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 Cheshire RegC table Northwich RegD/PLU
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 92 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described) 1 Show data context -
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 11 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 20 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Police 36 Show data context -
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 15 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Other Local or County Official 9 Show data context -
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 18 Show data context -
  Army Officer (effective/retired) 2 Show data context -
  Soldier and Non-commissioned officer 5 Show data context -
  Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers 4 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 7 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 216 Show data context 191 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 23 Show data context -
  Roman Catholic Priest 2 Show data context -
  Minister, Priest of other religious bodies 15 Show data context -
  Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher 3 Show data context -
  Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Barrister, Solicitor 17 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 28 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 15 Show data context -
  Medical Student, Assistant 6 Show data context -
  Midwife - 2 Show data context
  Subordinate Medical Service 3 Show data context 31 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 65 Show data context 137 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer - 15 Show data context
  School Service, and others connected with teaching 2 Show data context -
  Author, Editor, Journalist 1 Show data context -
  Reporter, Short-hand Writer 1 Show data context -
  Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits 2 Show data context -
  Civil Engineer 6 Show data context -
  Mining Engineer 2 Show data context -
  Land, House, Ship, Surveyor 2 Show data context -
  Painter (artist) 2 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Architect 2 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 9 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Art Student 1 Show data context -
  Photographer 4 Show data context -
  Actor 2 Show data context -
  Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service 1 Show data context -
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 404 Show data context 1,950 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 108 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Domestic Gardener 168 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Domestic Indoor Servant 109 Show data context 1,733 Show data context
  Inn, Hotel Servant 15 Show data context 34 Show data context
  College, Club Service 2 Show data context -
  Office Keeper (not Government) 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Cook (not domestic) - 1 Show data context
  Charwoman - 87 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service 1 Show data context 90 Show data context
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 222 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Merchant 3 Show data context -
  Broker, Agent, Factor 24 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 15 Show data context -
  Accountant 6 Show data context -
  Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified) 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Commercial Traveller 11 Show data context -
  Commercial Clerk 129 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Banker 2 Show data context -
  Bank Service 18 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 13 Show data context -
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 1,122 Show data context 26 Show data context
  Railway Engine Driver, Stoker 35 Show data context -
  Railway Guard 13 Show data context -
  Pointsman, Level Crossing Man 14 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 127 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper 3 Show data context -
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 12 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 88 Show data context -
  Inland Navigation Service 66 Show data context -
  Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman 577 Show data context 20 Show data context
  Seaman (Merchant Service) 145 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service 6 Show data context -
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 4 Show data context -
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 29 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Telegraph, Telephone Service 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 2,084 Show data context 122 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 492 Show data context 41 Show data context
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 277 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Farm Bailiff 30 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 1,238 Show data context 77 Show data context
  Shepherd 4 Show data context -
  Land Drainage Service (not in towns) 1 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant 1 Show data context -
  Woodman 7 Show data context -
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist 5 Show data context -
  Gardener (not domestic) 29 Show data context 3 Show data context
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 178 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer 7 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 122 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier 6 Show data context -
  Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman 12 Show data context -
  Gamekeeper 29 Show data context -
  Vermin Destroyer 2 Show data context -
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 29 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 3 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Printer 23 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Lithographer, Lithographic Printer 1 Show data context -
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 353 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 20 Show data context -
  Millwright 8 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 83 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Boiler Maker 221 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker 4 Show data context -
  Cutler, Scissors Maker 1 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 12 Show data context -
  Electrical Apparatus Maker 2 Show data context -
  Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 903 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Builder 40 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Carpenter, Joiner 326 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Bricklayer 287 Show data context -
  Mason 54 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Slater, Tiler 9 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 5 Show data context -
  Plumber 24 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Painter, Glazier 118 Show data context -
  Cabinet Maker 29 Show data context -
  French Polisher 2 Show data context -
  Furniture Broker, Dealer 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Gas Fitter 4 Show data context -
  Carver, Gilder 2 Show data context -
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 172 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Coachmaker 18 Show data context -
  Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker 6 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Wheelwright 110 Show data context -
  Others 10 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 28 Show data context -
