Throughout history, as societies evolved, many unusual and now-obsolete professions emerged. Some of these jobs were essential for their time but became irrelevant as technology and social structures changed. Here are a few interesting examples:
Knocker-Upper: Before the widespread use of alarm clocks, knocker-uppers were employed to wake people up for work. They used long sticks, clubs, or pea shooters to tap on clients’ bedroom windows.
Lamplighter: In the era before electric streetlights, lamplighters would light, extinguish, and maintain the gas street lamps. This job vanished with the advent of electric street lighting.
Ice Cutter: Before the invention of modern refrigeration, ice cutters would harvest ice from frozen lakes and ponds in the winter, store it in insulated ice houses, and distribute it in warmer months.
Resurrectionist or Body Snatcher: In the 18th and 19th centuries, medical research and teaching often relied on the dissection of human bodies. Resurrectionists provided this service by digging up freshly buried corpses and selling them to medical institutions.
Powder Monkey: On naval ships, young boys known as powder monkeys were employed to carry gunpowder from the ship’s powder magazine to the gun crews. This was a dangerous job, especially during battles.
Town Crier: Before the widespread availability of newspapers and other forms of mass communication, town criers would roam the streets, ringing a bell to gather people’s attention and then verbally convey news, proclamations, or other important information.
Leech Collector: In medicine, particularly before the 20th century, leeches were used for bloodletting, a practice believed to cure or prevent many illnesses. Leech collectors would gather leeches from their natural habitats for use by doctors.
Groom of the Stool: In English monarchies, this was a high-ranking position in the royal household. The position involved intimate duties, such as assisting the king in the private act of defecation or enema administration. However, it also came with considerable perks. The Groom of the Stool often had private access to the monarch and could influence his decisions. This proximity to the king made the role politically significant, as it allowed for confidential conversations and provided the opportunity to sway royal favor.
Rat Catcher: Before modern pest control, rat catchers were employed in towns and cities to control rat populations and prevent the spread of disease. They often used ferrets or small dogs to help in this task.
Sin-Eater: A sin-eater was a person employed to take on the sins of a deceased person, usually by eating food over their corpse, thus absolving their sins and ensuring their peaceful afterlife. This practice was most common in parts of Europe and Appalachia.
Fuller: In textile production, a fuller’s job was to clean and thicken woolen cloth by moistening, heating, and beating it. This was a crucial step in preparing woolen fabric before industrialization.
Herb Strewer: In royal courts, especially in England, an herb strewer was responsible for scattering herbs and flowers on the floors to cover unpleasant smells. This was especially important before modern sanitation.
Piss Prophet: In medieval times, a piss prophet, also known as a uroscopist, would diagnose illnesses by examining a patient’s urine. Color, smell, and sometimes taste were used to make medical determinations.
Whipping Boy: In royal or noble households, a whipping boy was a child raised alongside a prince and punished when the prince misbehaved, based on the belief that royal blood could not be shed by commoners.
Link Boy: Link boys carried torches to light the way for pedestrians in the streets before street lighting was common. This job was particularly prevalent in the crowded and poorly lit streets of 17th and 18th century cities.
Turnspit Dog: In large kitchens of the past, a turnspit dog was a breed of dog bred to run on a wheel, called a turnspit or dog wheel, to turn meat so it would cook evenly. This practice was common before the advent of mechanical rotisseries.
Bone-Setter: Before the professionalization of medicine, bone-setters were practitioners who set fractured bones and treated joint dislocations. They were often skilled but had no formal medical training.
Silent Agitator: During the early labor movement, a silent agitator was a person who covertly distributed pro-union literature and messages in workplaces, often under the guise of doing another job.
Toad Doctor: In rural England, a toad doctor was a type of folk healer who used remedies involving toads to cure ailments. This profession was part of a tradition of folk medicine that existed outside of formal medical practices.
Lector: In cigar factories, particularly in Cuba and the American South, a lector would read literature, political tracts, and news to the workers as they rolled cigars. This practice provided education and entertainment and helped in the development of political consciousness among the workers.
Toshers: Toshers were individuals who scavenged in the sewers, especially in Victorian London. They sought valuable items that had been lost or disposed of, such as metal scraps or coins. This risky job often involved navigating dangerous and unsanitary conditions.
Patternoster Maker: This profession involved making rosary beads, which were an essential part of religious life in many cultures, especially in medieval Europe. Patternoster makers were skilled artisans who crafted each bead by hand.
Public Bath Attendant: In ancient Rome and other civilizations with a tradition of public baths, attendants served in these facilities. They managed the operation of the baths, helped patrons with bathing, and maintained the cleanliness and functionality of the facilities.
Vestal Virgins: In ancient Rome, Vestal Virgins were priestesses of the goddess Vesta, the goddess of the hearth. They were responsible for maintaining the sacred fire in the Temple of Vesta and were bound to chastity for a period of 30 years. The role was highly respected and carried significant religious importance.
Cup-Bearer: In ancient royal courts, a cup-bearer was responsible for serving drinks at royal banquets. This position was not only prestigious but also one of great trust, as they needed to ensure that the drink was not poisoned.
Fletcher: A fletcher was a craftsman who specialized in making arrows. The term comes from the French word ‘fleche,’ meaning arrow. In medieval times, when archery was prominent in warfare and hunting, this was a highly valued skill.
Hurdy-Gurdy Man: This street musician played the hurdy-gurdy, a stringed instrument that produces sound by a hand crank-turned, rosined wheel rubbing against the strings. They were common in medieval Europe and often provided entertainment in public spaces.
Nomenclator: In ancient Rome, a nomenclator was essentially a personal assistant who helped politicians or wealthy individuals by accompanying them in public and reminding them of the names and details of the people they met.
Spital Nurse: In medieval times, “spitals” were hospitals or places offering hospitality, such as almshouses. Spital nurses cared for the sick and destitute in these institutions. This job was crucial before the modernization of medical and care facilities.
These roles, while outdated now, played significant roles in their respective societies. They offer intriguing insights into the daily life, social structure, and technological limitations of various historical periods.
