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 Brighton RegD/Inc table	The Palace SubD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	58	4
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	1	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	19	-
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	7	-
Police	9	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	14	2
Other Local or County Official	8	-
East Indian and Colonial Service	-	2
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	61	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	40	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	2	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	9	-
Army Pensioner	1	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	4	-
Seaman, R.N.	5	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	413	379
Clergymen (Established Church)	40	1
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	3	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	1	1
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	2
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	1	2
Barrister, Solicitor	54	-
Law Student	4	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	21	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	35	-
Dentist	20	-
Medical Student, Assistant	5	-
Midwife	-	2
Subordinate Medical Service	2	87
Schoolmaster	43	113
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	33	96
School Service, and others connected with teaching	1	8
Author, Editor, Journalist	5	1
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	7	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	4	-
Civil Engineer	14	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	6	-
Painter (artist)	15	16
Engraver (artist)	1	-
Sculptor	1	-
Architect	16	-
Musician, Music Master	27	26
Art Student	4	2
Photographer	27	14
Actor	2	5
Art, Music, Theatre Service	1	2
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	2	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	18	1
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	386	3,554
Domestic Coachman, Groom	50	-
Domestic Gardener	4	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	190	3,219
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	1	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	122	80
College, Club Service	1	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	2	7
Cook (not domestic)	9	4
Charwoman	-	53
Washing and Bathing Service	6	184
Hospital and Institution Service	-	7
Others engaged in Service	1	-
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	399	42
Merchant	52	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	44	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	27	-
Accountant	21	1
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	2	12
Commercial Traveller	44	-
Commercial Clerk	173	28
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	3	-
Banker	4	-
Bank Service	18	1
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	3	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	8	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	386	10
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	1	-
Railway Guard	2	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	11	-
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	1	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	24	2
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	65	1
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	37	-
Wheel Chair Proprietor, Attendant &c.	26	-
Inland Navigation Service	3	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	53	-
Navigation Service (on shore)	2	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	19	-
Pilot	1	-
Ship Steward, Cook	2	1
Boatman on Seas	1	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	1	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	7	1
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	128	1
Telegraph, Telephone Service	2	4
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	46	-
Farmer, Grazier	17	-
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	3	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	2	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	1	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	4	-
Gardener (not domestic)	19	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	133	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	34	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	5	-
Gamekeeper	1	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	2	-
Fisherman	91	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	83	16
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	18	11
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	8	1
Bookbinder	3	2
Printer	44	1
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	7	1
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	3	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	71	12
Engine, Machine Maker	9	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	8	-
Boiler Maker	1	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	4	2
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	27	2
Philosophical Instrument Maker	1	-
Electrical Apparatus Maker	1	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	3	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	1	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	11	1
Toy Maker, Dealer	3	7
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	2	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	501	22
Builder	41	-
Carpenter, Joiner	144	-
Bricklayer	43	-
Mason	1	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	8	-
Paperhanger	11	-
Plumber	19	1
Painter, Glazier	96	1
Cabinet Maker	55	15
French Polisher	8	1
Furniture Broker, Dealer	12	1
Locksmith, Bellhanger	3	-
Gas Fitter	24	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	10	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	3	-
Wood Carver	1	-
Carver, Gilder	15	1
Dealer in Works of Art	4	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	2	-
Artificial Flower Maker	1	2
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	55	-
Coachmaker	33	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	2	-
Wheelwright	7	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	4	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	9	-
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	5	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	3	-
Sail Maker	2	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	54	3
Dye, Paint Manufacture	3	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	1	1
Chemist, Druggist	48	1
Manufacturing Chemist	2	1
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	14	8
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	14	8
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	722	380
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	89	13
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	79	296
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	17	2
Maltster	6	-
Brewer	35	1
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	19	3
Cellarman	12	1
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	31	1
Milkseller, Dairyman	30	-
Cheesemonger, Butterman	9	1
Butcher, Meat Salesman	77	3
Provision Curer, Dealer	12	3
Poulterer, Game Dealer	10	1
Fishmonger	45	6
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	10	-
Corn Miller	3	-
Baker	70	9
Confectioner, Pastrycook	27	18
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	55	14
Sugar Refiner	1	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	80	8
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	5	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	198	150
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	3	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	2	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	2	1
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	2	-
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	1	14
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	2	-
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	3	-
Felt Manufacture	1	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	2	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	174	121
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	3	11
Trimming Maker, Dealer	1	-
Embroiderer	-	3
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	230	656
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	6	-
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	1
Tailor	101	21
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	16	532
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	-	61
Hosiery Manufacture	-	1
Hosier, Haberdasher	17	3
Glover, Glove Maker	-	2
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	64	22
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	22	5
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	3	4
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	1	4
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	15	6
Furrier, Skinner	2	1
Tanner, Fellmonger	1	-
Currier	2	-
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	4	1
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	1	2
Brush, Broom, Maker	4	1
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	1	1
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	60	12
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Oil and Colourman	2	-
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	3	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	5	1
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	6	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	6	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	4	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	-	2
Paper Manufacture	1	-
Stationer, Law Stationer	30	9
Ticket, Label Writer	1	-
Others	1	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	162	17
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	1	-
Coal Merchant	6	-
Coalheaver	2	-
Gas Works Service	1	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	4	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Railway Contractor	1	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	1	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	1	-
Glass Manufacture	-	1
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	8	3
Waterworks Service	1	-
Others	1	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	49	10
Gold, Silver, Beater	1	-
Lapidary	-	2
[Iron Manufacture]	5	-
[Steel Manufacture]	1	-
Blacksmith	23	-
Whitesmith	12	1
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	23	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	6	-
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	2	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	1	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	5	-
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	1	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	2	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	3	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	190	165
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	24	63
Pawnbroker	8	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	17	1
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	14	15
Contractor (undefined)	2	-
General Labourer	70	1
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	11	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	32	63
Apprentice (undefined)	9	7
Factory Labourer (undefined)	3	-
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	-	15
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	13	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	11	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	2	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	283	1,270
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	283	1,270
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	142	2,713
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	4	4
[Blank field, or illegible]	138	2,709

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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.)