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS. 222 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Ship, Boat, Barge Builder 15 Show data context -
  Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore) 179 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker 5 Show data context -
  Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter 1 Show data context -
  Sail Maker 22 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 128 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Chemist, Druggist 19 Show data context -
  Manufacturing Chemist 90 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Alkali Manufacture 19 Show data context -
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES. 1 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist 1 Show data context 4 Show data context
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 567 Show data context 135 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 79 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper 1 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Maltster 1 Show data context -
  Brewer 9 Show data context -
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 8 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 6 Show data context -
  Milkseller, Dairyman 17 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Cheesemonger, Butterman 3 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 113 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Provision Curer, Dealer 37 Show data context 18 Show data context
  Fishmonger 7 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 10 Show data context -
  Corn Miller 43 Show data context -
  Baker 32 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 15 Show data context 17 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 18 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 164 Show data context 40 Show data context
  Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer 2 Show data context -
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 119 Show data context 144 Show data context
  Woolstapler 3 Show data context -
  Woollen Cloth Manufacture 3 Show data context -
  Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture 9 Show data context 16 Show data context
  Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture 2 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Fustian Manufacturer, Dealer 6 Show data context 95 Show data context
  Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer 27 Show data context -
  Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer 3 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Weaver (undefined) - 1 Show data context
  Factory Hand (textile, undefined) 2 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 63 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer - 2 Show data context
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 357 Show data context 463 Show data context
  Hatter, Hat Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture - 2 Show data context
  Tailor 138 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker 1 Show data context 414 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress - 27 Show data context
  Hosier, Haberdasher 1 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 156 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Patten, Clog Maker 44 Show data context -
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 14 Show data context -
  Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES. 64 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Manure Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Furrier, Skinner 21 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Tanner, Fellmonger 21 Show data context -
  Currier 19 Show data context -
  Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer - 1 Show data context
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 133 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 14 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Thatcher 1 Show data context -
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 16 Show data context -
  Sawyer 65 Show data context -
  Wood Turner, Box Maker 1 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 25 Show data context -
  Others 1 Show data context -
  Stationer, Law Stationer 4 Show data context -
  Others 1 Show data context -
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 2,837 Show data context 40 Show data context
  Coal Miner 5 Show data context -
  Lead Miner 1 Show data context -
  Miner, in other or undefined Minerals 1 Show data context -
  Mine Service 1 Show data context -
  Coal Merchant 37 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Coalheaver 9 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 11 Show data context -
  Stone Quarrier 48 Show data context -
  Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer 5 Show data context -
  Slate Worker, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Well Sinker, Borer 2 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 100 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Paviour 5 Show data context -
  Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector 1 Show data context -
  Road Labourer 17 Show data context -
  Railway Contractor 1 Show data context -
  Platelayer 51 Show data context -
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 79 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture 8 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Glass Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 4 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Salt Maker, Dealer 1,952 Show data context 29 Show data context
  Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  [Iron Manufacture] 61 Show data context -
  Blacksmith 243 Show data context -
  Whitesmith 8 Show data context -
  Nail Manufacture 3 Show data context -
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 19 Show data context 2 Show data context
  [Coppersmith] 135 Show data context -
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 18 Show data context -
  Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier 2 Show data context -
  Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker 2 Show data context -
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 1,759 Show data context 93 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 18 Show data context 25 Show data context
  Pawnbroker 7 Show data context -
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 43 Show data context 44 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 19 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Contractor (undefined) 5 Show data context -
  General Labourer 1,410 Show data context 12 Show data context
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 179 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 54 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Apprentice (undefined) 11 Show data context -
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 13 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) - 5 Show data context
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 7 Show data context -
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 4 Show data context -
  Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper 3 Show data context -
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 147 Show data context 2,345 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 147 Show data context 2,345 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 156 Show data context 5,648 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] 22 Show data context 4 Show data context
  [Blank field, or illegible] 134 Show data context 5,644 Show data context

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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.)