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 Cambridgeshire RegC table Cambridge RegD/PLU
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 143 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described) 2 Show data context -
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 36 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 27 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Prison Service, &c. - 1 Show data context
  Police 57 Show data context -
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 15 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Other Local or County Official 4 Show data context -
  East Indian and Colonial Service 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 25 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Army Officer (effective/retired) 3 Show data context -
  Soldier and Non-commissioned officer 4 Show data context -
  Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers 5 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 9 Show data context 1 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 1 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 648 Show data context 414 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 64 Show data context -
  Roman Catholic Priest 2 Show data context -
  Minister, Priest of other religious bodies 10 Show data context -
  Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher 3 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Theological Student 18 Show data context -
  Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant 9 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Barrister, Solicitor 32 Show data context -
  Law Student 16 Show data context -
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 56 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 23 Show data context -
  Dentist 4 Show data context -
  Medical Student, Assistant 32 Show data context -
  Midwife - 1 Show data context
  Subordinate Medical Service 4 Show data context 110 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 57 Show data context 159 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer 135 Show data context 77 Show data context
  School Service, and others connected with teaching 37 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Author, Editor, Journalist 6 Show data context -
  Reporter, Short-hand Writer 3 Show data context -
  Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits 9 Show data context -
  Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c. 13 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Civil Engineer 3 Show data context -
  Land, House, Ship, Surveyor 2 Show data context -
  Painter (artist) 10 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Sculptor 3 Show data context -
  Architect 10 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 27 Show data context 42 Show data context
  Art Student 5 Show data context -
  Photographer 21 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Art, Music, Theatre Service 2 Show data context -
  Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service 1 Show data context -
  Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service 31 Show data context -
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 621 Show data context 3,371 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 42 Show data context -
  Domestic Gardener 43 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Domestic Indoor Servant 126 Show data context 2,517 Show data context
  Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government) 1 Show data context -
  Inn, Hotel Servant 96 Show data context 41 Show data context
  College, Club Service 253 Show data context 242 Show data context
  Office Keeper (not Government) 6 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Cook (not domestic) 49 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Charwoman 1 Show data context 171 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service 2 Show data context 380 Show data context
  Hospital and Institution Service 2 Show data context 10 Show data context
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 335 Show data context 18 Show data context
  Merchant 4 Show data context -
  Broker, Agent, Factor 20 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 8 Show data context -
  Accountant 22 Show data context -
  Commercial Traveller 48 Show data context -
  Commercial Clerk 192 Show data context 17 Show data context
  Banker 2 Show data context -
  Bank Service 32 Show data context -
  Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent 2 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 5 Show data context -
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 772 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Railway Engine Driver, Stoker 72 Show data context -
  Railway Guard 40 Show data context -
  Pointsman, Level Crossing Man 20 Show data context -
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 262 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper 4 Show data context -
  Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper 17 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 69 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 73 Show data context -
  Tramway Companies' Service 10 Show data context -
  Inland Navigation Service 1 Show data context -
  Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman 2 Show data context -
  Seaman (Merchant Service) 6 Show data context -
  Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service 1 Show data context -
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 17 Show data context -
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 172 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Telegraph, Telephone Service 6 Show data context -
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 253 Show data context 12 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 23 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 5 Show data context -
  Farm Bailiff 4 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 100 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Shepherd 4 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant 1 Show data context -
  Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture 2 Show data context -
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist 11 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Gardener (not domestic) 103 Show data context -
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 136 Show data context -
  Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer 5 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 115 Show data context -
  Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier 3 Show data context -
  Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman 6 Show data context -
  Drover 4 Show data context -
  Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c. 1 Show data context -
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 327 Show data context 25 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 59 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer 3 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Bookbinder 27 Show data context 14 Show data context
  Printer 229 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper 6 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Map and Print - Colourer, Seller 3 Show data context 2 Show data context
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 141 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 13 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Millwright 11 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 33 Show data context -
  Boiler Maker 17 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker 2 Show data context -
  Cutler, Scissors Maker 2 Show data context -
  Saw Maker 1 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 27 Show data context -
  Philosophical Instrument Maker 7 Show data context -
  Electrical Apparatus Maker 5 Show data context -
  Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker 3 Show data context -
  Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer 12 Show data context -
  Toy Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 1,253 Show data context 34 Show data context
  Builder 70 Show data context -
  Carpenter, Joiner 340 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Bricklayer 308 Show data context -
  Mason 90 Show data context -
  Slater, Tiler 8 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 57 Show data context -
  Paperhanger 10 Show data context -
  Plumber 50 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Painter, Glazier 177 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Cabinet Maker 80 Show data context 21 Show data context
