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 Stepney RegD/PLU table Shadwell SubD
OCCUPATIONS. Males.
[1]
Females.
[2]
1. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE GENERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY. 96 Show data context -
  Civil Service (officers and clerks) 15 Show data context -
  Civil Service (messengers, &c.) 10 Show data context -
  Police 67 Show data context -
  Municipal, Parish, Union, District, Officer 4 Show data context -
2. PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. 9 Show data context -
  Army Officer (effective/retired) 1 Show data context -
  Soldier and Non-commissioned officer 1 Show data context -
  Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers 1 Show data context -
  Army Pensioner 4 Show data context -
  Navy Officer (effective/retired) 2 Show data context -
3. PERSONS ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS (WITH THEIR IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES). 32 Show data context 55 Show data context
  Clergymen (Established Church) 1 Show data context -
  Roman Catholic Priest 1 Show data context -
  Missionary, Scripture Reader, Itinerant preacher - 1 Show data context
  Church, chapel, cemetery - officer, servant 5 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Physician, Surgeon, General Practitioner 4 Show data context -
  Medical Student, Assistant 7 Show data context -
  Midwife - 1 Show data context
  Subordinate Medical Service 3 Show data context 28 Show data context
  Schoolmaster 5 Show data context 16 Show data context
  School Service, and others connected with teaching 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Civil Engineer 1 Show data context -
  Musician, Music Master 1 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Actor 1 Show data context -
  Art, Music, Theatre Service 2 Show data context -
4. PERSONS ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC OFFICES OR SERVICES. 82 Show data context 456 Show data context
  Domestic Coachman, Groom 4 Show data context -
  Domestic Indoor Servant 11 Show data context 281 Show data context
  Lodge, Gate, Park Keeper (not Government) 7 Show data context -
  Inn, Hotel Servant 55 Show data context 22 Show data context
  College, Club Service 1 Show data context -
  Office Keeper (not Government) 1 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Charwoman - 69 Show data context
  Washing and Bathing Service 2 Show data context 77 Show data context
  Hospital and Institution Service - 2 Show data context
  Others engaged in Service 1 Show data context -
5. PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. 93 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Broker, Agent, Factor 6 Show data context -
  Auctioneer, Appraiser, Valuer, House Agent 2 Show data context -
  Accountant 1 Show data context -
  Commercial Traveller 7 Show data context -
  Commercial Clerk 73 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Bank Service 1 Show data context -
  Life, House, Ship &c., Insurance Service 3 Show data context -
6. PERSONS ENGAGED IN CONVEYANCE OF MEN, GOODS, AND MESSAGES. 1,133 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Railway Engine Driver, Stoker 3 Show data context -
  Pointsman, Level Crossing Man 1 Show data context -
  Other Railway Officials and Servants 19 Show data context -
  Omnibus, Coach, Cab, Owner - Livery Stable Keeper 1 Show data context -
  Cabman, Flyman, Coachman (not domestic) 6 Show data context -
  Carman, Carrier, Carter, Haulier 144 Show data context -
  Tramway Companies' Service 1 Show data context -
  Inland Navigation Service 5 Show data context -
  Bargeman, Lighterman, Waterman 152 Show data context -
  Navigation Service (on shore) 3 Show data context -
  Seaman (Merchant Service) 289 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Pilot 1 Show data context -
  Ship Steward, Cook 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse Service 397 Show data context -
  Warehouseman (not Manchester) 15 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Meter, Weigher 3 Show data context -
  Messenger, Porter, Watchman (not Railway or Government) 88 Show data context -
  Telegraph, Telephone Service 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
7. PERSONS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE. 17 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Farmer's, Grazier's - Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew 1 Show data context -
  Farm Bailiff 7 Show data context -
  Agricultural Labourer, Farm Servant, Cottager 8 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Woodman 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Nurseryman, Seedsman, Florist - 1 Show data context
8. PERSONS ENGAGED ABOUT ANIMALS. 16 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Groom, Horse-keeper, Horse-breaker 9 Show data context -
  Veterinary Surgeon, Farrier 7 Show data context 1 Show data context
9. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN BOOKS, PRINTS, AND MAPS. 40 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Publisher, Bookseller, Librarian 2 Show data context -
  Bookbinder 8 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Printer 29 Show data context -
  Lithographer, Lithographic Printer 1 Show data context -
10. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS. 39 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Engine, Machine Maker 6 Show data context -
