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 Oldham RegD/PLU table Royton CP/Ch  
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 18 Show data context -
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 2 Show data context -
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 1 Show data context -
  Police 7 Show data context -
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 7 Show data context -
  Other Local or County Official 1 Show data context -
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 1 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 1 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 41 Show data context 24 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 3 Show data context -
  Roman Catholic Priest 1 Show data context -
  Minister, Priest of other religious bodies 1 Show data context -
  Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher - 1 Show data context
  Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Barrister, Solicitor 2 Show data context -
  Law Clerk, and others connected with the law 4 Show data context -
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 6 Show data context -
  Dentist 1 Show data context -
  Subordinate Medical Service - 4 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 9 Show data context 18 Show data context
  School Service, and others connected with teaching 2 Show data context -
  Mining Engineer 4 Show data context -
  Land, House, Ship, Surveyor 1 Show data context -
  Architect 1 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 1 Show data context -
  Art Student 1 Show data context -
  Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service 1 Show data context -
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 26 Show data context 249 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 12 Show data context -
  Domestic Gardener 4 Show data context -
  Domestic Indoor Servant 2 Show data context 221 Show data context
  Inn, Hotel Servant 2 Show data context -
  College, Club Service 4 Show data context -
  Office Keeper (not Government) - 1 Show data context
  Charwoman - 21 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service 1 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Others engaged in Service 1 Show data context -
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 66 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Broker, Agent, Factor 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Commercial Traveller 2 Show data context -
  Commercial Clerk 50 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 12 Show data context -
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 135 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Pointsman, Level Crossing Man 2 Show data context -
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 20 Show data context -
  Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper - 2 Show data context
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 1 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 84 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 19 Show data context -
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 8 Show data context -
  Telegraph, Telephone Service 1 Show data context -
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 71 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Farmer, Grazier 28 Show data context -
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 6 Show data context -
  Farm Bailiff 1 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 31 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist 1 Show data context -
  Gardener (not domestic) 4 Show data context -
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 4 Show data context -
  Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier 1 Show data context -
  Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman 1 Show data context -
  Drover 1 Show data context -
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 1 Show data context -
  Printer 1 Show data context -
  Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 67 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 3 Show data context -
  Millwright 12 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 13 Show data context -
  Boiler Maker 2 Show data context -
  Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker 33 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Tool Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 2 Show data context -
  Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker 1 Show data context -
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 207 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Builder 5 Show data context -
  Carpenter, Joiner 55 Show data context -
  Bricklayer 67 Show data context -
  Mason 34 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Slater, Tiler 3 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 5 Show data context -
  Plumber 12 Show data context -
  Painter, Glazier 17 Show data context -
  Cabinet Maker 6 Show data context -
  Furniture Broker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Gas Fitter 2 Show data context -
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 10 Show data context -
  Wheelwright 7 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 3 Show data context -
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS. 2 Show data context -
  Ship, Boat, Barge Builder 2 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 4 Show data context -
  Chemist, Druggist 4 Show data context -
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 121 Show data context 38 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 30 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Brewer 3 Show data context -
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 5 Show data context -
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 29 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Provision Curer, Dealer 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Fishmonger 3 Show data context -
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Baker 5 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 1 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 5 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 35 Show data context 20 Show data context
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 1,532 Show data context 1,704 Show data context
  Fuller 1 Show data context -
  Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture 1,297 Show data context 1,497 Show data context
  Cotton, Calico - Printer, Dyer, Bleacher 27 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer 30 Show data context -
  Fustian Manufacturer, Dealer 53 Show data context 114 Show data context
  Tape Manufacturer, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Weaver (undefined) 3 Show data context 32 Show data context
  Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined) 4 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Factory Hand (textile, undefined) 84 Show data context 37 Show data context
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 6 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Others 24 Show data context 3 Show data context
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 41 Show data context 62 Show data context
  Tailor 11 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker - 53 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress - 5 Show data context
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 15 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Patten, Clog Maker 15 Show data context -
  Old Clothes Dealer, and others - 2 Show data context
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 8 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Sawyer 2 Show data context -
  Wood Turner, Box Maker 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Paper Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Stationer, Law Stationer - 1 Show data context
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 308 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Coal Miner 111 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Miner, in other or undefined Minerals 1 Show data context -
  Mine Service 2 Show data context -
  Coal Merchant 10 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 23 Show data context -
  Stone Quarrier 2 Show data context -
  Limeburner 3 Show data context -
  Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 27 Show data context -
  Paviour 2 Show data context -
  Road Labourer 3 Show data context -
  Platelayer 7 Show data context -
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 1 Show data context -
  Glass Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 1 Show data context -
  [Iron Manufacture] 79 Show data context -
  Blacksmith 23 Show data context -
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 3 Show data context -
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 6 Show data context -
  Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker 1 Show data context -
  Others 1 Show data context -
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 263 Show data context 23 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 7 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 6 Show data context 1 Show data context
  General Labourer 104 Show data context -
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 61 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 41 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Apprentice (undefined) 1 Show data context -
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 17 Show data context 14 Show data context
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) 25 Show data context -
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 1 Show data context -
  Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper 1 Show data context -
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 24 Show data context 425 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 24 Show data context 425 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 29 Show data context 757 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] 1 Show data context 2 Show data context
  [Blank field, or illegible] 28 Show data context 755 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.)