Lindsey Becker In the past, shepherd’s boys played an essential role in rural communities. They were responsible for tending and protecting flocks of sheep in open fields and pastures. This job required long hours and a keen eye to keep predators at bay and ensure the animals’ safety. Life as a shepherd’s boy wasn’t easy, but it … Read more
Plague doctors were the brave professionals who faced the deadly epidemics in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. Known for their eerie and distinctive costumes, they wore long coats and beak-like masks filled with aromatic substances to ward off the disease. These outfits have made them iconic figures. Plague doctors were hired by cities … Read more
In a time when the art of craftsmanship held great importance, the bone button maker played an intriguing role in history. These skilled artisans crafted buttons from animal bones, contributing significantly to fashion and clothing manufacturing. Bone button makers were essential in producing the intricate and durable buttons used for clothing fasteners before modern plastics … Read more
In the bustling streets of historical British towns, costers played a vital role. They were street vendors who sold fruits and vegetables directly to the people. These vendors, known as costermongers, offered fresh produce to city dwellers who had limited access to markets. A coster typically had a barrow or cart, attracting customers with their … Read more
In a world long before street lamps and neon signs, the streets of London were dark and winding, and people relied on a unique service to find their way home. The job of a linkboy was to carry a flaming torch to light the path for pedestrians at night. These young torchbearers, often boys, provided … Read more
Once upon a time, the role of an oblate was both essential and respected. An oblate was a young person, often a child, dedicated by their parents to live a religious life within a monastery or convent. Today, this profession is considered obsolete due to changing societal norms and religious practices. Such roles offered unique … Read more
Long ago, the peat cutter played a significant role in communities, especially in regions with vast peatlands. Peat cutters were responsible for harvesting peat, a type of soil material composed of decomposed plant matter, which was used mainly as fuel for heating and cooking. This once-essential job is now considered obsolete due to modern energy … Read more
In the 19th century, the role of a needlewoman was both common and crucial. These women were skilled in sewing and needlecraft, creating garments and linens for families and businesses. While the needlewoman is an obsolete occupation today, understanding their work offers insight into the domestic and economic roles of women in the past. Needlewomen … Read more
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, perambulator makers were skilled craftsmen who produced what we now call baby carriages. These artisans crafted perambulators by assembling parts such as wheels, hoods, and frames to create sturdy, functional baby transport. While perambulator making is an obsolete occupation today, it played a vital role during its … Read more
In a world of technological wonders, it’s fascinating to look back at jobs once essential and now extinct. The breaker was one of these old professions that has disappeared from the modern workforce. The primary role of a breaker was to sort pieces of coal into different sizes after it was mined, making them ready … Read more