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 Luton RegD/PLU table Luton SubD
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 66 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 6 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 15 Show data context -
  Police 33 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 10 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Other Local or County Official 2 Show data context -
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 20 Show data context -
  Army Officer (effective/retired) 1 Show data context -
  Soldier and Non-commissioned officer 7 Show data context -
  Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers 1 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 6 Show data context -
  Navy Officer (effective/retired) 1 Show data context -
  Seaman, R.N. 1 Show data context -
  Royal Marines (officers/men) 1 Show data context -
  Navy Pensioner 2 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 188 Show data context 159 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 13 Show data context -
  Minister, Priest of other religious bodies 11 Show data context -
  Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Theological Student 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 14 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 12 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Dentist 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Medical Student, Assistant 3 Show data context -
  Subordinate Medical Service - 27 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 48 Show data context 101 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer - 12 Show data context
  School Service, and others connected with teaching 2 Show data context -
  Author, Editor, Journalist 1 Show data context -
  Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits 1 Show data context -
  Civil Engineer 3 Show data context -
  Land, House, Ship, Surveyor 3 Show data context -
  Painter (artist) 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Engraver (artist) 1 Show data context -
  Architect 3 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 29 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Art Student 1 Show data context -
  Photographer 11 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Actor 6 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Art, Music, Theatre Service 2 Show data context -
  Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service 1 Show data context -
  Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service 6 Show data context -
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 115 Show data context 951 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 60 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Domestic Gardener 9 Show data context -
  Domestic Indoor Servant 34 Show data context 734 Show data context
  Inn, Hotel Servant 10 Show data context 28 Show data context
  Office Keeper (not Government) 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Cook (not domestic) - 1 Show data context
  Charwoman - 31 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service 1 Show data context 153 Show data context
  Hospital and Institution Service - 1 Show data context
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 183 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Merchant 3 Show data context -
  Broker, Agent, Factor 18 Show data context -
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 9 Show data context -
  Accountant 4 Show data context -
  Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified) - 1 Show data context
  Commercial Traveller 16 Show data context -
  Commercial Clerk 110 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Bank Service 11 Show data context -
  Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent 1 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 11 Show data context -
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 340 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Railway Engine Driver, Stoker 4 Show data context -
  Railway Guard 2 Show data context -
  Pointsman, Level Crossing Man 1 Show data context -
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 94 Show data context -
  Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper 3 Show data context -
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 16 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 71 Show data context -
  Seaman (Merchant Service) 4 Show data context -
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 64 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 78 Show data context -
  Telegraph, Telephone Service 3 Show data context -
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 1,085 Show data context 14 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 73 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 27 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Farm Bailiff 17 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 860 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Shepherd 31 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant 2 Show data context -
  Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture 1 Show data context -
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist 7 Show data context -
  Gardener (not domestic) 67 Show data context -
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 39 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer 5 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 13 Show data context -
  Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier 2 Show data context -
  Gamekeeper 16 Show data context -
  Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Vermin Destroyer 2 Show data context -
  Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c. - 1 Show data context
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 57 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 4 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Bookbinder 2 Show data context -
  Printer 39 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Lithographer, Lithographic Printer 12 Show data context -
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 146 Show data context -
  Engine, Machine Maker 51 Show data context -
  Millwright 3 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 64 Show data context -
  Boiler Maker 7 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker 3 Show data context -
  Tool Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Saw Maker 1 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 11 Show data context -
  Electrical Apparatus Maker 3 Show data context -
  Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 781 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Builder 38 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Carpenter, Joiner 213 Show data context -
  Bricklayer 290 Show data context -
  Mason 32 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 22 Show data context -
  Paperhanger 3 Show data context -
  Plumber 23 Show data context -
  Painter, Glazier 124 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Cabinet Maker 9 Show data context 3 Show data context
  French Polisher 2 Show data context -
  Furniture Broker, Dealer 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Locksmith, Bellhanger 2 Show data context -
  Gas Fitter 12 Show data context -
  House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker 3 Show data context -
  Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 49 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Coachmaker 8 Show data context -
  Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker 1 Show data context -
  Wheelwright 29 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 11 Show data context 1 Show data context
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS. 20 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Ship, Boat, Barge Builder 1 Show data context -
  Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker 19 Show data context 1 Show data context
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 14 Show data context -
  Dye, Paint Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Chemist, Druggist 10 Show data context -
  Manufacturing Chemist 1 Show data context -
  Drysalter 2 Show data context -
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES. 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 588 Show data context 74 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 97 Show data context 23 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper 1 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 5 Show data context -
  Maltster 2 Show data context -
  Brewer 20 Show data context -
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 5 Show data context -
  Cellarman 2 Show data context -
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 5 Show data context -
  Milkseller, Dairyman 12 Show data context -
  Cheesemonger, Butterman 2 Show data context -
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 86 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Provision Curer, Dealer 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Poulterer, Game Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Fishmonger 19 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Corn Miller 15 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Baker 111 Show data context 12 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 11 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 29 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Sugar Refiner 1 Show data context -
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 137 Show data context 16 Show data context
  Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 112 Show data context 61 Show data context
  Woolstapler 1 Show data context -
  Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Lace Manufacturer, Dealer - 4 Show data context
  Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer 4 Show data context -
  Mat Maker, Seller 1 Show data context -
  Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined) 25 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 80 Show data context 55 Show data context
  Trimming Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 1,742 Show data context 5,798 Show data context
  Hatter, Hat Manufacture 82 Show data context 390 Show data context
  Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture 1,395 Show data context 4,690 Show data context
  Tailor 104 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker 19 Show data context 606 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress 1 Show data context 94 Show data context
  Hosier, Haberdasher 2 Show data context -
  Glover, Glove Maker 1 Show data context -
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 122 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Patten, Clog Maker 1 Show data context -
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 12 Show data context -
  Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer 3 Show data context -
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES. 15 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer 4 Show data context -
  Currier 10 Show data context -
  Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 158 Show data context 165 Show data context
  Oil and Colourman 3 Show data context -
  India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 75 Show data context 152 Show data context
  Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer 9 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Thatcher 4 Show data context -
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 10 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Sawyer 22 Show data context -
  Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker 7 Show data context -
  Wood Turner, Box Maker 7 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 3 Show data context -
  Others 12 Show data context -
  Stationer, Law Stationer 2 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker 3 Show data context 2 Show data context
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 534 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Copper Miner 1 Show data context -
  Miner, in other or undefined Minerals - 1 Show data context
  Mine Service 1 Show data context -
  [Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook] - 1 Show data context
  Coal Merchant 21 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Coalheaver 7 Show data context -
  Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 22 Show data context -
  Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Limeburner 1 Show data context -
  Fossil, Coprolite Digger, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Plaster, Cement Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 74 Show data context -
  Paviour 1 Show data context -
  Road Labourer 9 Show data context -
  Railway Contractor 1 Show data context -
  Platelayer 29 Show data context -
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 21 Show data context -
  Glass Manufacture 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller 5 Show data context 3 Show data context
  [Iron Manufacture] 135 Show data context 1 Show data context
  [Steel Manufacture] - 1 Show data context
  Blacksmith 63 Show data context -
  Whitesmith 11 Show data context -
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 14 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Other Iron and Steel Manufacture 5 Show data context -
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 18 Show data context -
  Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier 88 Show data context -
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 836 Show data context 46 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 59 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Pawnbroker 5 Show data context -
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 41 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 17 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Contractor (undefined) 1 Show data context -
  General Labourer 520 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 27 Show data context -
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 148 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Apprentice (undefined) 4 Show data context -
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 11 Show data context -
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) 3 Show data context 6 Show data context
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 7 Show data context -
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 7 Show data context -
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 106 Show data context 849 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 106 Show data context 849 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 83 Show data context 1,697 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] 4 Show data context -
  [Blank field, or illegible] 79 Show data context 1,697 Show data context

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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.)