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".

Show Manchester PLU/PLPar/RegD table	Manchester AP/CP

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	494	15
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	25	8
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	65	-
Prison Service, &c.	3	-
Police	302	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	91	5
Other Local or County Official	8	2
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	60	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	2	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	17	-
Army Pensioner	38	-
Navy Pensioner	3	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	769	533
Clergymen (Established Church)	17	-
Roman Catholic Priest	21	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	8	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	16	8
Theological Student	2	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	22	4
Barrister, Solicitor	10	1
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	40	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	56	1
Dentist	15	-
Medical Student, Assistant	24	-
Midwife	-	24
Subordinate Medical Service	22	67
Schoolmaster	102	275
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	5	7
School Service, and others connected with teaching	7	10
Author, Editor, Journalist	7	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	3	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	4	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	1	-
Civil Engineer	6	-
Mining Engineer	3	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	5	-
Painter (artist)	10	3
Engraver (artist)	21	-
Sculptor	5	-
Architect	9	-
Musician, Music Master	202	92
Art Student	2	2
Photographer	17	-
Actor	29	29
Art, Music, Theatre Service	9	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	23	9
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	46	1
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	763	7,917
Domestic Coachman, Groom	22	-
Domestic Gardener	21	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	107	5,689
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	10	5
Inn, Hotel Servant	504	469
College, Club Service	24	6
Office Keeper (not Government)	22	115
Cook (not domestic)	17	43
Charwoman	1	999
Washing and Bathing Service	12	493
Hospital and Institution Service	13	80
Others engaged in Service	10	18
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	1,855	154
Merchant	48	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	218	39
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	25	-
Accountant	12	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	100	67
Commercial Traveller	381	7
Commercial Clerk	959	39
Banker	1	-
Bank Service	11	-
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	2	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	98	2
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	5,546	156
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	59	1
Railway Guard	55	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	40	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	836	12
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	1	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	15	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	117	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	1,709	4
Tramway Companies' Service	6	-
Wheel Chair Proprietor, Attendant &c.	1	-
Inland Navigation Service	18	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	149	2
Navigation Service (on shore)	2	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	45	-
Ship Steward, Cook	5	-
Boatman on Seas	1	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	6	1
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	1,042	117
Meter, Weigher	1	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	1,413	15
Telegraph, Telephone Service	25	4
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	106	12
Farmer, Grazier	8	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	75	11
Woodman	1	1
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	5	-
Gardener (not domestic)	17	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	221	6
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	8	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	150	1
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	33	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	9	-
Drover	6	-
Gamekeeper	-	1
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	11	4
Vermin Destroyer	2	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	2	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	679	177
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	32	7
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	2	-
Bookbinder	67	107
Printer	448	40
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	23	17
Others	1	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	105	6
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	1	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	2,050	105
Engine, Machine Maker	287	16
Millwright	47	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	705	-
Boiler Maker	199	1
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	362	39
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	16	1
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	4	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	28	1
Cutler, Scissors Maker	15	-
File Maker	76	6
Saw Maker	18	-
Pin Maker	-	2
Domestic Implement Maker	18	3
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	96	3
Philosophical Instrument Maker	5	1
Electrical Apparatus Maker	40	1
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	24	1
Surgical Instrument Maker	1	1
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	6	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	25	-
Type Cutter, Founder	8	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	18	1
Toy Maker, Dealer	38	28
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	2	-
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	12	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	4,663	298
Builder	123	1
Carpenter, Joiner	1,045	8
Bricklayer	583	1
Mason	360	1
Slater, Tiler	169	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	174	-
Paperhanger	52	1
Plumber	302	3
Painter, Glazier	772	1
Cabinet Maker	580	97
French Polisher	128	85
Furniture Broker, Dealer	48	21
Locksmith, Bellhanger	14	-
Gas Fitter	37	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	32	4
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	21	7
Wood Carver	52	-
Carver, Gilder	146	5
Dealer in Works of Art	7	-
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	4	-
Artificial Flower Maker	9	63
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	465	13
Coachmaker	193	2
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	50	1
Wheelwright	98	2
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	3	-
Others	20	1
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	101	7
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	27	1
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	14	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	6	-
Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker	1	1
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	1	-
Sail Maker	5	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	234	48
Dye, Paint Manufacture	17	1
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	53	8
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	1	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	3	16
Chemist, Druggist	87	5
Manufacturing Chemist	58	3
Alkali Manufacture	1	1
Drysalter	14	14
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	172	252
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	90	205
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	82	47
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	3,051	1,041
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	296	90
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	43	114
