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 Somerset RegC	Bridgwater RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	88	8
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	23	3
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	17	2
Police	29	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	7	3
Other Local or County Official	11	-
East Indian and Colonial Service	1	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	27	1
Army Officer (effective/retired)	5	1
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	5	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	1	-
Army Pensioner	4	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	2	-
Seaman, R.N.	7	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	1	-
Navy Pensioner	2	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	221	231
Clergymen (Established Church)	33	-
Roman Catholic Priest	2	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	14	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	1	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	4	2
Barrister, Solicitor	16	-
Law Student	1	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	33	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	13	-
Dentist	1	-
Medical Student, Assistant	1	-
Midwife	-	2
Subordinate Medical Service	4	49
Schoolmaster	58	123
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	7	44
School Service, and others connected with teaching	1	1
Author, Editor, Journalist	1	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	2	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	1	-
Civil Engineer	1	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	3	-
Painter (artist)	4	-
Sculptor	1	-
Architect	2	-
Musician, Music Master	6	6
Photographer	7	4
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	4	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	161	1,875
Domestic Coachman, Groom	38	-
Domestic Gardener	25	1
Domestic Indoor Servant	76	1,545
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	2	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	19	22
Office Keeper (not Government)	-	1
Charwoman	1	72
Washing and Bathing Service	-	229
Hospital and Institution Service	-	5
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	177	6
Merchant	7	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	7	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	8	-
Accountant	40	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	-	1
Commercial Traveller	24	2
Commercial Clerk	66	3
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	1	-
Banker	1	-
Bank Service	13	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	1	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	9	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	581	3
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	12	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	4	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	84	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	-	1
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	25	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	56	1
Inland Navigation Service	4	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	25	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	1	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	264	-
Pilot	7	-
Ship Steward, Cook	3	-
Boatman on Seas	6	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	24	1
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	3	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	59	-
Telegraph, Telephone Service	4	-
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	2,669	160
Farmer, Grazier	565	27
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	260	-
Farm Bailiff	22	1
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	1,604	107
Shepherd	37	-
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	2	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	7	-
Agricultural Student	2	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	45	19
Woodman	2	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	3	-
Gardener (not domestic)	120	6
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	120	-
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	3	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	50	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	15	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	15	-
Drover	5	-
Gamekeeper	14	-
Vermin Destroyer	1	-
Fisherman	17	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	27	6
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	3	2
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	1	1
Bookbinder	2	2
Printer	21	1
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	82	-
Engine, Machine Maker	20	-
Millwright	4	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	31	-
Boiler Maker	9	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	2	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	1	-
File Maker	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	10	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	2	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	2	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	756	5
Builder	24	-
Carpenter, Joiner	306	-
Bricklayer	63	-
Mason	186	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	12	1
Paperhanger	2	-
Plumber	33	-
Painter, Glazier	66	-
Cabinet Maker	52	1
French Polisher	2	-
Furniture Broker, Dealer	4	-
Gas Fitter	1	1
Carver, Gilder	4	1
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	1	-
Artificial Flower Maker	-	1
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	145	3
Coachmaker	57	1
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	20	-
Wheelwright	34	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	34	2
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	55	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	5	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	34	-
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	1	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	2	-
Sail Maker	13	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	14	-
Chemist, Druggist	13	-
Manufacturing Chemist	1	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	1	-
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	1	-
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	532	85
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	82	17
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	1	8
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	3	4
Maltster	7	-
Brewer	19	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	2	1
Cellarman	4	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	8	2
Milkseller, Dairyman	9	4
Cheesemonger, Butterman	7	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	86	1
Provision Curer, Dealer	7	-
Poulterer, Game Dealer	3	1
Fishmonger	10	-
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	9	-
Corn Miller	17	-
Baker	139	5
Confectioner, Pastrycook	14	4
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	9	1
Sugar Refiner	1	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	91	37
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	4	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	59	72
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	-	4
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	17	2
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	-	1
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	41	59
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	6
Trimming Maker, Dealer	1	-
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	267	604
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	2
Tailor	105	15
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	1	510
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	1	51
Hosiery Manufacture	-	1
Hosier, Haberdasher	1	-
Glover, Glove Maker	-	8
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	146	16
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	11	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	2	1
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	23	1
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	1	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	1	-
Manure Manufacture	6	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	8	-
Currier	3	-
Brush, Broom, Maker	4	1
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	154	9
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	18	1
Thatcher	11	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	32	-
Sawyer	45	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	13	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	18	-
Paper Manufacture	1	-
Stationer, Law Stationer	3	7
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	-	1
Others	5	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	934	11
Coal Miner	2	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	12	3
Coal Merchant	13	1
Coalheaver	19	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	5	-
Gas Works Service	8	-
Stone Quarrier	7	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	1	-
Slate Quarrier	1	-
Limeburner	5	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	11	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	514	5
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	3	-
Road Labourer	26	-
Platelayer	19	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	57	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	14	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	4	1
Waterworks Service	2	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	10	-
[Iron Manufacture]	27	-
Blacksmith	129	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	25	1
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	10	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	6	-
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	1	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	3	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	1,098	132
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	55	49
Pawnbroker	3	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	26	10
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	24	-
Contractor (undefined)	1	-
General Labourer	917	42
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	30	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	34	19
Apprentice (undefined)	4	1
Factory Labourer (undefined)	3	-
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	1	11
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	11	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	8	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	3	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	159	1,636
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	159	1,636
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	172	4,273
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	3	-
[Blank field, or illegible]	169	4,273

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.)