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 Essex RegC table Colchester RegD/PLU
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 116 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described) 1 Show data context -
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 38 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 19 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Police 40 Show data context -
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 10 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Other Local or County Official 8 Show data context -
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 1,979 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Army Officer (effective/retired) 93 Show data context -
  Soldier and Non-commissioned officer 1,853 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers 6 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 23 Show data context -
  Navy Pensioner 4 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 267 Show data context 272 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 18 Show data context -
  Roman Catholic Priest 2 Show data context -
  Minister, Priest of other religious bodies 8 Show data context -
  Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher 2 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Theological Student 1 Show data context -
  Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Barrister, Solicitor 19 Show data context -
  Law Student 1 Show data context -
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 54 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 15 Show data context -
  Dentist 4 Show data context -
  Medical Student, Assistant 5 Show data context -
  Midwife - 5 Show data context
  Subordinate Medical Service 2 Show data context 83 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 43 Show data context 96 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer 8 Show data context 59 Show data context
  School Service, and others connected with teaching - 4 Show data context
  Author, Editor, Journalist 5 Show data context -
  Reporter, Short-hand Writer 1 Show data context -
  Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits 1 Show data context -
  Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c. 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Civil Engineer 4 Show data context -
  Land, House, Ship, Surveyor 2 Show data context -
  Painter (artist) 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Engraver (artist) 1 Show data context -
  Sculptor 1 Show data context -
  Architect 15 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 23 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Art Student 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Photographer 13 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Actor 2 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service 7 Show data context -
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 208 Show data context 1,731 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 49 Show data context -
  Domestic Gardener 22 Show data context -
  Domestic Indoor Servant 73 Show data context 1,378 Show data context
  Inn, Hotel Servant 39 Show data context 25 Show data context
  College, Club Service 3 Show data context -
  Office Keeper (not Government) - 1 Show data context
  Cook (not domestic) 4 Show data context -
  Charwoman - 72 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service 7 Show data context 248 Show data context
  Hospital and Institution Service 11 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Others engaged in Service - 1 Show data context
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 210 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Merchant 6 Show data context -
  Broker, Agent, Factor 12 Show data context -
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 10 Show data context -
  Accountant 2 Show data context -
  Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified) 2 Show data context -
  Commercial Traveller 22 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Commercial Clerk 120 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c. 1 Show data context -
  Banker 3 Show data context -
  Bank Service 22 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 10 Show data context -
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 528 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Railway Engine Driver, Stoker 25 Show data context -
  Railway Guard 11 Show data context -
  Pointsman, Level Crossing Man 3 Show data context -
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 79 Show data context -
  Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper 10 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 43 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 147 Show data context -
  Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman 5 Show data context -
  Navigation Service (on shore) 3 Show data context -
  Seaman (Merchant Service) 52 Show data context -
  Ship Steward, Cook 1 Show data context -
  Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service 4 Show data context -
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 137 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Telegraph, Telephone Service 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 514 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 32 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 11 Show data context -
  Farm Bailiff 6 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 264 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Shepherd 11 Show data context -
  Land Drainage Service (not in towns) 1 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant 2 Show data context -
  Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture 3 Show data context -
  Woodman 3 Show data context -
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist 10 Show data context -
  Gardener (not domestic) 171 Show data context -
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 121 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 90 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier 9 Show data context -
  Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman 4 Show data context -
  Drover 8 Show data context -
  Gamekeeper 5 Show data context -
  Vermin Destroyer 2 Show data context -
  Fisherman 1 Show data context -
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 84 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 16 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Bookbinder 8 Show data context -
  Printer 55 Show data context -
  Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper 5 Show data context 2 Show data context
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 212 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 35 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Millwright 9 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 78 Show data context -
  Boiler Maker 35 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker 2 Show data context -
  Tool Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Cutler, Scissors Maker 10 Show data context -
  [Others] 1 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 26 Show data context -
  Electrical Apparatus Maker 3 Show data context -
  Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker 1 Show data context -
  Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer 5 Show data context -
  Ordnance Manufacturer 1 Show data context -
  Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer 5 Show data context -
  Toy Maker, Dealer - 4 Show data context
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 883 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Builder 36 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Carpenter, Joiner 209 Show data context -
  Bricklayer 297 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Mason 59 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 1 Show data context -
  Paperhanger 3 Show data context -
  Plumber 28 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Painter, Glazier 122 Show data context -
  Cabinet Maker 86 Show data context 6 Show data context
  French Polisher 12 Show data context -
