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 Islington RegD/PLPar	Islington East SubD	Islington Vest/AP/CP

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	1,127	89
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	1	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	426	72
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	334	7
Prison Service, &c.	16	-
Police	246	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	77	8
Other Local or County Official	22	-
East Indian and Colonial Service	5	2
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	79	8
Army Officer (effective/retired)	11	8
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	23	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	10	-
Army Pensioner	19	-
Navy Officer (effective/retired)	8	-
Seaman, R.N.	5	-
Navy Pensioner	3	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	2,650	2,096
Clergymen (Established Church)	67	-
Roman Catholic Priest	8	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	40	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	28	33
Theological Student	49	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	19	39
Barrister, Solicitor	155	1
Law Student	17	1
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	741	3
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	111	1
Dentist	56	1
Medical Student, Assistant	97	2
Midwife	-	11
Subordinate Medical Service	19	630
Schoolmaster	244	619
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	58	436
School Service, and others connected with teaching	22	14
Author, Editor, Journalist	76	6
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	55	1
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	18	-
Literary, Scientific, Institution, Service, &c.	16	-
Civil Engineer	72	1
Mining Engineer	4	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	56	1
Painter (artist)	102	22
Engraver (artist)	127	2
Sculptor	11	1
Architect	96	-
Musician, Music Master	112	200
Art Student	30	23
Photographer	54	16
Actor	33	27
Art, Music, Theatre Service	21	3
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	4	1
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	32	1
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	870	11,415
Domestic Coachman, Groom	101	-
Domestic Gardener	33	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	172	9,030
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	6	3
Inn, Hotel Servant	404	192
College, Club Service	3	-
Office Keeper (not Government)	14	14
Cook (not domestic)	42	5
Charwoman	3	567
Washing and Bathing Service	76	1,571
Hospital and Institution Service	10	32
Others engaged in Service	6	1
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	6,494	197
Merchant	235	6
Broker, Agent, Factor	461	6
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	85	1
Accountant	223	7
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	61	23
Commercial Traveller	877	5
Commercial Clerk	3,902	139
Officer of Commercial Company, Guild, Society &c.	12	-
Banker	8	-
Bank Service	395	2
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	8	-
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	227	8
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	4,210	73
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	12	-
Railway Guard	29	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	13	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	724	8
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	3	-
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	51	4
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	752	4
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	901	4
Tramway Companies' Service	148	1
Wheel Chair Proprietor, Attendant &c.	1	-
Inland Navigation Service	6	-
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	31	3
Navigation Service (on shore)	14	-
Seaman (Merchant Service)	89	1
Ship Steward, Cook	11	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	28	-
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	485	14
Meter, Weigher	2	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	876	8
Telegraph, Telephone Service	34	26
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	428	46
Farmer, Grazier	26	2
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	3	-
Farm Bailiff	6	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	42	18
Shepherd	1	-
Others engaged in, or connected with agriculture	7	1
Woodman	12	3
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	50	19
Gardener (not domestic)	281	3
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	467	9
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	8	-
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	307	4
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	74	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	36	-
Drover	18	-
Gamekeeper	2	-
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	6	1
Fisherman	1	-
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	15	4
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	1,910	285
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	200	22
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	20	2
Bookbinder	317	230
Printer	1,104	22
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	64	5
Others	3	-
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	147	-
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	34	-
Map and Print - Colourer, Seller	21	4
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	1,820	64
Engine, Machine Maker	174	6
Millwright	8	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	145	2
Boiler Maker	5	-
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	13	-
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	1	-
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	5	1
Tool Maker, Dealer	26	-
Cutler, Scissors Maker	22	-
File Maker	4	-
Saw Maker	9	-
Pin Maker	1	1
Steel Pen Maker	1	-
Domestic Implement Maker	4	-
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	546	8
Philosophical Instrument Maker	167	3
Electrical Apparatus Maker	72	2
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	41	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	37	5
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	31	2
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	347	7
Type Cutter, Founder	84	1
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	25	1
Toy Maker, Dealer	20	22
Fishing Rod, Tackle, Maker, Dealer	13	1
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	19	2
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	6,617	499
Builder	373	-
Carpenter, Joiner	1,625	6
Bricklayer	887	5
Mason	266	3
Slater, Tiler	19	1
Plasterer, Whitewasher	312	3
Paperhanger	87	3
Plumber	283	-
Painter, Glazier	1,107	7
Cabinet Maker	787	83
French Polisher	136	14
Furniture Broker, Dealer	69	7
Locksmith, Bellhanger	76	4
Gas Fitter	183	-
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	65	1
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	39	1
Wood Carver	45	3
Carver, Gilder	158	7
Dealer in Works of Art	26	5
Figure, Image - Maker, Dealer	5	1
Animal, Bird &c. Preserver, Naturalist	9	4
Artificial Flower Maker	60	341
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	379	18
Coachmaker	174	3
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	8	-
Wheelwright	92	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	5	-
Others	12	2
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	88	13
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	19	-
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	6	-
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	5	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	4	-
Sail Maker	4	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	341	33
Dye, Paint Manufacture	17	1
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	31	2
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	1	2
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	4	9
Chemist, Druggist	229	9
Manufacturing Chemist	55	10
Drysalter	4	-
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	162	37
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	145	34
