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 Middlesex RegC	Fulham RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	837	64
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	284	24
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	132	-
Prison Service, &c.	71	33
Police	262	1
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	62	5
Other Local or County Official	18	1
East Indian and Colonial Service	8	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	180	3
Army Officer (effective/retired)	68	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	32	1
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	11	-
Army Pensioner	31	2
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	25	-
Seaman, R.N.	6	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	1	-
Navy Pensioner	6	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	1,735	1,554
Clergymen (Established Church)	55	2
Roman Catholic Priest	13	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	19	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	22	3
Nun, Sister of Charity	1	122
Theological Student	23	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	20	11
Barrister, Solicitor	139	-
Law Student	16	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	171	1
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	95	1
Dentist	36	16
Medical Student, Assistant	54	1
Midwife	-	6
Subordinate Medical Service	15	392
Schoolmaster	179	355
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	72	352
School Service, and others connected with teaching	23	5
Author, Editor, Journalist	57	10
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	21	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	21	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	19	2
Civil Engineer	94	-
Mining Engineer	4	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	37	-
Painter (artist)	149	66
Engraver (artist)	15	1
Sculptor	14	2
Architect	99	-
Musician, Music Master	100	135
Art Student	27	27
Photographer	43	9
Actor	29	29
Art, Music, Theatre Service	12	2
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	8	2
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	33	2
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	980	9,847
Domestic Coachman, Groom	70	-
Domestic Gardener	100	1
Domestic Indoor Servant	292	6,284
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	9	1
Inn, Hotel Servant	257	130
College, Club Service	16	1
Office Keeper (not Government)	10	8
Cook (not domestic)	8	5
Charwoman	4	390
Washing and Bathing Service	168	2,945
Hospital and Institution Service	37	81
Others engaged in Service	9	1
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	2,511	84
Merchant	69	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	201	1
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	89	-
Accountant	128	2
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	27	5
Commercial Traveller	292	1
Commercial Clerk	1,430	67
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	18	-
Banker	1	-
Bank Service	150	2
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	14	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	92	6
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	2,962	25
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	128	-
Railway Guard	79	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	8	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	706	12
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	1	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	61	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	525	2
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	779	-
Tramway Companies' Service	3	-
Wheel Chair Proprietor, Attendant &c.	5	-
Inland Navigation Service	4	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	60	2
Navigation Service (on shore)	3	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	80	-
Ship Steward, Cook	6	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	16	1
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	82	1
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	394	2
Telegraph, Telephone Service	22	5
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	838	90
Farmer, Grazier	21	1
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	3	-
Farm Bailiff	9	1
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	173	29
Shepherd	3	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	7	1
Woodman	31	1
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	75	18
Gardener (not domestic)	516	39
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	338	4
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	15	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	222	1
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	64	2
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	17	-
Drover	1	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	7	1
Fisherman	5	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	7	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	301	24
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	79	2
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	17	2
Bookbinder	23	11
Printer	142	-
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	22	7
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	13	-
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	3	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	2	2
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	664	27
Engine, Machine Maker	89	3
Millwright	10	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	167	-
Boiler Maker	28	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	-	1
Tool Maker, Dealer	7	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	11	-
File Maker	1	-
Saw Maker	4	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	76	-
Philosophical Instrument Maker	14	1
Electrical Apparatus Maker	14	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	5	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	6	1
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	8	1
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	204	1
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	5	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	9	15
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	-	4
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	6	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	6,355	73
Builder	349	1
Carpenter, Joiner	1,769	9
Bricklayer	1,189	2
Mason	369	1
Slater, Tiler	28	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	515	1
Paperhanger	55	1
Plumber	311	2
Painter, Glazier	1,059	10
Cabinet Maker	230	26
French Polisher	69	2
Furniture Broker, Dealer	60	4
Locksmith, Bellhanger	8	-
Gas Fitter	192	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	41	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	17	-
Others	8	-
Wood Carver	9	1
Carver, Gilder	44	8
Dealer in Works of Art	18	2
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	9	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	1	-
Artificial Flower Maker	5	3
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	320	3
Coachmaker	171	1
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	8	-
Wheelwright	68	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Others	4	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	68	2
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	36	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	26	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	4	-
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	5	-
Sail Maker	1	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	120	4
Dye, Paint Manufacture	6	1
