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 Walsall RegD/PLU table Walsall Borough CP/Tn  
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 18 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 5 Show data context -
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 3 Show data context -
  Police 4 Show data context -
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 3 Show data context -
  Other Local or County Official 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 7 Show data context -
  Soldier and Non-commissioned officer 3 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 4 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 49 Show data context 34 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 1 Show data context -
  Theological Student 2 Show data context -
  Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant - 3 Show data context
  Barrister, Solicitor 1 Show data context -
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 8 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 8 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Dentist 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Medical Student, Assistant 2 Show data context -
  Subordinate Medical Service 1 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 4 Show data context 14 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer 1 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Civil Engineer 1 Show data context -
  Painter (artist) 1 Show data context -
  Engraver (artist) 1 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 8 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Actor 5 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Art, Music, Theatre Service 1 Show data context -
  Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service 3 Show data context -
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 18 Show data context 440 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 3 Show data context -
  Domestic Gardener 1 Show data context -
  Domestic Indoor Servant 8 Show data context 355 Show data context
  Inn, Hotel Servant 6 Show data context 35 Show data context
  Office Keeper (not Government) - 4 Show data context
  Charwoman - 24 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service - 22 Show data context
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 57 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Merchant 1 Show data context -
  Broker, Agent, Factor 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 5 Show data context -
  Accountant 2 Show data context -
  Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified) 1 Show data context -
  Commercial Traveller 7 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Commercial Clerk 26 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c. 1 Show data context -
  Bank Service 4 Show data context -
  Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent 1 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 73 Show data context 12 Show data context
  Railway Engine Driver, Stoker 3 Show data context -
  Railway Guard 1 Show data context -
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 12 Show data context -
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 2 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 27 Show data context -
  Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman 5 Show data context -
  Seaman (Merchant Service) 1 Show data context -
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 4 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 17 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Telegraph, Telephone Service 1 Show data context -
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 37 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 2 Show data context -
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 1 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 30 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist 1 Show data context -
  Gardener (not domestic) 3 Show data context -
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 22 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 22 Show data context -
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 13 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer - 1 Show data context
  Bookbinder 2 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Printer 8 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper 1 Show data context -
  Lithographer, Lithographic Printer 1 Show data context -
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 51 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 3 Show data context -
  Millwright 1 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 5 Show data context -
  Tool Maker, Dealer 15 Show data context -
  File Maker 7 Show data context -
  Steel Pen Maker - 1 Show data context
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 8 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Philosophical Instrument Maker 5 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Electrical Apparatus Maker 2 Show data context -
  Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer 1 Show data context -
  Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer 3 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker 1 Show data context -
  Toy Maker, Dealer - 1 Show data context
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 244 Show data context 25 Show data context
  Builder 3 Show data context -
  Carpenter, Joiner 19 Show data context -
  Bricklayer 48 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Mason 8 Show data context -
  Slater, Tiler 3 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 3 Show data context -
  Plumber 3 Show data context -
  Painter, Glazier 45 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Cabinet Maker 10 Show data context 2 Show data context
  French Polisher 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Furniture Broker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Locksmith, Bellhanger 79 Show data context 19 Show data context
  Gas Fitter 14 Show data context -
  Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker 1 Show data context -
  Carver, Gilder 4 Show data context -
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 269 Show data context 152 Show data context
  Coachmaker 9 Show data context -
  Wheelwright 3 Show data context -
  Others 3 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 254 Show data context 152 Show data context
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS. 2 Show data context -
  Ship, Boat, Barge Builder 2 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 13 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Chemist, Druggist 13 Show data context 1 Show data context
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES. 5 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist 4 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker 1 Show data context -
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 225 Show data context 66 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 40 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper 2 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Maltster 2 Show data context -
  Brewer 10 Show data context -
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 4 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Cellarman 2 Show data context -
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 3 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Milkseller, Dairyman 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 43 Show data context 10 Show data context
  Provision Curer, Dealer 2 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Poulterer, Game Dealer 2 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Fishmonger 4 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Baker 30 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 9 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 13 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 52 Show data context 4 Show data context
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 52 Show data context 37 Show data context
  Woollen Cloth Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Tape Manufacturer, Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer 4 Show data context -
  Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined) 2 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Factory Hand (textile, undefined) - 1 Show data context
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 44 Show data context 27 Show data context
  Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 1 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Embroiderer - 1 Show data context
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 104 Show data context 154 Show data context
  Hatter, Hat Manufacture 4 Show data context -
  Tailor 37 Show data context 38 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker 1 Show data context 69 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress 1 Show data context 24 Show data context
  Hosier, Haberdasher 3 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 49 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 6 Show data context -
  Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Old Clothes Dealer, and others 1 Show data context 4 Show data context
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES. 85 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Furrier, Skinner - 1 Show data context
  Tanner, Fellmonger 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Currier 44 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Brush, Broom, Maker 29 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer - 2 Show data context
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 33 Show data context 20 Show data context
  Oil and Colourman 1 Show data context -
  Japanner 6 Show data context 12 Show data context
  India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Others - 1 Show data context
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 3 Show data context -
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Sawyer 4 Show data context -
  Wood Turner, Box Maker 7 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 8 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Paper Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Stationer, Law Stationer 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker - 3 Show data context
  Others 1 Show data context -
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 433 Show data context 85 Show data context
  Coal Miner 31 Show data context -
  Ironstone Miner 1 Show data context -
  Miner, in other or undefined Minerals 2 Show data context -
  Mine Service 1 Show data context -
  Coal Merchant 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Coalheaver 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Gas Works Service 3 Show data context -
  Stone Quarrier 1 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 5 Show data context -
  Paviour 1 Show data context -
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 3 Show data context -
  Glass Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller 10 Show data context 2 Show data context
  [Iron Manufacture] 104 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Blacksmith 17 Show data context -
  Whitesmith 1 Show data context -
  Anchor, Chain Manufacture 31 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 4 Show data context -
  Other Iron and Steel Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 11 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer 8 Show data context -
  Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier 78 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer 2 Show data context 12 Show data context
  White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer 79 Show data context -
  Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker - 1 Show data context
  Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker 16 Show data context 58 Show data context
  Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker 1 Show data context -
  Others 9 Show data context -
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 289 Show data context 96 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 2 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Pawnbroker 3 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 9 Show data context 14 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  General Labourer 177 Show data context 12 Show data context
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 6 Show data context -
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 82 Show data context 30 Show data context
  Apprentice (undefined) 3 Show data context -
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 6 Show data context 20 Show data context
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) - 4 Show data context
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 6 Show data context -
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 6 Show data context -
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 26 Show data context 165 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 26 Show data context 165 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 50 Show data context 1,020 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
  [Blank field, or illegible] 43 Show data context 1,019 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.)