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 Aston PLU/RegD	Aston AP/CP

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	591	17
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	1	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	112	9
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	94	1
Police	321	1
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	57	5
Other Local or County Official	6	1
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	188	1
Army Officer (effective/retired)	10	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	129	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	1	-
Army Pensioner	37	1
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Seaman, R.N.	5	-
Navy Pensioner	5	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	1,218	1,194
Clergymen (Established Church)	39	-
Roman Catholic Priest	20	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	32	1
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	13	16
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	48
Theological Student	6	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	19	5
Barrister, Solicitor	29	1
Law Student	2	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	164	2
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	52	-
Dentist	14	-
Medical Student, Assistant	28	-
Midwife	-	16
Subordinate Medical Service	9	159
Schoolmaster	295	652
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	33	119
School Service, and others connected with teaching	30	9
Author, Editor, Journalist	26	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	12	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	5	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	3	1
Civil Engineer	37	-
Mining Engineer	4	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	37	-
Painter (artist)	48	19
Engraver (artist)	49	3
Sculptor	5	-
Architect	39	-
Musician, Music Master	70	99
Art Student	7	4
Photographer	40	28
Actor	7	9
Art, Music, Theatre Service	11	1
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	9	2
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	24	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	403	6,715
Domestic Coachman, Groom	84	1
Domestic Gardener	34	2
Domestic Indoor Servant	110	5,199
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	10	-
Inn, Hotel Servant	129	198
College, Club Service	1	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	8	7
Cook (not domestic)	5	15
Charwoman	1	407
Washing and Bathing Service	12	867
Hospital and Institution Service	5	17
Others engaged in Service	4	2
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	3,182	177
Merchant	29	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	213	7
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	59	1
Accountant	80	2
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	13	7
Commercial Traveller	589	5
Commercial Clerk	1,982	152
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	2	1
Banker	1	-
Bank Service	73	1
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	4	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	137	1
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	4,264	666
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	425	1
Railway Guard	139	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	74	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	1,277	12
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	1	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	46	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	320	1
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	940	7
Tramway Companies' Service	5	-
Wheel Chair Proprietor, Attendant &c.	1	-
Inland Navigation Service	21	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	174	1
Seaman (Merchant Service)	14	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	5	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	293	622
Meter, Weigher	2	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	482	18
Telegraph, Telephone Service	45	4
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	796	40
Farmer, Grazier	63	7
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	23	-
Farm Bailiff	14	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	402	20
Shepherd	6	-
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	3	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	3	1
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	1	1
Woodman	4	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	8	3
Gardener (not domestic)	269	8
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	282	-
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	5	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	236	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	7	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	16	-
Drover	4	-
Gamekeeper	5	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	3	-
Vermin Destroyer	1	-
Fisherman	1	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	4	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	738	143
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	48	5
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	5	3
Bookbinder	47	69
Printer	511	45
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	22	17
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	104	3
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	1	1
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	5,411	950
Engine, Machine Maker	343	8
Millwright	36	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	654	6
Boiler Maker	64	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	10	14
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	182	3
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	14	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	980	10
Cutler, Scissors Maker	29	6
File Maker	101	2
Saw Maker	20	1
Pin Maker	46	112
Needle Maker	-	5
Steel Pen Maker	50	530
Pencil Maker (Wood)	2	4
Domestic Implement Maker	101	100
[Others]	1	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	253	29
Philosophical Instrument Maker	102	15
Electrical Apparatus Maker	29	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	283	32
Surgical Instrument Maker	11	2
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	1,841	48
Sword, Bayonet - Maker, Cutler	32	2
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	49	2
Type Cutter, Founder	7	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	144	2
Toy Maker, Dealer	6	12
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	16	5
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	5	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	5,653	375
Builder	245	2
Carpenter, Joiner	1,518	8
Bricklayer	1,282	4
Mason	258	4
Slater, Tiler	63	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	182	2
Paperhanger	41	3
Plumber	169	1
Painter, Glazier	828	25
Cabinet Maker	421	72
French Polisher	39	148
Furniture Broker, Dealer	34	14
Locksmith, Bellhanger	93	7
Gas Fitter	217	6
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	85	16
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	60	42
Wood Carver	30	-
Carver, Gilder	78	18
Dealer in Works of Art	6	1
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	2	-
Artificial Flower Maker	1	2
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	1,461	102
Coachmaker	383	8
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	447	4
Wheelwright	134	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	80	8
Others	69	7
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	348	75
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	45	2
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	38	2
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	3	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	2	-
Sail Maker	2	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	276	302
Dye, Paint Manufacture	10	4
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	1	1
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	4	4
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	81	282
Chemist, Druggist	137	6
Manufacturing Chemist	31	5
Alkali Manufacture	2	-
Drysalter	10	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	78	131
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	61	119
