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 Basford RegD/PLU table Basford CP/AP  
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 37 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Police 17 Show data context -
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 10 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Other Local or County Official 1 Show data context -
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 3 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 2 Show data context -
  Navy Officer (effective/retired) 1 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 97 Show data context 101 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 6 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Minister, Priest of other religious bodies 5 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher 2 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Theological Student 2 Show data context -
  Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant 2 Show data context -
  Barrister, Solicitor 12 Show data context -
  Law Student 1 Show data context -
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 7 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 5 Show data context -
  Medical Student, Assistant 1 Show data context -
  Midwife - 1 Show data context
  Subordinate Medical Service 1 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 18 Show data context 66 Show data context
  Teacher, Professor, Lecturer - 3 Show data context
  School Service, and others connected with teaching 4 Show data context -
  Civil Engineer 2 Show data context -
  Mining Engineer 2 Show data context -
  Painter (artist) 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Sculptor 1 Show data context -
  Architect 6 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 4 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Art Student 1 Show data context -
  Photographer 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Actor 5 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service 2 Show data context -
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 89 Show data context 585 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 21 Show data context -
  Domestic Gardener 48 Show data context -
  Domestic Indoor Servant 10 Show data context 450 Show data context
  Inn, Hotel Servant 5 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Office Keeper (not Government) - 2 Show data context
  Cook (not domestic) - 1 Show data context
  Charwoman - 38 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service 5 Show data context 92 Show data context
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 116 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Merchant 1 Show data context -
  Broker, Agent, Factor 10 Show data context -
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 3 Show data context -
  Accountant 2 Show data context -
  Commercial Traveller 12 Show data context -
  Commercial Clerk 79 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Banker 1 Show data context -
  Bank Service 4 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 4 Show data context -
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 197 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Railway Engine Driver, Stoker 3 Show data context -
  Pointsman, Level Crossing Man 2 Show data context -
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 25 Show data context -
  Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper 1 Show data context -
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 15 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 71 Show data context -
  Tramway Companies' Service 14 Show data context -
  Seaman (Merchant Service) 2 Show data context -
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 45 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 19 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Telegraph, Telephone Service - 1 Show data context
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 159 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 9 Show data context -
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 6 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 88 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Shepherd 1 Show data context -
  Woodman 1 Show data context -
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist 5 Show data context -
  Gardener (not domestic) 49 Show data context 2 Show data context
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 37 Show data context -
  Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 33 Show data context -
  Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman 2 Show data context -
  Gamekeeper 1 Show data context -
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 23 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Bookbinder 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Printer 17 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. 149 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 18 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Millwright 2 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 58 Show data context -
  Boiler Maker 5 Show data context -
  Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker 48 Show data context -
  Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker 1 Show data context -
  Cutler, Scissors Maker 2 Show data context -
  Needle Maker 6 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 3 Show data context -
  Philosophical Instrument Maker 2 Show data context -
  Electrical Apparatus Maker 2 Show data context -
  Toy Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 384 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Builder 18 Show data context -
  Carpenter, Joiner 143 Show data context -
  Bricklayer 98 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Mason 30 Show data context -
  Slater, Tiler 2 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 11 Show data context -
  Paperhanger 1 Show data context -
  Plumber 30 Show data context -
  Painter, Glazier 36 Show data context -
  Cabinet Maker 6 Show data context 6 Show data context
  French Polisher 2 Show data context -
  Gas Fitter 2 Show data context -
  Wood Carver 1 Show data context -
  Carver, Gilder 3 Show data context -
  Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 40 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Coachmaker 5 Show data context -
  Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker 5 Show data context -
  Wheelwright 15 Show data context -
  Others 10 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 5 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 19 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Dye, Paint Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Chemist, Druggist 10 Show data context -
  Manufacturing Chemist 6 Show data context 3 Show data context
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES. 3 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist 3 Show data context 5 Show data context
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 256 Show data context 39 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 36 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper - 1 Show data context
  Maltster 4 Show data context -
  Brewer 27 Show data context -
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 7 Show data context -
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Milkseller, Dairyman 17 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Cheesemonger, Butterman 1 Show data context -
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 58 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Provision Curer, Dealer 4 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Fishmonger 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Corn Miller 5 Show data context -
  Baker 37 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 1 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 40 Show data context 18 Show data context
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 1,401 Show data context 1,029 Show data context
  Woollen Cloth Manufacture 3 Show data context -
  Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer 1 Show data context -
  Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Fuller 2 Show data context -
  Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Others - 1 Show data context
  Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture 12 Show data context 52 Show data context
  Silk Merchant, Dealer - 2 Show data context
  Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture 21 Show data context 63 Show data context
  Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher 7 Show data context -
  Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Lace Manufacturer, Dealer 992 Show data context 836 Show data context
  Thread Manufacturer, Dealer 6 Show data context -
  Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Net Maker - 2 Show data context
  Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined) 335 Show data context 50 Show data context
  Factory Hand (textile, undefined) 4 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 10 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Trimming Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Embroiderer - 4 Show data context
  Others 1 Show data context -
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 432 Show data context 689 Show data context
  Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Tailor 34 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker 1 Show data context 175 Show data context
  Shawl Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress - 55 Show data context
  Hosiery Manufacture 311 Show data context 431 Show data context
  Hosier, Haberdasher 22 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Glover, Glove Maker 6 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 48 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Patten, Clog Maker 1 Show data context -
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 8 Show data context -
  Old Clothes Dealer, and others - 1 Show data context
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES. 23 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Soap Boiler, Maker 3 Show data context -
  Others 1 Show data context -
  Furrier, Skinner 3 Show data context -
  Tanner, Fellmonger 8 Show data context -
  Currier 5 Show data context -
  Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Brush, Broom, Maker 3 Show data context -
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 72 Show data context 9 Show data context
  India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Others 1 Show data context -
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 32 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer 5 Show data context -
  Thatcher 1 Show data context -
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 5 Show data context -
  Sawyer 10 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker 1 Show data context -
  Wood Turner, Box Maker 3 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 2 Show data context -
  Paper Manufacture 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Stationer, Law Stationer 3 Show data context -
  Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker 2 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Ticket, Label Writer 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Others 1 Show data context -
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 749 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Coal Miner 447 Show data context -
  Ironstone Miner 1 Show data context -
  Miner, in other or undefined Minerals 2 Show data context -
  Mine Service 3 Show data context -
  Coal Merchant 43 Show data context -
  Coalheaver 5 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 50 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Stone Quarrier 1 Show data context -
  Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Plaster, Cement Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 44 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Paviour 4 Show data context -
  Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector 2 Show data context -
  Road Labourer 4 Show data context -
  Platelayer 10 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 16 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture 1 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Glass Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Waterworks Service 2 Show data context -
  [Iron Manufacture] 23 Show data context -
  Blacksmith 62 Show data context -
  Nail Manufacture 2 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 4 Show data context -
  Other Iron and Steel Manufacture 3 Show data context -
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 5 Show data context -
  Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier 11 Show data context 1 Show data context
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 385 Show data context 44 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 9 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Pawnbroker 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 3 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 3 Show data context 4 Show data context
  General Labourer 252 Show data context -
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 76 Show data context -
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 37 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Apprentice (undefined) - 1 Show data context
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 2 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) - 10 Show data context
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 9 Show data context -
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 8 Show data context -
  Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper 1 Show data context -
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 53 Show data context 304 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 53 Show data context 304 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 52 Show data context 2,380 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] 1 Show data context 4 Show data context
  [Blank field, or illegible] 51 Show data context 2,376 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.)