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	17	3
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	3,404	483
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	233	27
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	6	158
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	84	12
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	6	-
Maltster	2	-
Brewer	39	-
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	62	4
Cellarman	48	1
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	108	5
Milkseller, Dairyman	238	22
Cheesemonger, Butterman	198	7
Butcher, Meat Salesman	544	11
Provision Curer, Dealer	122	12
Poulterer, Game Dealer	17	-
Fishmonger	141	8
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	87	5
Corn Miller	10	1
Baker	491	41
Confectioner, Pastrycook	137	90
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	265	41
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	7	1
Sugar Refiner	13	-
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	512	36
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	34	1
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	915	641
Woolstapler	4	-
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	34	12
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	1	-
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	4	-
Flannel Manufacture	1	-
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	55	1
Others	2	-
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	39	13
Silk Dyer, Printer	3	-
Ribbon Manufacture	1	1
Crepe, Gauze Manufacture	-	1
Silk Merchant, Dealer	36	1
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	12	9
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	7	-
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	18	5
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	17	32
Hemp, Jute, Cocoa Fibre Manufacture	3	-
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	4	1
Mat Maker, Seller	3	-
Net Maker	1	-
Canvas, Sailcloth Manufacture	1	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	9	1
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	1	2
Weaver (undefined)	-	1
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	41	37
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	2	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	18	2
Manchester Warehouseman	16	-
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	469	346
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	65	71
Trimming Maker, Dealer	42	56
Embroiderer	4	48
Others	2	1
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	1,710	4,282
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	49	14
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	12	18
Tailor	474	190
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	122	3,217
Shawl Manufacture	-	4
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	39	499
Hosiery Manufacture	17	9
Hosier, Haberdasher	101	175
Glover, Glove Maker	12	2
Button Maker, Dealer	4	3
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	690	103
Patten, Clog Maker	1	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	111	3
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	71	24
Accoutrement Maker	2	3
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	5	18
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	579	322
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	5	-
Soap Boiler, Maker	10	2
Glue, Size, Gelatine, Isinglass - Maker, Dealer	7	-
Manure Manufacture	1	-
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	46	4
Comb Maker	1	-
Others	11	19
Furrier, Skinner	203	149
Tanner, Fellmonger	1	-
Currier	71	6
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	104	29
Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer	4	8
Brush, Broom, Maker	98	54
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	17	51
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	1,201	375
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	17	5
Oil and Colourman	157	3
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	19	1
Japanner	13	8
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	31	6
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	12	4
Others	3	2
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	18	11
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	14	3
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	96	8
Sawyer	64	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	28	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	73	4
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	58	1
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	8	1
Others	4	-
Paper Manufacture	40	4
Envelope Maker	1	34
Stationer, Law Stationer	334	103
Card, Pattern Card Maker	11	9
Paper Stainer	116	6
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	60	148
Ticket, Label Writer	11	10
Others	13	4
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	2,548	156
Coal Miner	7	-
Ironstone Miner	1	-
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	3	-
Mine Service	2	-
Coal Merchant	58	5
Coalheaver	113	1
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	4	1
Gas Works Service	91	1
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	31	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	13	-
Limeburner	2	-
Well Sinker, Borer	7	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	1	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	99	-
Paviour	7	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	2	-
Road Labourer	15	-
Railway Contractor	6	-
Platelayer	26	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	53	-
Others	4	-
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	24	16
Glass Manufacture	99	2
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	52	10
Salt Maker, Dealer	3	1
Waterworks Service	23	1
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	700	31
Gold, Silver, Beater	20	4
Lapidary	9	8
Others	32	29
[Iron Manufacture]	98	5
[Steel Manufacture]	4	-
Blacksmith	180	1
Whitesmith	30	-
Nail Manufacture	2	1
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	5	-
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	133	4
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	23	-
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
[Coppersmith]	23	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	120	17
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	61	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	15	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	54	-
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	182	-
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	4	10
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	55	1
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	29	2
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	1	1
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	14	-
Fancy Chain, Gilt Toy Maker	3	-
Others	4	4
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	2,716	847
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	213	154
Pawnbroker	82	2
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	110	37
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	103	37
Contractor (undefined)	6	-
General Labourer	1,507	13
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	124	1
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	389	91
Apprentice (undefined)	38	16
Factory Labourer (undefined)	121	19
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	23	477
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	129	5
Town Drainage Service	13	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	55	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	47	3
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	14	2
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	910	4,198
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	910	4,198
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	992	27,196
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	36	23
[Blank field, or illegible]	956	27,173

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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