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 Barnstaple RegD/PLU table Barnstaple SubD
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 47 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 17 Show data context -
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 10 Show data context -
  Prison Service, &c. 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Police 15 Show data context -
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Other Local or County Official 1 Show data context -
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 19 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Army Officer (effective/retired) 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Soldier and Non-commissioned officer 1 Show data context -
  Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers 2 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 10 Show data context -
  Royal Marines (officers/men) - 1 Show data context
  Navy Pensioner 5 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 123 Show data context 89 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 8 Show data context -
  Minister, Priest of other religious bodies 8 Show data context -
  Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher 1 Show data context -
  Barrister, Solicitor 10 Show data context -
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 17 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 9 Show data context -
  Dentist 3 Show data context -
  Medical Student, Assistant 1 Show data context -
  Subordinate Medical Service 3 Show data context 19 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 23 Show data context 51 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer 2 Show data context 14 Show data context
  School Service, and others connected with teaching 1 Show data context -
  Author, Editor, Journalist 4 Show data context -
  Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits 1 Show data context -
  Mining Engineer 1 Show data context -
  Land, House, Ship, Surveyor 1 Show data context -
  Painter (artist) 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Engraver (artist) 1 Show data context -
  Architect 9 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 7 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Art Student 2 Show data context -
  Photographer 5 Show data context -
  Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service 3 Show data context -
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 49 Show data context 850 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 13 Show data context -
  Domestic Gardener 8 Show data context -
  Domestic Indoor Servant 16 Show data context 692 Show data context
  Inn, Hotel Servant 11 Show data context 20 Show data context
  Charwoman - 57 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service - 76 Show data context
  Hospital and Institution Service 1 Show data context 5 Show data context
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 107 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Merchant 10 Show data context -
  Broker, Agent, Factor 4 Show data context -
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 7 Show data context -
  Accountant 11 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Commercial Traveller 21 Show data context -
  Commercial Clerk 33 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Banker 1 Show data context -
  Bank Service 14 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 6 Show data context 1 Show data context
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 183 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Railway Engine Driver, Stoker 9 Show data context -
  Railway Guard 5 Show data context -
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 51 Show data context -
  Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper 5 Show data context -
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 13 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 23 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman 4 Show data context -
  Navigation Service (on shore) 1 Show data context -
  Seaman (Merchant Service) 40 Show data context -
  Pilot 2 Show data context -
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 28 Show data context -
  Telegraph, Telephone Service 2 Show data context -
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 351 Show data context 21 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 79 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 36 Show data context -
  Farm Bailiff 1 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 192 Show data context 16 Show data context
  Shepherd 5 Show data context -
  Woodman 1 Show data context -
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist 4 Show data context -
  Gardener (not domestic) 33 Show data context -
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 56 Show data context -
  Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 31 Show data context -
  Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier 3 Show data context -
  Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman 4 Show data context -
  Drover 2 Show data context -
  Gamekeeper 5 Show data context -
  Fisherman 9 Show data context -
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 47 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 6 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer - 1 Show data context
  Printer 40 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper 1 Show data context -
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 50 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 6 Show data context -
  Millwright 1 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 7 Show data context -
  Boiler Maker 1 Show data context -
  Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker 1 Show data context -
  Tool Maker, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Cutler, Scissors Maker 3 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 21 Show data context -
  Philosophical Instrument Maker 1 Show data context -
  Electrical Apparatus Maker 1 Show data context -
  Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Toy Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context 3 Show data context
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 494 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Builder 25 Show data context -
  Carpenter, Joiner 130 Show data context -
  Bricklayer 4 Show data context -
  Mason 135 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 2 Show data context -
  Plumber 27 Show data context -
  Painter, Glazier 62 Show data context -
  Cabinet Maker 77 Show data context 11 Show data context
  French Polisher 9 Show data context -
  Furniture Broker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Locksmith, Bellhanger 1 Show data context -
  Gas Fitter 7 Show data context -
  House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Wood Carver 9 Show data context -
  Carver, Gilder 2 Show data context -
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 49 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Coachmaker 26 Show data context -
  Wheelwright 8 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 15 Show data context 1 Show data context
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS. 18 Show data context -
  Ship, Boat, Barge Builder 2 Show data context -
  Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore) 14 Show data context -
  Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker 2 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 14 Show data context -
  Chemist, Druggist 14 Show data context -
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 260 Show data context 84 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 37 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper 1 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 1 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Maltster 11 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Brewer 8 Show data context -
  Cellarman 3 Show data context -
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 12 Show data context -
  Milkseller, Dairyman 9 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 57 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Provision Curer, Dealer 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Poulterer, Game Dealer 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Fishmonger 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Corn Miller 1 Show data context -
  Baker 34 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 9 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 2 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 61 Show data context 19 Show data context
  Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer 2 Show data context -
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 151 Show data context 154 Show data context
  Woolstapler 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Woollen Cloth Manufacture 3 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture 2 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Lace Manufacturer, Dealer 66 Show data context 88 Show data context
  Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer 4 Show data context -
  Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined) 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Factory Hand (textile, undefined) 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 67 Show data context 50 Show data context
  Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 1 Show data context 4 Show data context
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 173 Show data context 415 Show data context
  Hatter, Hat Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Tailor 80 Show data context 26 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker - 305 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress - 42 Show data context
  Hosiery Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Hosier, Haberdasher 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Glover, Glove Maker - 29 Show data context
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 80 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 6 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Old Clothes Dealer, and others 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES. 63 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Manure Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Furrier, Skinner - 1 Show data context
  Tanner, Fellmonger 44 Show data context -
  Currier 7 Show data context -
  Brush, Broom, Maker 9 Show data context -
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 63 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Japanner 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 6 Show data context -
  Thatcher 2 Show data context -
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 4 Show data context -
  Sawyer 26 Show data context -
  Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker 1 Show data context -
  Wood Turner, Box Maker 19 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 3 Show data context -
  Paper Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Stationer, Law Stationer 1 Show data context -
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 163 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Ironstone Miner 2 Show data context -
  Miner, in other or undefined Minerals 1 Show data context -
  Coal Merchant 6 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Coalheaver 2 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 1 Show data context -
  Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 4 Show data context -
  Road Labourer 4 Show data context -
  Railway Contractor 1 Show data context -
  Platelayer 1 Show data context -
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 13 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture 8 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 8 Show data context -
  Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller 9 Show data context -
  [Iron Manufacture] 17 Show data context -
  Blacksmith 45 Show data context -
  Whitesmith 1 Show data context -
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 31 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 6 Show data context -
  Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier - 1 Show data context
  Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer 1 Show data context -
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 281 Show data context 31 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 13 Show data context 18 Show data context
  Pawnbroker - 2 Show data context
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 33 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 4 Show data context -
  General Labourer 209 Show data context -
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 6 Show data context -
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 14 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Apprentice (undefined) 1 Show data context -
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) - 1 Show data context
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 6 Show data context -
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 6 Show data context -
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 57 Show data context 502 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 57 Show data context 502 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 21 Show data context 1,382 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] 3 Show data context -
  [Blank field, or illegible] 18 Show data context 1,382 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.)