1. Agriculture: The agricultural sector employed a substantial majority of the British population. Large landowners owned estates operated by tenants, who were responsible for cultivating the land and paying rent. Farm labourers, sometimes referred to as "cottagers" or "hinds," worked on these estates, performing various tasks such as ploughing, harvesting, and tending to livestock.
2. Domestic Service: A significant number of people, especially women, were employed as domestic servants in both urban and rural areas. They worked in households of wealthy families, performing tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and taking care of children.
3. Artisans and Craftsmen: Skilled workers such as blacksmiths, carpenters, weavers, tailors, and shoemakers were an important part of the British economy. They crafted various goods and provided essential services to the community.
4. Merchants and Traders: This category included individuals who were involved in trade and commerce, such as merchants who imported and exported goods, shopkeepers who sold various items, and peddlers who travelled around selling their wares.
5. Professional Occupations: A small percentage of the population held professional occupations such as doctors, lawyers, clergymen, and teachers. These individuals often came from educated backgrounds and provided services to the community.
6. Mining and Manufacturing: As the Industrial Revolution began to take hold in the後半th century, increasing numbers of people found work in mining, metallurgy, and manufacturing. These industries created new job opportunities and drew workers from rural areas to urban centres.
It's important to note that the majority of people during this period lived relatively basic and often challenging lives. The standard of living for the general population was modest compared to today's standards, and socioeconomic disparities were significant, with a small wealthy upper class and a large lower-class population.