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 Bethnal Green RegD/PLPar	Town SubD

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	29	1
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	6	1
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	10	-
Police	10	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	3	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	9	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	1	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	4	-
Army Pensioner	1	-
Seaman, R.N.	3	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	42	33
Clergymen (Established Church)	3	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	2	5
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	1	-
Barrister, Solicitor	1	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	3	1
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	1	-
Dentist	1	-
Medical Student, Assistant	3	-
Midwife	-	1
Subordinate Medical Service	1	9
Schoolmaster	5	11
School Service, and others connected with teaching	-	2
Author, Editor, Journalist	1	-
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	1	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	-	1
Civil Engineer	1	-
Painter (artist)	6	-
Architect	1	-
Musician, Music Master	5	2
Photographer	1	-
Art, Music, Theatre Service	2	-
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	2	1
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	1	-
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	114	534
Domestic Coachman, Groom	13	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	21	306
Inn, Hotel Servant	65	21
Office Keeper (not Government)	4	4
Cook (not domestic)	5	2
Charwoman	-	66
Washing and Bathing Service	2	134
Hospital and Institution Service	-	1
Others engaged in Service	4	-
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	79	4
Merchant	1	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	5	-
Accountant	1	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	4	1
Commercial Traveller	35	-
Commercial Clerk	33	3
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	792	4
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	1	-
Railway Guard	6	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	6	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	88	1
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	2	1
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	27	-
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	332	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	4	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	4	1
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	73	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	32	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	216	1
Telegraph, Telephone Service	1	-
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	16	3
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	4	-
Shepherd	1	-
Woodman	7	1
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	1	2
Gardener (not domestic)	3	-
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	71	4
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	4	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	35	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	8	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	2	-
Drover	4	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	15	3
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	3	1
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	184	61
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	5	-
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	1	-
Bookbinder	41	54
Printer	122	6
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	3	1
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	12	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	100	20
Engine, Machine Maker	11	1
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	14	-
Boiler Maker	2	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	3	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	4	-
Tool Maker, Dealer	3	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	3	-
File Maker	4	-
Saw Maker	1	1
Pin Maker	-	1
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	3	1
Electrical Apparatus Maker	2	-
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	5	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	1	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	21	3
Type Cutter, Founder	4	1
Toy Maker, Dealer	17	12
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	1	-
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	1	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	1,151	95
Builder	7	-
Carpenter, Joiner	104	-
Bricklayer	69	-
Mason	30	-
Slater, Tiler	1	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	4	-
Paperhanger	7	-
Plumber	13	-
Painter, Glazier	56	-
Cabinet Maker	597	41
French Polisher	58	31
Furniture Broker, Dealer	4	1
Locksmith, Bellhanger	4	-
Gas Fitter	9	1
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	11	1
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	16	-
Wood Carver	55	-
Carver, Gilder	99	4
Dealer in Works of Art	1	-
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	2	-
Artificial Flower Maker	4	16
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	40	3
Coachmaker	6	-
Wheelwright	13	-
Others	1	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	20	3
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	13	8
Dye, Paint Manufacture	1	1
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	1	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	-	1
Chemist, Druggist	6	-
Manufacturing Chemist	3	6
Drysalter	2	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	56	52
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	55	51
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	1	1
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	419	67
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	34	1
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	-	3
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	22	6
Maltster	2	-
Brewer	49	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	11	3
Cellarman	8	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	8	-
Milkseller, Dairyman	17	2
Cheesemonger, Butterman	9	1
Butcher, Meat Salesman	55	1
Provision Curer, Dealer	14	4
Poulterer, Game Dealer	6	-
Fishmonger	44	6
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	4	-
Baker	41	4
Confectioner, Pastrycook	19	13
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	26	6
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	2	2
Sugar Refiner	9	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	31	11
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	8	4
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	168	393
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	3	-
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	1	-
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	-	1
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	3	3
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	72	213
Silk Dyer, Printer	4	-
Ribbon Manufacture	-	1
Silk Merchant, Dealer	6	1
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	2	9
Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher	1	1
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	-	1
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	1	-
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	16	4
Mat Maker, Seller	3	1
Net Maker	-	1
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	-	1
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	-	2
Weaver (undefined)	15	6
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	6	2
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	4	1
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	6	4
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	10	10
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	-	11
Trimming Maker, Dealer	15	119
Embroiderer	-	1
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	511	720
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	15	13
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	2
Tailor	99	148
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	5	200
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	3	152
Hosiery Manufacture	-	2
Hosier, Haberdasher	5	14
Button Maker, Dealer	1	11
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	320	153
Patten, Clog Maker	2	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	10	1
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	50	18
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	1	6
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	89	80
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	1	4
Soap Boiler, Maker	7	1
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	1	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	10	1
Comb Maker	3	-
Others	1	-
Furrier, Skinner	14	23
Tanner, Fellmonger	1	-
Currier	16	-
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	5	7
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	7	1
Brush, Broom, Maker	22	15
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	1	28
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	372	354
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	2	-
Oil and Colourman	14	1
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	2	-
Japanner	7	-
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	-	2
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	1	1
Others	3	1
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	38	30
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	3	-
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	31	7
Sawyer	39	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	1	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	79	139
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	36	-
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	11	2
Paper Manufacture	19	13
Envelope Maker	4	32
Stationer, Law Stationer	31	3
Card, Pattern Card Maker	2	3
Paper Stainer	12	6
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	33	111
Ticket, Label Writer	1	-
Others	3	3
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	237	16
Coal Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	2	-
Coal Merchant	7	1
Coalheaver	14	-
Gas Works Service	4	-
Stone Quarrier	-	2
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	5	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	-	1
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	10	-
Paviour	2	-
Railway Contractor	1	-
Platelayer	2	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	14	-
Others	-	1
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	1	1
Glass Manufacture	19	2
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	3	-
Salt Maker, Dealer	1	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	4	1
Gold, Silver, Beater	4	-
Others	2	1
[Iron Manufacture]	11	-
Blacksmith	28	-
Whitesmith	3	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	9	-
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	5	-
[Coppersmith]	2	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	34	4
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	2	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	23	-
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	4	-
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	16	1
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	1	-
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	2	1
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	678	127
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	139	39
Pawnbroker	4	1
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	125	57
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	2	1
General Labourer	282	1
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	15	-
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	74	8
Apprentice (undefined)	3	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	29	11
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	5	9
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	17	3
Town Drainage Service	2	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	8	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	4	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	3	3
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	39	194
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	39	194
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	101	2,565
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	4	12
[Blank field, or illegible]	97	2,553

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.)