In the days before cars and airplanes, the wagon maker played a crucial role in society. These skilled artisans crafted the essential vehicles that transported goods and people across great distances. While the world has moved on, the craftsmanship and skill of wagon makers offer a fascinating look at a profession that helped build the … Read more
Before modern technology, life was filled with unique occupations, each playing a vital role in society. Among these, the sexton was a key figure, known for maintaining churches and graveyards. The sexton’s duties included ringing church bells, digging graves, and ensuring the upkeep of the church grounds. The history of the sexton reveals much about … Read more
Canal boatmen played a vital role in the development of trade during the 19th and early 20th centuries in Britain. These workers lived a unique lifestyle, spending much of their time on narrowboats as they traveled along the waterways. They were responsible for transporting goods across long distances, connecting cities and towns through canals. The … Read more
In the hustle and bustle of textile production, one bygone role stands out: the wool sorter. This job was crucial in textile mills, involving the careful sorting and grading of wool fibers to ensure the best quality materials were sent for processing. Delving into the daily life of a wool sorter unveils a world of … Read more
The role of a charwoman might seem unusual today, but back in the 16th century, this job was vital in many households. Charwomen were hired to do daily chores like cleaning, tidying, and other housework-related tasks. Their work was essential, particularly in the 19th century, and often appeared in censuses of the time. Charwomen were … Read more
In today’s world, we often don’t think about the items that used to be made by hand, one of which was wicker goods. These were crafted by skilled wicker workers, artisans dedicated to weaving furniture and baskets from natural materials. Wicker workers played a crucial role in creating beautiful, durable items before industrialization transformed the … Read more
Ropemaking was a vital skill in the days of sail-powered ships. The ropemaker crafted the essential lines and cords that held ships together, allowing them to sail the world’s oceans. In early colonial Canada, the abundance of native plants provided the resources needed for this craft. Ropemakers didn’t just produce ropes; they were also skilled … Read more
In the days before modern machinery, saw pit workers played a key role in the timber industry. These workers were essential for processing large logs into lumber. A saw pit worker operated in teams, often with one person standing above the log and another in the pit below, using a two-person saw to cut timber. … Read more
In the days when timber was king, the sawyer played a crucial role in shaping the world around them. A sawyer was someone who expertly used a saw to cut wood, often working in the timber or lumber industry. This occupation, now considered obsolete, was essential for construction and fuel. The sawyer’s work required not … Read more
In the fascinating world of historical jobs, the role of the maltster stands out for its unique contribution to brewing. Maltsters were essential in selecting and treating barley to create malt, a key ingredient in beer production. The job of a maltster might have faded away, yet its legacy persists in today’s brewing industry. In … Read more