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 Wolverhampton RegD	Willenhall SubD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	40	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	9	-
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	4	-
Police	17	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	9	-
Other Local or County Official	1	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	5	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	1	-
Army Pensioner	4	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	112	76
Clergymen (Established Church)	6	-
Roman Catholic Priest	1	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	7	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	2	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	3	-
Barrister, Solicitor	6	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	10	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	4	-
Medical Student, Assistant	3	-
Midwife	-	1
Subordinate Medical Service	-	5
Schoolmaster	47	66
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	-	2
School Service, and others connected with teaching	1	-
Author, Editor, Journalist	1	-
Civil Engineer	2	-
Mining Engineer	7	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	2	-
Architect	5	-
Musician, Music Master	3	2
Art Student	1	-
Photographer	1	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	29	812
Domestic Coachman, Groom	6	-
Domestic Gardener	3	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	13	695
Inn, Hotel Servant	6	19
Office Keeper (not Government)	-	1
Cook (not domestic)	-	1
Charwoman	-	38
Washing and Bathing Service	-	58
Others engaged in Service	1	-
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	156	3
Merchant	5	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	16	1
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	5	-
Commercial Traveller	7	-
Commercial Clerk	101	1
Bank Service	3	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	19	1
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	325	22
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	17	-
Railway Guard	15	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	9	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	93	-
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	3	2
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	6	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	100	5
Tramway Companies' Service	2	-
Inland Navigation Service	8	2
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	24	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	-	1
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	18	12
Meter, Weigher	2	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	28	-
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	188	4
Farmer, Grazier	24	-
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	9	-
Farm Bailiff	2	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	138	4
Shepherd	1	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	2	-
Gardener (not domestic)	12	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	20	-
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	3	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	14	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	2	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	8	1
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	2	-
Printer	5	-
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	1	1
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	387	19
Engine, Machine Maker	42	-
Millwright	3	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	31	-
Boiler Maker	9	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	1	2
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	109	2
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	88	14
File Maker	44	-
Saw Maker	1	-
Domestic Implement Maker	24	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	2	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	1	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	1	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	1	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	5	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	2	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	20	1
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	1	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	3,125	139
Builder	10	-
Carpenter, Joiner	87	1
Bricklayer	107	1
Mason	5	1
Slater, Tiler	2	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	4	-
Paperhanger	1	-
Plumber	6	-
Painter, Glazier	52	-
Cabinet Maker	9	2
French Polisher	1	2
Furniture Broker, Dealer	3	-
Locksmith, Bellhanger	2,831	132
Gas Fitter	5	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Carver, Gilder	1	-
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	92	6
Coachmaker	2	1
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	44	-
Wheelwright	22	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	21	5
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	4	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	3	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	1	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	14	2
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	-	2
Chemist, Druggist	13	-
Manufacturing Chemist	1	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	-	1
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	-	1
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	356	90
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	73	7
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	-	2
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	1	-
Maltster	7	-
Brewer	13	1
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	13	8
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	9	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	9	8
Butcher, Meat Salesman	70	2
Provision Curer, Dealer	4	1
Poulterer, Game Dealer	2	-
Fishmonger	3	-
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	4	1
Corn Miller	2	-
Baker	35	5
Confectioner, Pastrycook	2	7
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	24	22
Sugar Refiner	1	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	82	26
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	2	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	24	8
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	-	2
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	1	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	-	1
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	1	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	1	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	20	4
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	1
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	130	215
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	1
Tailor	42	13
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	-	172
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	-	17
Hosiery Manufacture	1	-
Hosier, Haberdasher	2	6
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	73	5
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	11	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	-	1
Accoutrement Maker	1	-
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	26	13
Manure Manufacture	19	10
Currier	2	1
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	5	1
Brush, Broom, Maker	-	1
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	68	11
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	1	-
Japanner	3	9
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Others	4	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	2	-
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	9	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Sawyer	11	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	1	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	24	1
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	7	-
Ticket, Label Writer	-	1
Others	2	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	2,291	154
Coal Miner	1,013	38
Ironstone Miner	53	1
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	5	1
Mine Service	12	-
Coal Merchant	35	3
Coalheaver	3	1
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	2	1
Gas Works Service	17	-
Stone Quarrier	3	-
Limeburner	1	-
Well Sinker, Borer	5	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	1	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	17	9
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	10	-
Railway Contractor	4	-
Platelayer	19	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	37	1
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	5	1
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	1	3
Waterworks Service	1	-
[Iron Manufacture]	585	30
[Steel Manufacture]	2	-
Blacksmith	148	-
Whitesmith	29	2
Nail Manufacture	11	12
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	3	2
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	21	1
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	6	3
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	58	1
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	2	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	67	6
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	7	-
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	98	36
Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker	8	1
Others	1	1
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	489	71
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	14	14
Pawnbroker	8	7
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	3	2
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	3	1
Contractor (undefined)	5	-
General Labourer	222	5
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	83	1
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	104	7
Apprentice (undefined)	5	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	38	31
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	4	3
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	2	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	1	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	1	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	60	569
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	60	569
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	111	4,956
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	1	1
[Blank field, or illegible]	110	4,955

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.)