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 Birmingham RegD/Inc/PLU	St George SubD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	58	6
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	8	4
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	16	1
Police	25	1
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	9	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	62	4
Army Officer (effective/retired)	-	1
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	48	3
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	1	-
Army Pensioner	7	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Seaman, R.N.	2	-
Navy Pensioner	3	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	179	197
Clergymen (Established Church)	4	-
Roman Catholic Priest	3	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	4	4
Theological Student	1	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	1	2
Barrister, Solicitor	1	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	13	1
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	20	-
Dentist	5	-
Medical Student, Assistant	16	-
Midwife	-	7
Subordinate Medical Service	9	56
Schoolmaster	18	94
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	3	8
School Service, and others connected with teaching	3	-
Author, Editor, Journalist	2	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	1	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	1	-
Civil Engineer	1	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	2	-
Painter (artist)	11	3
Engraver (artist)	12	-
Architect	2	-
Musician, Music Master	31	18
Art Student	1	-
Photographer	8	2
Actor	2	2
Art, Music, Theatre Service	1	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	2	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	1	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	139	1,859
Domestic Coachman, Groom	11	-
Domestic Gardener	2	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	40	1,236
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	2	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	58	98
College, Club Service	2	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	7	5
Cook (not domestic)	5	1
Charwoman	2	243
Washing and Bathing Service	4	269
Hospital and Institution Service	3	6
Others engaged in Service	3	1
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	355	76
Merchant	2	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	48	8
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	4	-
Accountant	3	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	5	18
Commercial Traveller	60	-
Commercial Clerk	211	48
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	1	-
Banker	1	-
Bank Service	2	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	18	2
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	735	384
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	2	-
Railway Guard	4	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	6	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	71	1
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	10	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	87	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	175	-
Tramway Companies' Service	3	-
Inland Navigation Service	2	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	43	1
Seaman (Merchant Service)	6	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	3	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	76	374
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	238	5
Telegraph, Telephone Service	9	3
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	41	6
Farmer, Grazier	5	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	25	4
Woodman	1	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	-	2
Gardener (not domestic)	10	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	84	2
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	4	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	66	1
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	4	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	1	1
Drover	6	-
Gamekeeper	1	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	2	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	216	37
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	4	1
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	1	-
Bookbinder	15	21
Printer	159	9
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	11	5
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	25	-
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	1	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	-	1
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	2,607	878
Engine, Machine Maker	82	11
Millwright	5	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	138	2
Boiler Maker	6	1
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	6	2
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	25	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	307	8
Cutler, Scissors Maker	4	1
File Maker	83	6
Saw Maker	4	-
Pin Maker	16	42
Needle Maker	1	-
Steel Pen Maker	32	594
Pencil Maker (Wood)	1	11
Domestic Implement Maker	31	36
[Others]	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	156	36
Philosophical Instrument Maker	88	16
Electrical Apparatus Maker	5	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	84	32
Surgical Instrument Maker	2	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	1,402	71
Sword, Bayonet - Maker, Cutler	16	1
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	10	-
Type Cutter, Founder	6	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	69	1
Toy Maker, Dealer	-	7
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	22	-
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	2	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,556	176
Builder	28	-
Carpenter, Joiner	294	2
Bricklayer	399	2
Mason	34	2
Slater, Tiler	48	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	63	-
Paperhanger	12	-
Plumber	39	-
Painter, Glazier	245	15
Cabinet Maker	115	14
French Polisher	15	95
Furniture Broker, Dealer	25	6
Locksmith, Bellhanger	46	1
Gas Fitter	91	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	26	3
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	21	10
Wood Carver	6	-
Carver, Gilder	43	17
Dealer in Works of Art	1	1
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	2	1
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	2	1
Artificial Flower Maker	1	6
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	266	37
Coachmaker	114	2
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	9	-
Wheelwright	19	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	33	-
Others	3	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	88	35
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	7	2
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	7	2
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	66	36
Dye, Paint Manufacture	1	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	10	35
Chemist, Druggist	46	-
Manufacturing Chemist	6	1
Drysalter	3	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	23	26
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	13	26
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	10	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	1,195	227
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	152	26
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	6	4
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	14	10
Maltster	19	-
Brewer	105	3
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	70	12
Cellarman	10	2
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	13	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	34	11
Butcher, Meat Salesman	159	8
Provision Curer, Dealer	30	20
Poulterer, Game Dealer	8	4
Fishmonger	39	7
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	17	2
Corn Miller	10	-
Baker	187	19
Confectioner, Pastrycook	49	37
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	76	19
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	-	3
Sugar Refiner	-	1
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	192	38
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	5	1
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	150	122
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	-	6
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	4	1
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	-	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	-	6
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	1	6
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	-	6
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Tape Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	-	2
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	4	1
Mat Maker, Seller	1	1
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	1	3
Weaver (undefined)	2	6
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	11	7
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	1	13
Felt Manufacture	2	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	4	4
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	118	38
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	12
Trimming Maker, Dealer	-	3
Embroiderer	-	3
Others	1	1
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	1,280	2,096
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	16	6
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	1	4
Tailor	193	176
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	7	636
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	8	91
Hosier, Haberdasher	11	14
Glover, Glove Maker	1	1
Button Maker, Dealer	590	1,006
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	362	71
Patten, Clog Maker	6	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	53	4
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	14	66
Accoutrement Maker	17	9
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	1	12
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	168	121
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	-	2
Soap Boiler, Maker	1	3
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	50	18
Comb Maker	-	2
Others	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	3	3
Currier	23	13
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	39	34
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	4	13
Brush, Broom, Maker	45	33
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	285	376
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Oil and Colourman	1	-
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	8	-
Japanner	46	127
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	1	2
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Others	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	5	3
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	3	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	15	13
Sawyer	31	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	2	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	69	6
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	44	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	6	-
Others	1	1
Paper Manufacture	5	8
Stationer, Law Stationer	13	20
Card, Pattern Card Maker	3	5
Paper Stainer	1	3
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	10	184
Ticket, Label Writer	2	3
Others	12	1
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	6,242	2,418
Coal Miner	10	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	5	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	2	1
Coal Merchant	56	7
Coalheaver	25	-
Gas Works Service	23	2
Stone Quarrier	2	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	8	-
Limeburner	2	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	3	-
Well Sinker, Borer	4	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	3	1
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	19	2
Paviour	5	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	18	-
Platelayer	2	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	19	-
Others	5	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	15	7
Glass Manufacture	247	45
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	10	5
Salt Maker, Dealer	1	-
Waterworks Service	1	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	1,602	526
Gold, Silver, Beater	16	-
Lapidary	63	74
Others	31	40
[Iron Manufacture]	451	46
[Steel Manufacture]	103	22
Blacksmith	231	2
Whitesmith	4	-
Nail Manufacture	101	119
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	8	108
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	32	4
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	56	6
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	3	1
[Coppersmith]	23	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	154	431
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	49	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	2	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	118	51
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	1,723	113
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	97	391
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	297	86
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	137	26
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	37	48
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	205	77
Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker	76	67
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	60	99
Others	77	11
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	1,806	1,046
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	77	145
Pawnbroker	29	42
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	118	117
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	19	13
Contractor (undefined)	1	-
General Labourer	700	11
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	116	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	532	352
Apprentice (undefined)	17	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	83	276
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	114	90
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	33	1
Town Drainage Service	5	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	21	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	5	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	2	1
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	174	1,026
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	174	1,026
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	292	8,123
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	34	36
[Blank field, or illegible]	258	8,087

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".

Click on the triangles for all about a particular number.

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.)