  Fitter, Turner (Engine and Machine) 13 Show data context -
  Boiler Maker 7 Show data context -
  Tool Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Cutler, Scissors Maker 4 Show data context -
  Watch Maker, Clock Maker 2 Show data context -
  Philosophical Instrument Maker 2 Show data context -
  Electrical Apparatus Maker 2 Show data context -
  Gunsmith, Gun Manufacturer - 1 Show data context
  Musical Instrument Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Toy Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
11. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN HOUSES, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS. 171 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Builder 6 Show data context -
  Carpenter, Joiner 54 Show data context -
  Bricklayer 38 Show data context -
  Mason 6 Show data context -
  Plasterer, Whitewasher 3 Show data context -
  Paperhanger 1 Show data context -
  Plumber 7 Show data context -
  Painter, Glazier 30 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Cabinet Maker 16 Show data context 3 Show data context
  French Polisher 1 Show data context -
  Gas Fitter 1 Show data context -
  House and Shop Fittings - Maker, Dealer 3 Show data context -
  Funeral Furniture Maker, Undertaker 3 Show data context -
  Wood Carver 1 Show data context -
  Carver, Gilder 1 Show data context -
  Artificial Flower Maker - 3 Show data context
12. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CARRIAGES AND HARNESS. 12 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Coachmaker 3 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Wheelwright 6 Show data context -
  Saddler, Harness, Whip Maker 3 Show data context -
13. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN SHIPS AND BOATS. 79 Show data context -
  Ship, Boat, Barge Builder 41 Show data context -
  Shipwright, Ship Carpenter (ashore) 14 Show data context -
  Mast, Yard, Oar, Block Maker 3 Show data context -
  Ship Rigger, Chandler, Fitter 8 Show data context -
  Sail Maker 13 Show data context -
14. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS. 7 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Dye, Paint Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Fusee, Fireworks, Explosive Article Manufacture - 2 Show data context
  Chemist, Druggist 2 Show data context -
  Manufacturing Chemist 4 Show data context -
15. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TOBACCO AND PIPES. 23 Show data context 23 Show data context
  Tobacco Manufacture, Tobacconist 23 Show data context 23 Show data context
16. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN FOOD AND LODGING. 255 Show data context 47 Show data context
  Innkeeper, Hotel Keeper, Publican 41 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Lodging, Boarding House Keeper 14 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Coffee, Eating House, Keeper 15 Show data context 7 Show data context
  Brewer 2 Show data context -
  Beerseller, Ale, Porter, Cider Dealer 12 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Cellarman 15 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Wine, Spirit - Merchant, Agent 6 Show data context -
  Milkseller, Dairyman 4 Show data context -
  Cheesemonger, Butterman 1 Show data context -
  Butcher, Meat Salesman 23 Show data context -
  Provision Curer, Dealer 9 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Poulterer, Game Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Fishmonger 15 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Corn, Flour, Seed Merchant, Dealer 6 Show data context 4 Show data context
  Corn Miller 9 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Baker 40 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Confectioner, Pastrycook 5 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Greengrocer, Fruiterer 14 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle Maker, Dealer - 3 Show data context
  Sugar Refiner 3 Show data context -
  Grocer. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Maker, Dealer 16 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Ginger Beer, Mineral Water Manufacturer, Dealer 3 Show data context -
17. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN TEXTILE FABRICS. 42 Show data context 33 Show data context
  Woolstapler 2 Show data context -
  Woollen Cloth Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Worsted, Stuff, Manufacture - 6 Show data context
  Cloth, Worsted, Stuff, Flannel, Blanket Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Silk, Silk Goods, Manufacture - 1 Show data context
  Cotton, Calico - Warehouseman, Dealer - 1 Show data context
  Lace Manufacturer, Dealer 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Thread Manufacturer, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Rope, Twine, Cord - Maker, Dealer 29 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Mat Maker, Seller 2 Show data context -
  Sacking, Sack, Bag - Maker, Dealer 1 Show data context 5 Show data context
  Weaver (undefined) - 1 Show data context
  Factory Hand (textile, undefined) - 1 Show data context
  Draper, Linen Draper, Mercer 4 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Trimming Maker, Dealer - 3 Show data context
18. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN DRESS. 115 Show data context 384 Show data context
  Hatter, Hat Manufacture 3 Show data context -