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	1	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	3	-
Chemist, Druggist	87	2
Manufacturing Chemist	23	1
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	57	29
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	47	26
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	10	3
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	2,288	245
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	171	19
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	5	55
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	34	19
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Maltster	15	-
Brewer	73	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	59	15
Cellarman	30	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	87	5
Milkseller, Dairyman	186	14
Cheesemonger, Butterman	85	3
Butcher, Meat Salesman	329	6
Provision Curer, Dealer	46	3
Poulterer, Game Dealer	17	2
Fishmonger	105	4
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	42	3
Corn Miller	5	-
Baker	357	14
Confectioner, Pastrycook	49	29
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	191	14
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	2	-
Sugar Refiner	39	1
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	339	39
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	21	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	480	268
Woolstapler	2	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	8	1
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	1	-
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	1	-
Flannel Manufacture	-	1
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	18	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	5	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	6	2
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	-	10
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	2	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	5	1
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	7	5
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	11	1
Mat Maker, Seller	36	4
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	1	1
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	1	1
Weaver (undefined)	5	7
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	33	19
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	2	4
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	5	2
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	321	180
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	6	15
Trimming Maker, Dealer	2	3
Embroiderer	2	11
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	934	1,850
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	23	3
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	2	1
Tailor	305	63
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	9	1,567
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	12	165
Hosiery Manufacture	1	-
Hosier, Haberdasher	41	3
Glover, Glove Maker	2	2
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	451	30
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	66	5
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	15	6
Accoutrement Maker	3	-
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	4	5
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	77	8
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	8	1
Soap Boiler, Maker	8	-
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Manure Manufacture	1	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Comb Maker	2	-
Others	3	-
Furrier, Skinner	10	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	1	-
Currier	18	-
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	11	2
Brush, Broom, Maker	12	2
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	1	3
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	460	54
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	41	1
Oil and Colourman	60	3
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	2	1
Japanner	1	-
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	1	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	4	1
Others	1	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	41	4
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	5	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	53	5
Sawyer	67	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	19	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	10	1
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	31	1
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	6	-
Paper Manufacture	13	1
Envelope Maker	-	3
Stationer, Law Stationer	77	31
Card, Pattern Card Maker	4	1
Paper Stainer	6	-
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	6	1
Ticket, Label Writer	4	-
Others	8	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	1,937	32
Coal Miner	26	-
Copper Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	18	-
Mine Service	6	-
Coal Merchant	64	-
Coalheaver	146	-
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	7	-
Gas Works Service	255	1
Stone Quarrier	2	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	15	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	9	-
Limeburner	8	-
Well Sinker, Borer	2	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	2	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	282	2
Paviour	18	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	2	-
Road Labourer	18	1
Railway Contractor	7	-
Platelayer	95	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	107	-
Others	1	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	59	10
Glass Manufacture	45	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	32	4
Waterworks Service	18	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	90	-
Lapidary	2	-
Others	3	1
[Iron Manufacture]	98	4
[Steel Manufacture]	1	-
Blacksmith	218	-
Whitesmith	53	-
Nail Manufacture	-	1
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	93	4
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	3	-
[Coppersmith]	13	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	22	1
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	24	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	16	1
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	6	1
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	31	-
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	3	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	3	-
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	4	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	7	1
Others	2	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	4,101	337
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	163	101
Pawnbroker	56	-
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	89	39
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	59	12
Contractor (undefined)	20	1
General Labourer	3,167	15
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	233	1
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	215	71
Apprentice (undefined)	39	11
Factory Labourer (undefined)	50	34
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	10	52
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	78	2
Town Drainage Service	8	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	46	1
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	19	1
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	5	-
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	833	3,053
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	833	3,053
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	771	18,558
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	29	13
[Blank field, or illegible]	742	18,545

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.)