Lindsey Becker A laundress was once an essential figure in households, dedicated to cleaning and caring for clothes by hand. This occupation required physical strength and endurance, as laundresses spent long hours scrubbing garments against washboards and boiling water over open fires. The hard work and skill involved in this job were valued before the invention of … Read more
Before the age of television and the internet, newsreel cameramen played a crucial role in bringing news to the public through short films shown in theaters. Audiences gathered to watch the latest events captured on film by these skilled professionals. Newsreel cameramen, now considered an obsolete occupation, were essential in documenting historical moments with their … Read more
In the world of history, some jobs have vanished as society and technology have evolved. One such interesting role is that of a henchman. These individuals weren’t always the ominous figures seen in movies but often served important roles alongside powerful leaders. The term “henchman” originally referred to a trustworthy aide or employee. Over time, … Read more
In the world of forgotten jobs, the role of a pannierman stands out as a fascinating example of how times have changed. A pannierman was a traveler or salesman who used a horse or donkey to carry goods across towns and markets. This occupation required a person to be both resourceful and knowledgeable about their … Read more
In the bustling streets of 18th century London, there was a place known for its struggling writers called Grub Street. These writers were often called Grub Street hacks, and they wrote for hire, producing a variety of content from small histories to temporary poems. This term has come to represent the world of literary hacks, … Read more
In the world of old occupations, the role of the mangle woman might seem unusual at first glance. This job was common in many English households where women would use a large machine called a mangle to press and smooth clothes. The mangle woman played an important role in her community, enabling her to earn … Read more
In the streets of the 18th and 19th centuries, the nightman played a critical role that many people today would shy away from. The nightman, also referred to as a night-soil remover, was responsible for collecting and disposing of human waste, helping to keep cities like London safe from diseases such as cholera and typhoid. … Read more
In a time long before digital spreadsheets and automated databases, organizing and tracking military troops was a task for the muster-master. This role was crucial in ensuring that armies were properly accounted for, as they kept detailed records of soldiers and their equipment. Muster-masters served as the backbone of military administration, overseeing the completeness and … Read more
In the past, the world of work was vastly different from what it is today. Amidst the many forgotten professions lies the role of the coppeweard, an occupation that once played an essential part in society. A coppeweard was a person responsible for guarding valuable supplies, particularly metal goods, which were crucial to trade and … Read more
Sin eaters were once a common figure in certain parts of Britain. These individuals took on a ritualistic and symbolic role, consuming the sins of the deceased to ensure their soul’s peace. By eating a simple meal placed on the chest of the dead, sin eaters aimed to provide comfort to grieving families and spiritual … Read more