tailor 38 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker 1 Show data context 150 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress - 8 Show data context
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 65 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Patten, Clog Maker 2 Show data context -
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 4 Show data context -
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES. 42 Show data context -
  Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Manure Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Furrier, Skinner 2 Show data context -
  Currier 37 Show data context -
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 52 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer 16 Show data context -
  Oil and Colourman 1 Show data context -
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 4 Show data context -
  Sawyer 7 Show data context -
  Wood Turner, Box Maker 3 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 1 Show data context -
  Paper Manufacture 5 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Stationer, Law Stationer 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Card, Pattern Card Maker 6 Show data context -
  Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker - 1 Show data context
  Others 1 Show data context -
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 642 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Coal Miner 466 Show data context -
  Miner, in other or undefined Minerals 15 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Mine Service 7 Show data context -
  Coal Merchant 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Coalheaver 1 Show data context -
  Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 11 Show data context -
  Stone Quarrier 18 Show data context -
  Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 15 Show data context -
  Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector 1 Show data context -
  Road Labourer 5 Show data context -
  Platelayer 16 Show data context -
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 3 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture 4 Show data context -
  Glass Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Waterworks Service 1 Show data context -
  Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller 1 Show data context -
  [Iron Manufacture] 7 Show data context -
  Blacksmith 48 Show data context -
  Whitesmith 2 Show data context -
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 2 Show data context -
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 5 Show data context -
  White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer 1 Show data context -
  Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 212 Show data context 27 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 7 Show data context 12 Show data context
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 5 Show data context -
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Contractor (undefined) 5 Show data context -
  General Labourer 76 Show data context -
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 65 Show data context -
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 19 Show data context -
  Apprentice (undefined) 1 Show data context -
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 24 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) 1 Show data context 7 Show data context
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 5 Show data context -
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 3 Show data context -
  Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper 1 Show data context -
  Rag Gatherer, Dealer 1 Show data context -
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 51 Show data context 241 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 51 Show data context 241 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 40 Show data context 2,151 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] 4 Show data context 5 Show data context
  [Blank field, or illegible] 36 Show data context 2,146 Show data context

Click on the triangles for all about a particular number.

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".

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.)