  Tailor 37 Show data context 149 Show data context
  Milliner, Dressmaker, Staymaker 1 Show data context 137 Show data context
  Shirt Maker, Seamstress - 71 Show data context
  Hosiery Manufacture 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Hosier, Haberdasher - 2 Show data context
  Shoe, Boot - Maker, Dealer 61 Show data context 9 Show data context
  Patten, Clog Maker 1 Show data context -
  Wig Maker, Hair Dresser 6 Show data context -
  Umbrella, Parasol, Stick - Maker, Dealer 5 Show data context 15 Show data context
19. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS ANIMAL SUBSTANCES. 22 Show data context 13 Show data context
  Tallow Chandler, Candle, Grease Manufacture 2 Show data context -
  Soap Boiler, Maker 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Manure Manufacture 4 Show data context -
  Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoise-shell - Worker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Furrier, Skinner 3 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Currier 5 Show data context -
  Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c., Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Hair, Bristle - Worker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Brush, Broom, Maker 2 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Quill, Feather - Dresser, Dealer - 5 Show data context
20. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 78 Show data context 32 Show data context
  Oil and Colourman 11 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Japanner 2 Show data context -
  India Rubber, Gutta Percha - Worker, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Waterproof Goods - Maker, Dealer 2 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Willow, Cane, Rush Worker, Dealer, Basketmaker 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Timber, Wood - Merchant, Dealer 6 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Sawyer 6 Show data context -
  Wood Turner, Box Maker 2 Show data context -
  Cooper, Hoop Maker, Bender 24 Show data context -
  Cork, Bark - Cutter, Worker, Dealer 8 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Paper Manufacture 1 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Envelope Maker - 8 Show data context
  Stationer, Law Stationer 7 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Paper Box, Paper Bag Maker 4 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Ticket, Label Writer 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Others 1 Show data context -
21. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN VARIOUS MINERAL SUBSTANCES. 166 Show data context 2 Show data context
  Coal Merchant 3 Show data context -
  Coalheaver 46 Show data context -
  Coke, Charcoal, Peat - Cutter, Burner, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Gas Works Service 19 Show data context -
  Brick, Tile - Maker, Burner, Dealer 1 Show data context -
  Paviour 3 Show data context -
  Railway Labourer, Navvy 3 Show data context -
  Earthenware, China, Porcelain, Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  Glass Manufacture 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Earthenware, China, Glass Dealer 2 Show data context -
  Waterworks Service 1 Show data context -
  Others 1 Show data context -
  Goldsmith, Silversmith, Jeweller 3 Show data context -
  [Iron Manufacture] 8 Show data context -
  Blacksmith 36 Show data context -
  Ironmonger. Hardware Dealer, Merchant 5 Show data context -
  Other Iron and Steel Manufacture 1 Show data context -
  [Coppersmith] 2 Show data context -
  Tin, Tin Plate, Tin Goods - Manufacturer, Worker, Dealer 22 Show data context -
  Brass, Bronze Manufacture. Brazier 4 Show data context -
  Wire Maker, Worker, Weaver, Drawer 1 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick Maker 1 Show data context -
22. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIED COMMODITIES. 559 Show data context 99 Show data context
  General Shopkeeper, Dealer 36 Show data context 15 Show data context
  Pawnbroker 9 Show data context -
  Costermonger, Huckster, Street Seller 12 Show data context 8 Show data context
  Manufacturer, Manager, Superintendant (undefined) 20 Show data context -
  Contractor (undefined) 1 Show data context -
  General Labourer 384 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Engine Driver, Stoker, Fireman (not railway, marine or agricultural) 56 Show data context -
  Artizan, Mechanic (undefined) 33 Show data context 3 Show data context
  Apprentice (undefined) 2 Show data context 1 Show data context
  Factory Labourer (undefined) 6 Show data context 11 Show data context
  Machinist, Machine Worker (undefined) - 58 Show data context
23. PERSONS WORKING AND DEALING IN REFUSE MATTERS. 10 Show data context 6 Show data context
  Town Drainage Service 2 Show data context -
  Chimney Sweep, Soot Merchant 1 Show data context -
  Scavenger, Crossing Sweeper 7 Show data context 6 Show data context
24. PERSONS WITHOUT SPECIFIED OCCUPATIONS. 19 Show data context 249 Show data context
  Persons returned by Property, Rank &c. and not special occupation 19 Show data context 249 Show data context
[UNKNOWN OCCUPATION] 23 Show data context 1,528 Show data context
  [Occupation recorded but of unknown meaning] - 1 Show data context
  [Blank field, or illegible] 23 Show data context 1,527 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.)