In the days before modern supermarkets, the chandler played an important role in everyday life. A chandler was a person who made and sold candles, but often they also provided other essential household items like soap or oils. The profession of chandler is now mostly obsolete, thanks to the invention of electric lighting and modern … Read more
In the world of old trades and forgotten skills, the role of a cutler stands out as both essential and fascinating. A cutler was a skilled craftsman who created knives, scissors, razors, and other cutting tools, often by hand. The craft was an integral part of daily life, providing essential tools for households and even … Read more
Before factories and machines took over a lot of crafts, there were skilled artisans who created tools and weapons by hand. A bowyer was one of these craftsmen, specializing in making bows for hunting and warfare. Bowyers needed to understand wood types, crafting each bow to match specific arrow sizes and draw weights. Their skills … Read more
In the days of Anglo-Saxon England, a reeve was more than just an ordinary figure. These officials held significant roles, often serving as managers of manors and overseers of estates. Their responsibilities varied, making them crucial to local governance and estate management. After the Norman Conquest, the role of the reeve evolved. Initially serving high-ranking … Read more
The milkmaid is a job that brings to mind images of rolling pastures and quaint rural life. Once a vital role in daily life, milkmaids were responsible for milking cows and turning this milk into products like butter and cheese. Today, the job of a milkmaid is considered an obsolete occupation, replaced by modern machinery … 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
In the world of unusual and forgotten jobs, the role of a lustrum cleaner stands out as unique and peculiar. These cleaners were once responsible for tidying up specific items and spaces, focusing on a thorough cleaning at regular five-year intervals. Today, the occupation of a lustrum cleaner is no longer practiced, but it’s an … Read more
In the bustling world of trade and commerce centuries ago, there was a unique occupation known as the wharfinger. This important figure was the keeper or owner of a wharf, responsible for managing the docks and the goods delivered there. The wharfinger had the crucial job of ensuring the safety and proper handling of goods, … Read more
In a world full of mass production, it’s fascinating to explore the forgotten art of button making, a craft that once held significant importance in fashion and daily life. A button maker was responsible for producing buttons from materials like wood, bone, glass, and metal, each tiny piece crafted with skill and precision. These buttons … 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