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	51	36
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Brewer	60	3
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	277	107
Cellarman	49	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	29	1
Milkseller, Dairyman	73	22
Cheesemonger, Butterman	4	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	391	34
Provision Curer, Dealer	251	198
Poulterer, Game Dealer	48	21
Fishmonger	163	47
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	28	3
Corn Miller	57	4
Baker	421	37
Confectioner, Pastrycook	148	137
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	269	116
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	4	12
Sugar Refiner	20	4
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	320	50
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	48	5
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	4,537	9,485
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	17	25
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	9	1
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	12	44
Flannel Manufacture	1	-
Blanket Manufacture	2	2
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	17	5
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	120	564
Silk Dyer, Printer	27	-
Silk Merchant, Dealer	5	1
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	1,909	6,373
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	1,011	134
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	56	40
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	10	55
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	10	17
Fustian Manufacturer, Dealer	216	270
Tape Manufacturer, Dealer	6	12
Thread Manufacturer, Dealer	3	27
[Others]	2	-
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	12	6
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	61	17
Mat Maker, Seller	8	14
Net Maker	1	8
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	-	3
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	3	9
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	6	2
Weaver (undefined)	32	301
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	561	56
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	127	804
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	20	13
Manchester Warehouseman	35	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	193	179
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	17	49
Trimming Maker, Dealer	19	267
Embroiderer	1	58
Others	8	129
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	3,127	4,799
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	136	275
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	7	14
Tailor	1,226	1,060
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	36	1,685
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	24	1,066
Hosiery Manufacture	2	6
Hosier, Haberdasher	15	8
Glover, Glove Maker	-	2
Button Maker, Dealer	32	38
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	1,126	177
Patten, Clog Maker	159	3
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	135	6
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	205	435
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	24	24
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	455	213
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	12	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	13	-
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	4	-
Manure Manufacture	4	1
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	27	1
Comb Maker	1	2
Others	1	1
Furrier, Skinner	18	40
Tanner, Fellmonger	47	-
Currier	54	7
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	44	4
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	13	16
Brush, Broom, Maker	212	87
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	5	54
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	1,104	672
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	17	2
Oil and Colourman	5	1
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	49	-
Japanner	12	10
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	43	30
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	97	12
Others	5	-
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	74	23
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	9	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	54	7
Sawyer	156	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	22	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	157	31
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	155	2
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	33	5
Others	4	-
Paper Manufacture	40	238
Envelope Maker	1	10
Stationer, Law Stationer	37	38
Card, Pattern Card Maker	62	3
Paper Stainer	6	12
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	35	241
Ticket, Label Writer	12	7
Others	19	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	5,889	219
Coal Miner	84	-
Ironstone Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	2	-
Mine Service	2	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	1	-
Coal Merchant	112	12
Coalheaver	80	1
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	1	-
Gas Works Service	291	2
Stone Quarrier	7	1
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	16	1
Slate Worker, Dealer	3	-
Limeburner	2	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	16	1
Well Sinker, Borer	2	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	289	4
Paviour	111	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	1	-
Road Labourer	69	-
Railway Contractor	1	-
Platelayer	29	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	208	1
Others	1	2
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	34	11
Glass Manufacture	544	50
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	56	30
Salt Maker, Dealer	2	-
Waterworks Service	9	-
Others	1	1
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	56	5
Gold, Silver, Beater	5	1
Lapidary	-	1
Others	-	14
[Iron Manufacture]	2,268	18
[Steel Manufacture]	16	-
Blacksmith	549	1
Whitesmith	44	1
Nail Manufacture	26	2
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	7	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	61	10
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	50	-
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	6	-
[Coppersmith]	32	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	262	5
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	10	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	30	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	163	16
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	-	3
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	8	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	158	19
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	151	2
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	5	-
Others	6	4
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	6,001	2,277
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	189	358
Pawnbroker	96	25
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	731	695
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	42	6
Contractor (undefined)	8	-
General Labourer	3,420	19
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	307	5
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	687	116
Apprentice (undefined)	19	5
Factory Labourer (undefined)	457	488
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	45	560
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	212	25
Town Drainage Service	11	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	34	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	147	1
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	20	24
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	344	2,932
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	344	2,932
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	237	14,892
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	83	66
[Blank field, or illegible]	154	14,826

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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.)