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	17	12
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	3,426	694
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	291	55
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	3	46
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	37	31
Maltster	122	-
Brewer	234	3
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	162	53
Cellarman	34	4
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	24	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	147	24
Cheesemonger, Butterman	9	1
Butcher, Meat Salesman	500	29
Provision Curer, Dealer	96	69
Poulterer, Game Dealer	10	3
Fishmonger	84	9
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	67	10
Corn Miller	46	-
Baker	566	35
Confectioner, Pastrycook	109	111
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	217	63
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	17	17
Sugar Refiner	10	3
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	605	123
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	35	5
Others Dealing in Food	1	-
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	460	365
Woolstapler	3	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	5	1
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	1	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	5	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	1	16
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	-
Ribbon Manufacture	2	14
Silk Merchant, Dealer	2	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	5	12
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	1	-
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	1	-
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	2	12
Tape Manufacturer, Dealer	-	4
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	3	2
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	111	65
Mat Maker, Seller	1	2
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	6	7
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	5	2
Weaver (undefined)	-	9
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	12	9
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	6	7
Felt Manufacture	1	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	6	3
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	267	119
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	8	63
Trimming Maker, Dealer	5	7
Embroiderer	-	10
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	2,075	4,609
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	27	12
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	6
Tailor	431	487
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	18	2,493
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	11	305
Hosiery Manufacture	1	10
Hosier, Haberdasher	40	24
Glover, Glove Maker	1	10
Button Maker, Dealer	498	607
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	809	225
Patten, Clog Maker	7	1
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	114	12
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	92	395
Accoutrement Maker	22	17
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	4	5
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	513	256
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	22	3
Soap Boiler, Maker	11	3
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	2	2
Manure Manufacture	11	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	130	17
Comb Maker	1	-
Others	2	1
Furrier, Skinner	7	3
Tanner, Fellmonger	12	-
Currier	70	25
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	61	50
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	8	11
Brush, Broom, Maker	176	137
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	-	4
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	999	813
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Oil and Colourman	9	2
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	4	-
Japanner	86	167
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	6	3
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	30	1
Others	20	3
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	42	7
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	13	3
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	94	7
Sawyer	183	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	12	1
Wood Turner, Box Maker	164	15
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	109	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	4	1
Others	4	4
Paper Manufacture	100	130
Envelope Maker	-	1
Stationer, Law Stationer	69	65
Card, Pattern Card Maker	3	5
Paper Stainer	4	41
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	15	338
Ticket, Label Writer	7	5
Others	14	14
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	15,603	3,050
Coal Miner	10	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	3	-
Mine Service	8	1
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	18	1
Coal Merchant	281	14
Coalheaver	101	1
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	2	-
Gas Works Service	403	2
Stone Quarrier	1	1
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	27	-
Slate Quarrier	1	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	11	-
Limeburner	3	1
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	2	-
Well Sinker, Borer	14	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	2	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	362	9
Paviour	48	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	2	-
Road Labourer	101	1
Railway Contractor	4	-
Platelayer	90	1
Railway Labourer, Navvy	214	1
Others	7	2
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	36	44
Glass Manufacture	532	45
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	32	6
Salt Maker, Dealer	2	-
Waterworks Service	16	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	1,833	273
Gold, Silver, Beater	26	1
Lapidary	30	26
Others	22	65
[Iron Manufacture]	1,467	167
[Steel Manufacture]	254	30
Blacksmith	910	8
Whitesmith	76	2
Nail Manufacture	474	149
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	13	54
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	150	21
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	388	32
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	21	1
[Coppersmith]	93	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	586	420
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	98	5
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	3	7
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	518	49
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	3,738	288
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	178	633
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	603	159
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	724	44
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	169	268
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	496	102
Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker	81	33
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	44	43
Others	275	40
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	5,219	1,434
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	151	288
Pawnbroker	67	81
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	108	72
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	106	13
Contractor (undefined)	10	-
General Labourer	3,083	29
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	416	3
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	787	298
Apprentice (undefined)	25	1
Factory Labourer (undefined)	254	478
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	212	171
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	100	2
Town Drainage Service	38	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	50	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	9	1
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	3	1
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	770	4,207
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	770	4,207
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	775	30,388
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	110	54
[Blank field, or illegible]	665	30,334

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.

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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.)

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