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 Staffordshire RegC	Wolverhampton RegD	Bilston Kinver Tettenhall Willenhall Wolverhampton Eastern Wolverhampton Western Wombourn

OCCUPATIONS.	Males. [1]	Females. [2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY.	337	25
Peer, M.P., Privy Councillor (not otherwise described)	1	-
Civil Service (officers and clerks)	82	10
Civil Service (messengers, &c.)	46	2
Prison Service, &c.	1	-
Police	135	-
Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer	51	13
Other Local or County Official	21	-
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.	48	-
Army Officer (effective/retired)	3	-
Soldier and Non-commissioned officer	22	-
Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers	5	-
Army Pensioner	14	-
Seaman, R.N.	3	-
Royal Marines (officers/men)	1	-
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES).	803	753
Clergymen (Established Church)	53	-
Roman Catholic Priest	9	-
Minister, Priest of other religious bodies	27	-
Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher	7	3
Nun, Sister of Charity	-	28
Theological Student	2	-
Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant	9	3
Barrister, Solicitor	59	-
Law Student	6	-
Law Clerk, and others connected with the law	90	-
Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner	39	1
Dentist	13	1
Medical Student, Assistant	21	-
Midwife	-	8
Subordinate Medical Service	14	65
Schoolmaster	209	453
Teacher, Professor, Lecturer	11	104
School Service, and others connected with teaching	6	5
Author, Editor, Journalist	16	2
Reporter, Short-hand Writer	5	-
Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits	6	1
Civil Engineer	26	-
Mining Engineer	24	-
Land, House, Ship, Surveyor	13	1
Painter (artist)	16	4
Engraver (artist)	2	-
Sculptor	2	-
Architect	23	-
Musician, Music Master	45	47
Art Student	5	3
Photographer	18	9
Actor	14	13
Art, Music, Theatre Service	3	1
Performer, Showman, Exhibition, Service	2	-
Billiard, Cricket & other Games, Service	8	1
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES.	651	6,506
Domestic Coachman, Groom	258	2
Domestic Gardener	156	-
Domestic Indoor Servant	130	5,443
Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government)	3	2
Inn, Hotel Servant	89	148
College, Club Service	3	2
Office Keeper (not Government)	3	17
Cook (not domestic)	-	4
Charwoman	-	361
Washing and Bathing Service	2	496
Hospital and Institution Service	3	31
Others engaged in Service	4	-
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS.	1,546	36
Merchant	21	-
Broker, Agent, Factor	144	6
Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent	36	-
Accountant	25	-
Salesman, Buyer (not otherwise specified)	3	5
Commercial Traveller	139	1
Commercial Clerk	1,041	19
Banker	1	-
Bank Service	50	1
Bill Discounter, Bill Broker, Finance Agent	7	1
Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service	79	3
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES.	2,619	182
Railway Engine Driver, Stoker	217	-
Railway Guard	98	-
Pointsman, Level Crossing Man	51	-
Other Railway Officials and Servants	625	4
Toll Collector, Turnpike Gate Keeper	4	2
Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper	9	-
Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic)	124	1
Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier	614	15
Tramway Companies' Service	29	-
Inland Navigation Service	34	3
Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman	366	15
Seaman (Merchant Service)	12	-
Ship Steward, Cook	1	-
Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service	19	3
Warehouseman (not Manchester)	113	129
Meter, Weigher	2	-
Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government)	289	8
Telegraph, Telephone Service	12	2
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE.	1,892	79
Farmer, Grazier	171	4
Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew	65	-
Farm Bailiff	41	-
Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager	1,274	70
Shepherd	38	-
Land Drainage Service (not in towns)	4	-
Agricultural Machine - Proprietor, Attendant	17	-
Woodman	14	-
Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist	11	-
Gardener (not domestic)	257	5
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS.	281	4
Horse Proprietor, Breeder, Dealer	30	1
Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker	154	-
Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier	13	-
Cattle, Sheep, Pig - Dealer, Salesman	16	-
Drover	23	-
Gamekeeper	36	1
Dog, Bird, Animal - Keeper, Dealer	3	-
Vermin Destroyer	2	-
Fisherman	1	2
Knacker, Catsmeat Dealer &c &c.	3	-
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS.	287	63
Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian	21	7
Music-Publisher, Seller, Printer	4	1
Bookbinder	26	36
Printer	206	11
Newspaper Agent, News Room Keeper	13	8
