In the age of grand sailing ships and epic naval battles, one of the most intriguing roles was that of the powder monkey. These young boys, sometimes as young as eight, played a critical part in warfare at sea. The primary duty of a powder monkey was to ferry gunpowder from the ship’s magazine to … Read more
A tinker was a metalworker who repaired household items like pots and pans. This occupation was common in earlier centuries when people often needed to repair rather than replace metal goods. Tinkers played a vital role in communities by fixing everyday items, making them essential before mass production made goods more disposable. Tinkers were often … Read more
Horse breaker was once a common occupation, involving the training and taming of wild or untrained horses. These individuals played a crucial role in preparing horses for riding, ensuring they were manageable and obedient. The job required patience, skill, and a deep understanding of equine behavior, often necessitating long days and significant risk due to … Read more
A haberdasher may not be a job you hear about today, but it played an important role in communities years ago. A haberdasher was someone who ran a shop selling small items like buttons, ribbons, and zippers or, in the U.S., men’s clothing like suits and ties. These shops were essential stops for anyone making … Read more
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