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 North Riding RegC table	Middlesbrough RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	219	21
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	56	17
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	22	2
Police	98	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	36	2
Other Local or County Official	7	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	33	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	5	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	3	-
Army Pensioner	11	-
Seaman, R.N.	6	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	3	-
Navy Pensioner	5	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	463	378
Clergymen (Established Church)	21	-
Roman Catholic Priest	11	1
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	25	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	14	4
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	7
Theological Student	3	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	10	1
Barrister, Solicitor	19	-
Law Student	1	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	27	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	30	-
Dentist	7	-
Medical Student, Assistant	9	-
Midwife	-	7
Subordinate Medical Service	9	35
Schoolmaster	109	258
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	4	31
School Service, and others connected with teaching	8	2
Author, Editor, Journalist	5	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	6	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	9	1
Civil Engineer	37	-
Mining Engineer	4	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	9	-
Painter (artist)	3	4
Engraver (artist)	1	-
Architect	12	-
Musician, Music Master	33	12
Art Student	-	1
Photographer	9	2
Actor	9	10
Art, Music, Theatre Service	7	1
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	-	1
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	12	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	283	2,822
Domestic Coachman, Groom	52	1
Domestic Gardener	80	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	78	2,534
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	4	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	53	48
College, Club Service	7	3
Office Keeper (not Government)	2	12
Cook (not domestic)	-	2
Charwoman	-	78
Washing and Bathing Service	5	135
Hospital and Institution Service	1	9
Others engaged in Service	1	-
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	931	33
Merchant	9	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	70	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	29	-
Accountant	55	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	1	8
Commercial Traveller	63	1
Commercial Clerk	634	23
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	1	-
Bank Service	26	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	5	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	38	1
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	2,170	10
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	321	-
Railway Guard	110	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	14	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	289	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	17	1
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	31	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	107	3
Tramway Companies' Service	13	-
Inland Navigation Service	4	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	51	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	6	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	887	2
Pilot	18	-
Ship Steward, Cook	23	1
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	157	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	18	-
Meter, Weigher	6	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	94	1
Telegraph, Telephone Service	4	2
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	557	45
Farmer, Grazier	87	11
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	54	-
Farm Bailiff	36	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	319	33
Shepherd	2	-
Agricultural Student	1	-
Woodman	11	1
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	3	-
Gardener (not domestic)	44	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	107	-
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	1	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	23	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	4	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	8	-
Gamekeeper	9	-
Fisherman	61	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	141	19
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	12	-
Bookbinder	17	12
Printer	95	3
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	9	4
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	8	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	1,375	15
Engine, Machine Maker	212	1
Millwright	27	1
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	591	2
Boiler Maker	464	4
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	1	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	2	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	4	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	5	-
Saw Maker	1	-
Pin Maker	-	1
Domestic Implement Maker	3	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	38	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	7	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	4	1
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	4	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	2	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	5	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	1	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	-	4
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	3	1
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,799	25
Builder	64	1
Carpenter, Joiner	587	1
Bricklayer	509	3
Mason	96	1
Slater, Tiler	39	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	37	-
Plumber	83	-
Painter, Glazier	225	1
Cabinet Maker	84	9
French Polisher	8	1
Furniture Broker, Dealer	8	2
Locksmith, Bellhanger	1	-
Gas Fitter	26	1
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	4	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	3	-
Wood Carver	4	-
Carver, Gilder	17	5
Dealer in Works of Art	1	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	3	-
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	59	3
Coachmaker	16	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	4	-
Wheelwright	4	1
Others	14	1
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	21	1
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	897	5
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	607	2
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	245	3
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	9	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	15	-
Sail Maker	21	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	76	2
Chemist, Druggist	37	-
Manufacturing Chemist	37	-
Alkali Manufacture	-	2
Drysalter	2	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	19	14
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	13	13
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	6	1
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	1,249	234
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	135	21
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	5	64
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	8	6
Maltster	3	-
Brewer	28	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	24	8
Cellarman	9	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	9	2
Milkseller, Dairyman	39	3
Cheesemonger, Butterman	5	2
Butcher, Meat Salesman	293	6
Provision Curer, Dealer	27	8
Poulterer, Game Dealer	3	1
Fishmonger	28	8
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	11	-
Corn Miller	37	-
Baker	44	3
Confectioner, Pastrycook	25	25
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	97	26
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	1	-
Sugar Refiner	5	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	400	51
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	13	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	180	52
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	3	-
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	1	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	1	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	1	6
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	1	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	1	1
Fustian Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	1	-
Weaver (undefined)	2	3
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	5	1
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	-	1
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	2	1
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	157	34
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	4
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	614	1,058
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	13	1
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	1	3
Tailor	289	48
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	4	942
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	-	42
Hosiery Manufacture	1	-
Hosier, Haberdasher	3	1
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	249	17
Patten, Clog Maker	3	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	48	1
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	3	3
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	38	8
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	8	1
Soap Boiler, Maker	1	-
Manure Manufacture	5	1
Currier	14	-
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	1	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	9	6
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	176	22
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Oil and Colourman	1	-
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	7	-
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	3	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	29	-
Sawyer	57	2
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	8	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	12	1
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	20	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	2	-
Paper Manufacture	3	1
Stationer, Law Stationer	23	10
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	-	8
Ticket, Label Writer	1	-
Others	4	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	10,918	118
Coal Miner	8	-
Ironstone Miner	927	2
Lead Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	22	-
Mine Service	9	-
Coal Merchant	78	1
Coalheaver	32	-
Gas Works Service	51	-
Stone Quarrier	4	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	3	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	2	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	113	1
Paviour	1	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	2	-
Road Labourer	15	-
Railway Contractor	3	-
Platelayer	146	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	76	3
Others	1	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	123	48
Glass Manufacture	90	2
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	8	4
Waterworks Service	9	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	11	-
[Iron Manufacture]	7,637	44
[Steel Manufacture]	630	2
Blacksmith	561	3
Whitesmith	13	-
Nail Manufacture	8	4
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	7	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	70	-
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	57	1
[Coppersmith]	6	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	27	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	12	1
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	37	-
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	-	1
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	1	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	82	1
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	33	-
Others	2	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	4,764	169
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	49	50
Pawnbroker	20	3
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	74	40
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	75	2
Contractor (undefined)	28	-
General Labourer	3,381	30
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	858	4
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	136	13
Apprentice (undefined)	20	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	119	6
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	4	21
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	22	-
Town Drainage Service	3	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	13	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	3	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	3	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	336	2,255
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	336	2,255
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	485	14,940
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	13	1
[Blank field, or illegible]	472	14,939

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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.)