Having just transcribed the 1841 census for Whittington I thought I would check which occupations were most popular.
I imagined it would be more rural trades but was surprised when I checked that even in 1841 Coal mining just came out on top !
The chart only shows the main employment categories the other occupations were the normal rural trades, miller, blacksmith etc.
There were several collieries in the area some coming later than 1841, but Marrs Whittington Colliery was already in existence at that time as the following newspaper report the Derbyshire Courier 12 February 1842 would confirm.
Whittington Colliery receipt https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/museum/exhibitions/past-exhibitions/down-the-pit.aspx
Old Whittington One Place Study 