Lithographer, Lithographic Printer	15	-
Copper Plate and Steel Plate Printer	2	-
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS.	2,411	73
Engine, Machine Maker	256	5
Millwright	37	-
Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine)	605	-
Boiler Maker	207	1
Spinning and Weaving Machine Maker	2	3
Agricultural Machine and Implement Maker	187	4
Domestic Machinery - Maker, Dealer	61	2
Tool Maker, Dealer	461	19
Cutler, Scissors Maker	2	-
File Maker	129	2
Saw Maker	4	-
Domestic Implement Maker	196	16
Watch Maker, Clock Maker	40	4
Philosophical Instrument Maker	101	8
Electrical Apparatus Maker	6	1
Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Maker	21	-
Surgical Instrument Maker	2	-
Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer	52	-
Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer	6	-
Die, Seal, Coin, Medal Maker	30	5
Toy Maker, Dealer	3	3
Apparatus for other games, Maker, Dealer	3	-
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS.	6,817	280
Builder	98	-
Carpenter, Joiner	636	1
Bricklayer	814	7
Mason	122	3
Slater, Tiler	25	-
Plasterer, Whitewasher	63	-
Paperhanger	15	1
Plumber	87	2
Painter, Glazier	431	11
Cabinet Maker	187	27
French Polisher	27	39
Furniture Broker, Dealer	22	6
Locksmith, Bellhanger	4,083	179
Gas Fitter	153	1
House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer	19	-
Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker	10	1
Wood Carver	4	-
Carver, Gilder	15	-
Dealer in Works of Art	4	1
Artificial Flower Maker	2	1
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS.	552	9
Coachmaker	154	2
Railway Carriage, Railway Wagon, Maker	63	1
Wheelwright	139	-
Bicycle, Tricycle - Maker, Dealer	102	-
Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker	94	6
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS.	57	5
Ship, Boat, Barge Builder	52	5
Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore)	2	-
Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter	3	-
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS.	147	26
Dye, Paint Manufacture	11	12
Ink, Blacking, Colour Substance Manufacture	2	3
Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance Manufacture	1	-
Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture	1	-
Chemist, Druggist	97	5
Manufacturing Chemist	29	5
Alkali Manufacture	3	-
Drysalter	3	1
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES.	20	18
Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist	16	17
Tobacco Pipe, Snuff Box &c. Maker	4	1
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING.	2,303	522
Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican	361	76
Lodging, Boarding House Keeper	3	52
Coffee, Eating House, Keeper	17	12
Hop - Merchant, Dealer	1	1
Maltster	74	-
Brewer	120	6
Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer	87	29
Cellarman	15	-
Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent	39	5
Milkseller, Dairyman	62	28
Cheesemonger, Butterman	1	-
Butcher, Meat Salesman	418	17
Provision Curer, Dealer	55	26
Poulterer, Game Dealer	23	1
Fishmonger	47	12
Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer	25	2
Corn Miller	55	1
Baker	249	30
Confectioner, Pastrycook	52	29
Greengrocer, Fruiterer	106	64
Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer	1	-
Sugar Refiner	3	1
Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer	472	129
Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer	17	1
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS.	284	104
Woolstapler	1	1
Woollen Cloth Manufacture	1	4
Wool, Woollen goods - Dyer, Printer	1	-
Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture	-	1
Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer	4	1
Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture	-	2
Silk Dyer, Printer	1	1
Silk Merchant, Dealer	1	-
Cotton, Cotton Goods Manufacture	1	3
Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer	1	1
Flax, Linen - Manufacturer, Dealer	-	3
Lace Manufacturer, Dealer	-	2
Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer	47	15
Net Maker	2	-
Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer	1	3
Others working and Dealing in Hemp	3	-
Weaver (undefined)	-	1
Dyer, Printer, Scourer, Bleacher, Calenderer (undefined)	5	3
Factory Hand (textile, undefined)	1	-
Felt Manufacture	1	-
Carpet, Rug Manufacture	1	1
Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer	209	57
Fancy Goods (Textile) Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	2	5
Trimming Maker, Dealer	1	-
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS.	1,173	1,928
Hatter, Hat Manufacture	20	5
Straw - Hat, Bonnet, Plait Manufacture	-	3
Tailor	323	166
Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker	5	1,350
Shirt Maker, Seamstress	2	170
Hosiery Manufacture	1	3
Hosier, Haberdasher	29	46
Glover, Glove Maker	-	1
Button Maker, Dealer	-	1
Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer	678	162
Patten, Clog Maker	14	-
Wig Maker, Hair Dresser	90	1
Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer	8	7
Accoutrement Maker	1	-
Old Clothes Dealer, and others	2	13
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.	86	26
Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture	7	1
Manure Manufacture	30	13
Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer	6	-
Furrier, Skinner	3	1
Tanner, Fellmonger	3	1
Currier	19	2
Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer	6	1
Brush, Broom, Maker	12	6
Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer	-	1
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES.	821	569
Oil Miller, Oil Cake - Maker, Dealer	8	1
Oil and Colourman	1	-
Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth Manufacture	1	-
Japanner	310	517
India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer	2	-
Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer	5	3
Others	46	3
Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker	29	3
Hay, Straw (not plait), Chaff, Cutter, Dealer	24	2
Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer	35	5
Sawyer	86	-
Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle Maker	22	-
Wood Turner, Box Maker	68	2
Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender	131	2
Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer	2	-
Others	4	1
Paper Manufacture	6	2
Stationer, Law Stationer	23	15
Paper Stainer	1	-
Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker	1	12
Ticket, Label Writer	2	1
Others	14	-
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES.	13,076	1,183
Coal Miner	1,997	83
Ironstone Miner	98	11
Miner, in other or undefined Minerals	8	5
Mine Service	31	-
[Haulier] [not in Census Report but in codebook]	1	-
Coal Merchant	166	9
Coalheaver	23	4
Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer	13	4
Gas Works Service	88	2
Stone Quarrier	27	-
Stone Cutter, Dresser, Dealer	20	-
Slate Worker, Dealer	1	1
Limeburner	5	-
Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk, Labourer, Dealer	3	3
Well Sinker, Borer	12	-
Plaster, Cement Manufacture	4	-
Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer	172	47
Paviour	7	-
Road Contractor, Surveyor, Inspector	2	-
Road Labourer	64	-
Railway Contractor	16	-
Platelayer	61	-
Railway Labourer, Navvy	130	1
Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture	56	33
Glass Manufacture	5	-
Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer	6	13
Salt Maker, Dealer	8	1
Waterworks Service	5	-
Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller	26	3
Lapidary	-	1
Others	1	1
[Iron Manufacture]	5,901	336
[Steel Manufacture]	72	1
Blacksmith	891	2
Whitesmith	112	3
Nail Manufacture	106	180
Anchor, Chain Manufacture	20	2
Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant	136	9
Other Iron and Steel Manufacture	64	22
Copper, Copper Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	2	-
[Coppersmith]	13	-
[Tin Manufacture]	1	-
Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1,142	152
Zinc, Zinc Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	13	-
Lead, Leaden Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer	1	-
Metal Refiner, Worker, Turner, Dealer	34	2
Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier	1,012	46
Metal Burnisher, Lacquerer	29	26
White Metal, Plated Ware, Manufacture. Pewterer	27	3
Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer	66	3
Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple Maker	247	131
Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker	13	10
Clasp, Buckle, Hinge Maker	77	30
Others	41	3
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES.	2,713	647
General Shopkeeper, Dealer	68	160
Pawnbroker	41	47
Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller	73	69
Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined)	44	4
Contractor (undefined)	14	-
General Labourer	1,491	19
Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural)	431	7
Artizan, Mechanic (undefined)	316	129
Apprentice (undefined)	16	-
Factory Labourer (undefined)	194	191
Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined)	25	21
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS.	41	3
Town Drainage Service	7	-
Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant	26	-
Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper	2	-
Rag Gatherer, Dealer	6	3
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS.	500	3,482
Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation	500	3,482
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION]	580	23,094
[Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning]	28	32
[Blank field, or illegible]	552	23,062

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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