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".

Show Oxfordshire RegC table	Witney RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	47	6
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	8	4
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	14	2
Police	13	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	10	-
Other Local or County Official	2	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	14	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	2	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	1	-
Army Pensioner	7	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Navy Pensioner	2	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	113	155
Clergymen (Established Church)	26	-
Roman Catholic Priest	1	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	2	-
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	1
Theological Student	1	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	3	-
Barrister, Solicitor	4	-
Law Student	2	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	10	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	8	-
Dentist	1	-
Medical Student, Assistant	2	-
Midwife	-	4
Subordinate Medical Service	-	19
Schoolmaster	40	107
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	3	21
Civil Engineer	2	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	2	-
Painter (artist)	-	1
Architect	1	-
Musician, Music Master	1	2
Photographer	3	-
Actor	1	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	212	1,036
Domestic Coachman, Groom	90	1
Domestic Gardener	71	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	40	855
Inn, Hotel Servant	9	11
College, Club Service	1	-
Charwoman	-	40
Washing and Bathing Service	1	129
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	48	1
Merchant	2	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	2	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	5	-
Accountant	2	-
Commercial Traveller	6	-
Commercial Clerk	23	1
Bank Service	8	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	196	2
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	2	1
Other Railway Officials and Servants	22	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	1	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	13	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	123	1
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	3	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	2	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	1	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	1	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	28	-
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	2,558	195
Farmer, Grazier	232	14
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	93	-
Farm Bailiff	37	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	2,020	178
Shepherd	132	1
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	3	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	7	-
Woodman	13	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	2	-
Gardener (not domestic)	19	2
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	54	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	19	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	3	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	7	-
Drover	3	-
Gamekeeper	18	-
Vermin Destroyer	1	-
Fisherman	3	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	13	1
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	2	1
Bookbinder	1	-
Printer	10	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	25	1
Engine, Machine Maker	2	-
Millwright	13	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	1	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	2	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	5	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	1	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	1	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	-	1
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	437	4
Builder	24	-
Carpenter, Joiner	157	1
Bricklayer	8	-
Mason	137	-
Slater, Tiler	15	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	29	-
Plumber	16	-
Painter, Glazier	33	-
Cabinet Maker	14	3
French Polisher	1	-
Gas Fitter	3	-
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	56	-
Coachmaker	19	-
Wheelwright	16	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	21	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	2	-
Sail Maker	2	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	6	-
Chemist, Druggist	6	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	426	53
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	78	13
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	1	2
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	3	1
Maltster	7	1
Brewer	41	3
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	-	1
Cellarman	1	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	2	3
Milkseller, Dairyman	3	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	43	1
Provision Curer, Dealer	2	-
Poulterer, Game Dealer	5	-
Fishmonger	3	-
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	5	1
Corn Miller	37	-
Baker	92	6
Confectioner, Pastrycook	4	1
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	1	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	96	20
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	2	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	173	132
Woolstapler	5	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	30	11
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	1	-
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	1	-
Blanket Manufacture	75	76
Fuller	2	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	-	1
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	-	2
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	1	1
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	15	-
Mat Maker, Seller	1	-
Net Maker	-	2
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	6	8
Weaver (undefined)	2	-
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	1	-
Felt Manufacture	1	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	1	2
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	30	26
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	3
Others	1	-
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	150	629
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	2
Tailor	36	14
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	-	195
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	1	63
Glover, Glove Maker	6	351
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	99	4
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	7	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	1	-
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	22	1
Furrier, Skinner	4	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	12	-
Currier	6	-
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	-	1
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	73	43
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	5	-
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	3	-
Thatcher	10	-
Sawyer	19	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	7	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	3	-
Paper Manufacture	23	41
Stationer, Law Stationer	1	2
Others	2	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	209	7
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	7	-
Coal Merchant	7	-
Gas Works Service	6	1
Stone Quarrier	2	-
Limeburner	1	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	16	2
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	20	-
Road Labourer	8	-
Platelayer	13	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	25	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	3	1
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	2	-
[Iron Manufacture]	3	-
Blacksmith	76	1
Whitesmith	4	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	9	1
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	5	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	2	-
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	-	1
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	320	24
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	24	10
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	29	4
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	1	-
General Labourer	219	7
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	14	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	13	2
Apprentice (undefined)	3	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	13	-
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	4	1
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	11	1
Town Drainage Service	1	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	10	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	-	1
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	103	705
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	103	705
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	58	2,514
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	3	1
[Blank field, or illegible]	55	2,513

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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.)