Arendator (Obsolete Occupation)

In the past, certain jobs existed to meet the needs of societies now long gone. Among these was the role of the arendator. This person leased assets like land, mills, or inns in places such as the Russian Empire and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Essentially, an arendator was a professional leaseholder responsible for managing various valuable … Read more

Castrato (Obsolete Occupation)

The world of opera has seen many fascinating shifts over the centuries, but few voices have captured attention quite like the castrati. These male singers underwent a dramatic change before puberty to maintain their high-pitched singing voices for life. A castrato’s voice combined the high range of a woman with the powerful lungs of a … Read more

Ash Burner (Obsolete Occupation)

The ash burner was once an essential role in various industries but is now largely forgotten. Primarily responsible for burning wood to produce potash, this job served many purposes. Potash was crucial for soapmaking, glassmaking, and as a fertilizer, making the ash burner’s work vital. In a time when chemicals were not readily manufactured, the … Read more

Chapman (occupation) (Obsolete Occupation)

The term “chapman” might seem unfamiliar today, but it once referred to a common occupation. Chapmen were itinerant merchants, traveling from place to place to sell their goods. They played a vital role in commerce, especially before modern transportation and communication revolutionized how we shop. Imagine a bustling market, filled with people browsing various stalls. … Read more

Arrephoros (Obsolete Occupation)

In ancient Athens, the role of Arrephoros was a unique and intriguing one. These were young girls, typically between seven to eleven years old, who served as acolytes in the cult of Athena Polias. Their main duty involved participating in a mysterious ritual known as the Arrhephoria, where they carried and exchanged unknown objects in … Read more

Charcoal Burner (Obsolete Occupation)

In the days before modern fuels, the occupation of a charcoal burner played a vital role in powering the world. These skilled individuals mastered the art of transforming wood into charcoal through a slow, controlled burning process. Charcoal burners were essential for producing the fuel needed in various industries and households. This challenging occupation required … Read more

Baby Farming (Obsolete Occupation)

In the late 19th century, a grim practice emerged in Britain known as baby farming. Baby farming was the practice of caring for infants in exchange for money, often with tragic outcomes. Individuals, mostly women, would take in babies for a fee, claiming to care for them. This practice was prevalent not only in Britain … Read more

Chasqui (Obsolete Occupation)

In the vibrant and sprawling Inca Empire, communication was key to maintaining control over vast territories. The chasqui, a specialized and honored group, were the empire’s swift-footed messengers. These agile runners were responsible for carrying messages and small items across the extensive network of Inca roads. Chasquis were stationed at relay points known as chaskiwasi, … Read more

Badger (Obsolete Occupation)

The world of work has changed dramatically over the centuries, leaving many jobs to vanish into obscurity. One fascinating example is the occupation of the badger. In medieval England, a badger was a food and goods trader who bought products in one place and sold them in another. This role was crucial for distributing essential … Read more

Chop-church (Obsolete Occupation)

The forgotten world of obsolete occupations holds many intriguing stories. Among these is the chop-church, a term that might seem unfamiliar today. A chop-church was a parson known for frequently exchanging benefices or church offices. This unique role is detailed in ancient statutes as a legitimate trade or occupation. Delving into history, the chop-church reflects … Read more