  Furniture Broker, Dealer 5 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Locksmith, Bellhanger 1 Show data context -
  Gas Fitter 15 Show data context -
  Carver, Gilder 4 Show data context -
  Dealer in Works of Art 1 Show data context -
  Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist 4 Show data context -
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 93 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Coachmaker 50 Show data context -
  Wheelwright 15 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 28 Show data context 1 Show data context
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS. 14 Show data context -
  Ship, Boat, Barge Builder 1 Show data context -
  Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore) 12 Show data context -
  Sail Maker 1 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 32 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Chemist, Druggist 28 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Manufacturing Chemist 4 Show data context -
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES. 14 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist 8 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker 6 Show data context -
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 634 Show data context 69 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 76 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper - 20 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 3 Show data context -
  Maltster 36 Show data context -
  Brewer 48 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 12 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Cellarman 5 Show data context -
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 20 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Milkseller, Dairyman 15 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 87 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Provision Curer, Dealer 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Poulterer, Game Dealer 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Fishmonger 16 Show data context -
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 16 Show data context -
  Corn Miller 21 Show data context -
  Baker 112 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 27 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 18 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Sugar Refiner 1 Show data context -
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 102 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer 11 Show data context -
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 95 Show data context 149 Show data context
  Woollen Cloth Manufacture - 2 Show data context
  Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture 5 Show data context 57 Show data context
  Crepe, Gauze Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Net Maker 1 Show data context -
  Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Weaver (undefined) - 3 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
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 85 Show data context 78 Show data context
  Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 1 Show data context 4 Show data context
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 571 Show data context 1,472 Show data context
  Hatter, Hat Manufacture 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture - 2 Show data context
  Tailor 174 Show data context 803 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker 1 Show data context 465 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress 1 Show data context 123 Show data context
  Hosiery Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Hosier, Haberdasher 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Glover, Glove Maker 3 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 359 Show data context 71 Show data context
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 18 Show data context -
  Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer 3 Show data context 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. 33 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture 3 Show data context -
  Furrier, Skinner 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Tanner, Fellmonger 1 Show data context -
  Currier 26 Show data context -
  Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Brush, Broom, Maker 2 Show data context -
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 122 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Oil and Colourman 9 Show data context -
  Japanner 2 Show data context -
  India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 8 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Thatcher 1 Show data context -
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 14 Show data context -
  Sawyer 34 Show data context -
  Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker 6 Show data context -
  Wood Turner, Box Maker 6 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 25 Show data context -
  Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Paper Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Stationer, Law Stationer 6 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Others 4 Show data context -
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 453 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Coal Miner 3 Show data context -
  Coal Merchant 19 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Coalheaver 43 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 19 Show data context -
  Stone Quarrier 1 Show data context -
  Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer 7 Show data context -
  Limeburner 1 Show data context -
  Well Sinker, Borer 1 Show data context -
  Plaster, Cement Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 53 Show data context -
  Paviour 3 Show data context -
  Road Labourer 6 Show data context -
  Railway Contractor 1 Show data context -
  Platelayer 15 Show data context -
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 14 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Waterworks Service 3 Show data context -
  Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller 7 Show data context -
  [Iron Manufacture] 95 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Blacksmith 67 Show data context -
  Whitesmith 19 Show data context -
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 50 Show data context 1 Show data context
  [Coppersmith] 3 Show data context -
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 10 Show data context -
  Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier 3 Show data context -
  Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer 1 Show data context -
  Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker 2 Show data context -
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 764 Show data context 222 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 52 Show data context 62 Show data context
  Pawnbroker 6 Show data context -
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 79 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 9 Show data context -
  Contractor (undefined) 4 Show data context -
  General Labourer 513 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 33 Show data context -
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 53 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Apprentice (undefined) 3 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 6 Show data context 14 Show data context
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) 6 Show data context 113 Show data context
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 16 Show data context -
  Town Drainage Service 2 Show data context -
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 10 Show data context -
  Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper 4 Show data context -
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 195 Show data context 996 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 195 Show data context 996 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 152 Show data context 3,327 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] 4 Show data context 2 Show data context
  [Blank field, or illegible] 148 Show data context 3,325 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.)