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 Glamorgan RegC	Merthyr Tidvil RegD/PLU

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	154	4
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	24	2
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	15	1
Police	73	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	27	1
Other Local or County Official	15	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	26	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	10	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	1	-
Army Pensioner	8	-
Seaman, R.N.	3	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	1	-
Navy Pensioner	3	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	617	453
Clergymen (Established Church)	39	-
Roman Catholic Priest	4	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	99	1
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	8	4
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	3
Theological Student	17	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	3	-
Barrister, Solicitor	28	-
Law Student	2	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	35	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	28	-
Dentist	3	-
Medical Student, Assistant	21	-
Midwife	-	5
Subordinate Medical Service	7	14
Schoolmaster	150	389
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	5	12
School Service, and others connected with teaching	7	1
Author, Editor, Journalist	4	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	3	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	6	1
Civil Engineer	16	-
Mining Engineer	52	1
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	14	-
Painter (artist)	9	2
Sculptor	7	-
Architect	6	-
Musician, Music Master	28	12
Photographer	6	1
Actor	4	3
Art, Music, Theatre Service	1	1
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	4	2
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	1	1
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	164	4,586
Domestic Coachman, Groom	29	-
Domestic Gardener	47	1
Domestic Indoor Servant	49	3,919
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	7	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	26	89
Office Keeper (not Government)	-	9
Cook (not domestic)	-	1
Charwoman	2	155
Washing and Bathing Service	2	400
Hospital and Institution Service	2	2
Others engaged in Service	-	10
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	523	11
Merchant	1	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	38	-
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	13	-
Accountant	46	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	-	2
Commercial Traveller	118	4
Commercial Clerk	232	4
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	2	-
Banker	1	-
Bank Service	24	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	1	1
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	47	-
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	1,119	24
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	223	-
Railway Guard	78	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	9	1
Other Railway Officials and Servants	506	7
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	1	1
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	2	2
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	26	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	121	2
Tramway Companies' Service	1	2
Inland Navigation Service	5	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	19	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	15	1
Ship Steward, Cook	2	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	1	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	15	-
Meter, Weigher	52	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	29	3
Telegraph, Telephone Service	14	5
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	656	81
Farmer, Grazier	161	14
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	97	-
Farm Bailiff	23	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	299	66
Shepherd	27	-
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	2	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	1	-
Woodman	12	-
Gardener (not domestic)	34	1
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	181	2
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	5	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	132	2
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	13	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	21	-
Drover	1	-
Gamekeeper	8	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	1	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	98	14
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	15	2
Bookbinder	9	4
Printer	68	6
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	6	2
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	561	5
Engine, Machine Maker	48	1
Millwright	2	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	385	1
Boiler Maker	83	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	5	-
File Maker	2	-
Saw Maker	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	25	2
Electrical Apparatus Maker	5	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	2	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	1	-
Toy Maker, Dealer	2	1
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,394	13
Builder	29	-
Carpenter, Joiner	481	1
Bricklayer	32	2
Mason	530	1
Slater, Tiler	9	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	106	1
Paperhanger	1	2
Plumber	15	-
Painter, Glazier	116	2
Cabinet Maker	43	2
French Polisher	7	-
Furniture Broker, Dealer	2	1
Locksmith, Bellhanger	1	-
Gas Fitter	12	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	2	-
Carver, Gilder	4	-
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	1	-
Artificial Flower Maker	1	1
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	110	1
Coachmaker	8	-
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	18	-
Wheelwright	18	-
Others	23	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	43	1
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	12	1
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	8	1
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	3	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	1	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	53	2
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	1	-
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	3	1
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	1	-
Chemist, Druggist	48	1
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	8	4
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	6	2
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	2	2
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	1,033	398
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	223	70
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	2	49
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	4	3
Maltster	1	-
Brewer	38	5
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	4	1
Cellarman	6	1
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	4	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	10	39
Cheesemonger, Butterman	5	2
Butcher, Meat Salesman	145	27
Provision Curer, Dealer	7	1
Poulterer, Game Dealer	-	1
Fishmonger	17	1
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	4	-
Corn Miller	2	-
Baker	33	33
Confectioner, Pastrycook	22	12
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	44	70
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	1	-
Sugar Refiner	5	1
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	452	80
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	3	2
Others Dealing in Food	1	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	281	108
Woolstapler	2	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	76	16
Flannel Manufacture	10	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	8	3
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	1	1
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	1
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	-	4
Mat Maker, Seller	1	2
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Weaver (undefined)	6	-
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	4	-
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	-	2
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	171	75
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	4
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	679	1,584
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	-	2
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	7
Tailor	294	13
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	7	1,436
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	-	77
Hosiery Manufacture	2	7
Hosier, Haberdasher	6	-
Glover, Glove Maker	1	2
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	335	35
Patten, Clog Maker	8	1
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	24	-
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	1	3
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	1	1
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	15	4
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	6	2
Soap Boiler, Maker	-	1
Furrier, Skinner	4	-
Tanner, Fellmonger	3	-
Currier	1	-
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	1	-
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	-	1
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	137	12
Oil and Colourman	2	1
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	-	1
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	4	2
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	15	1
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	25	-
Sawyer	59	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	4	-
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	6	-
Stationer, Law Stationer	6	4
Ticket, Label Writer	14	3
Others	2	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	17,928	766
Coal Miner	11,850	263
Ironstone Miner	61	5
Tin Miner	6	-
Lead Miner	3	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	238	12
Mine Service	81	2
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	912	5
Coal Merchant	17	-
Coalheaver	47	8
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	51	12
Gas Works Service	48	15
Stone Quarrier	211	6
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	14	-
Limeburner	8	4
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	14	24
Well Sinker, Borer	31	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	65	174
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	2	-
Road Labourer	28	-
Railway Contractor	3	-
Platelayer	271	1
Railway Labourer, Navvy	167	2
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	4	-
Glass Manufacture	1	1
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	10	4
Waterworks Service	3	1
Others	-	1
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	17	1
[Iron Manufacture]	2,593	153
[Steel Manufacture]	247	5
Blacksmith	577	1
Nail Manufacture	12	-
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	4	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	42	3
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	64	1
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	192	59
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	16	3
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	8	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	2	-
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	2	-
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	4	-
Others	1	-
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	3,418	211
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	53	42
Pawnbroker	26	8
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	66	64
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	42	1
Contractor (undefined)	43	-
General Labourer	1,925	77
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	997	5
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	198	7
Apprentice (undefined)	9	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	57	7
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	2	-
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	26	3
Town Drainage Service	5	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	10	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	3	1
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	8	2
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	304	4,174
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	304	4,174
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	295	13,611
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	61	11
[Blank field, or illegible]	234	13,600

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.)