  French Polisher 7 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Furniture Broker, Dealer 7 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Locksmith, Bellhanger 4 Show data context -
  Gas Fitter 13 Show data context -
  Wood Carver 15 Show data context -
  Carver, Gilder 11 Show data context -
  Dealer in Works of Art 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist 3 Show data context -
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 87 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Coachmaker 39 Show data context -
  Wheelwright 22 Show data context -
  Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Others 1 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 23 Show data context 1 Show data context
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS. 7 Show data context -
  Ship, Boat, Barge Builder 6 Show data context -
  Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker 1 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 39 Show data context -
  Chemist, Druggist 38 Show data context -
  Manufacturing Chemist 1 Show data context -
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES. 20 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist 17 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker 3 Show data context 2 Show data context
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 930 Show data context 231 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 115 Show data context 22 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper 8 Show data context 137 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 9 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Maltster 17 Show data context -
  Brewer 114 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Cellarman 21 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 18 Show data context -
  Milkseller, Dairyman 65 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Cheesemonger, Butterman 3 Show data context -
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 114 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Provision Curer, Dealer 5 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Poulterer, Game Dealer 4 Show data context -
  Fishmonger 30 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 16 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Corn Miller 22 Show data context -
  Baker 133 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 23 Show data context 16 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 19 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Sugar Refiner 5 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 174 Show data context 12 Show data context
  Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer 11 Show data context -
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 130 Show data context 85 Show data context
  Silk Merchant, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Lace Manufacturer, Dealer - 2 Show data context
  Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined) 2 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Carpet, Rug Manufacture 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 120 Show data context 70 Show data context
  Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer - 7 Show data context
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 635 Show data context 1,018 Show data context
  Hatter, Hat Manufacture 9 Show data context -
  Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture - 19 Show data context
  Tailor 326 Show data context 98 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker 1 Show data context 746 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress - 120 Show data context
  Hosier, Haberdasher 16 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Glover, Glove Maker 1 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 245 Show data context 18 Show data context
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 31 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer 6 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Old Clothes Dealer, and others - 1 Show data context
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES. 19 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture 3 Show data context -
  Soap Boiler, Maker 4 Show data context -
  Manure Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Furrier, Skinner 2 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Tanner, Fellmonger 1 Show data context -
  Currier 7 Show data context -
  Brush, Broom, Maker 1 Show data context -
  Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer - 1 Show data context
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 82 Show data context 16 Show data context
  Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Oil and Colourman 5 Show data context -
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 6 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Thatcher 1 Show data context -
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 8 Show data context -
  Sawyer 17 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker 2 Show data context -
  Wood Turner, Box Maker 7 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 8 Show data context -
  Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Stationer, Law Stationer 20 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker 2 Show data context -
  Others 1 Show data context -
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 566 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Miner, in other or undefined Minerals 1 Show data context -
  Mine Service 2 Show data context -
  Coal Merchant 30 Show data context -
  Coalheaver 41 Show data context -
  Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 33 Show data context -
  Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Slate Worker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Limeburner 4 Show data context -
  Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Fossil, Coprolite Digger, Dealer 10 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 122 Show data context -
  Paviour 6 Show data context -
  Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector 2 Show data context -
  Railway Contractor 4 Show data context -
  Platelayer 16 Show data context -
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 20 Show data context -
  Glass Manufacture 4 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 8 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Waterworks Service 3 Show data context -
  Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller 11 Show data context -
  [Iron Manufacture] 31 Show data context -
  Blacksmith 69 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Whitesmith 53 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 45 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Other Iron and Steel Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  [Coppersmith] 3 Show data context -
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 29 Show data context -
  Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier 7 Show data context -
  Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer 2 Show data context -
  Others 1 Show data context -
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 844 Show data context 116 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 66 Show data context 45 Show data context
  Pawnbroker 14 Show data context -
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 48 Show data context 21 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 1 Show data context -
  Contractor (undefined) 6 Show data context -
  General Labourer 611 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 48 Show data context -
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 15 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Apprentice (undefined) 9 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 20 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) 6 Show data context 25 Show data context
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 36 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 20 Show data context -
  Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper 10 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Rag Gatherer, Dealer 6 Show data context -
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 1,412 Show data context 1,339 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 1,412 Show data context 1,339 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 139 Show data context 4,361 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] 1 Show data context -
  [Blank field, or illegible] 138 Show data context 4,361 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.)