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 Solihull RegD/PLU	Solihull SubD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	45	5
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	8	3
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	8	-
Police	15	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	11	2
Other Local or County Official	3	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	5	1
Army Officer (effective/retired)	1	1
Army Pensioner	3	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	1	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	169	157
Clergymen (Established Church)	12	-
Roman Catholic Priest	2	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	3	-
Theological Student	20	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	2	-
Barrister, Solicitor	21	-
Law Student	4	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	19	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	7	-
Dentist	6	-
Medical Student, Assistant	1	-
Midwife	-	1
Subordinate Medical Service	1	18
Schoolmaster	18	89
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	5	39
School Service, and others connected with teaching	1	2
Author, Editor, Journalist	2	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	2	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	1	-
Mining Engineer	2	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	4	-
Painter (artist)	10	1
Engraver (artist)	6	-
Architect	5	-
Musician, Music Master	9	5
Art Student	2	-
Photographer	1	1
Actor	1	1
Art, Music, Theatre Service	1	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	1	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	166	1,390
Domestic Coachman, Groom	55	-
Domestic Gardener	40	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	57	1,171
Inn, Hotel Servant	11	13
Office Keeper (not Government)	-	1
Charwoman	-	22
Washing and Bathing Service	2	181
Hospital and Institution Service	1	2
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	357	7
Merchant	27	1
Broker, Agent, Factor	21	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	21	-
Accountant	13	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	1	-
Commercial Traveller	48	-
Commercial Clerk	194	5
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	-	1
Banker	2	-
Bank Service	17	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	13	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	160	5
Railway Guard	1	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	4	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	24	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	5	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	36	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	48	-
Inland Navigation Service	3	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	4	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	3	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	9	5
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	23	-
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	786	28
Farmer, Grazier	111	9
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	44	-
Farm Bailiff	17	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	402	19
Shepherd	7	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	1	-
Woodman	2	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	8	-
Gardener (not domestic)	194	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	66	-
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	1	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	50	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	5	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	2	-
Gamekeeper	8	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	23	3
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	5	2
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	-	1
Bookbinder	1	-
Printer	14	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	3	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	144	1
Engine, Machine Maker	38	-
Millwright	1	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	8	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	2	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	23	-
File Maker	2	-
Pin Maker	1	-
Needle Maker	1	-
Steel Pen Maker	2	1
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	7	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	4	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	9	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	1	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	35	-
Sword, Bayonet - Maker, Cutler	1	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	2	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	6	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	281	2
Builder	24	-
Carpenter, Joiner	84	-
Bricklayer	80	-
Mason	7	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	5	-
Paperhanger	2	-
Plumber	1	-
Painter, Glazier	49	-
Cabinet Maker	8	1
French Polisher	3	-
Furniture Broker, Dealer	2	-
Locksmith, Bellhanger	4	-
Gas Fitter	5	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	-	1
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	2	-
Carver, Gilder	3	-
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	1	-
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	38	1
Coachmaker	5	-
Wheelwright	22	1
Others	1	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	10	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	14	5
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	-	4
Chemist, Druggist	10	1
Manufacturing Chemist	2	-
Drysalter	2	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	3	1
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	3	1
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	266	23
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	33	10
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	1	2
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	1	1
Maltster	11	-
Brewer	6	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	5	1
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	6	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	19	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	39	1
Provision Curer, Dealer	3	3
Poulterer, Game Dealer	2	-
Fishmonger	9	-
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	10	-
Corn Miller	3	-
Baker	43	-
Confectioner, Pastrycook	3	1
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	12	1
Sugar Refiner	1	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	59	3
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	36	16
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	1	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	1	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	2	-
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	1	-
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Weaver (undefined)	1	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	1	-
Manchester Warehouseman	1	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	28	15
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	107	166
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	2	-
Tailor	28	1
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	3	125
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	2	18
Hosier, Haberdasher	9	5
Button Maker, Dealer	6	3
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	45	4
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	3	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	7	10
Accoutrement Maker	2	-
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	23	1
Manure Manufacture	1	-
Others	3	-
Furrier, Skinner	3	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	7	-
Currier	4	-
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	4	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	1	1
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	38	13
Japanner	4	6
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Others	4	1
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	4	-
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	1	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	5	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	3	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	2	-
Others	1	-
Paper Manufacture	4	-
Stationer, Law Stationer	3	4
Card, Pattern Card Maker	1	-
Paper Stainer	1	-
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	3	2
Ticket, Label Writer	1	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	472	20
Coal Miner	1	-
Mine Service	1	-
Coal Merchant	15	-
Coalheaver	1	-
Gas Works Service	1	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	1	-
Well Sinker, Borer	3	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	41	2
Paviour	1	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	1	-
Platelayer	14	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	9	-
Others	1	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	1	1
Glass Manufacture	4	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	3	1
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	63	2
Lapidary	1	-
Others	1	-
[Iron Manufacture]	34	1
[Steel Manufacture]	8	-
Blacksmith	32	-
Whitesmith	5	-
Nail Manufacture	9	2
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	-	2
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	20	-
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	6	-
[Coppersmith]	1	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	10	1
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	2	1
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	11	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	66	-
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	2	6
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	18	1
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	59	-
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	2	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	11	-
Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker	6	-
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	1	-
Others	4	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	501	38
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	9	8
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	4	-
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	23	2
Contractor (undefined)	2	-
General Labourer	386	6
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	13	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	36	8
Apprentice (undefined)	13	1
Factory Labourer (undefined)	4	9
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	11	4
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	3	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	3	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	99	532
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	99	532
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	109	2,368
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	7	-
[Blank field, or illegible]	102	2,368

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.)