Throughout history, people have engaged in a variety of professions to make a living. While some jobs may seem conventional, there are numerous occupations from the past that are truly bizarre and unusual. In this article, we delve into the peculiar realm of forgotten professions, shedding light on the strange jobs that were once a part of our history.
Leech Collector
In ancient times, leeches were used for medicinal purposes, and their collection was an actual profession. Leech collectors would wade through murky waters, allowing leeches to attach themselves to their legs. Once the leeches had their fill, collectors would carefully remove them and store them for medical treatments.
Gong Farmer
Gong farmers, also known as nightmen, had the unenviable task of cleaning and emptying cesspits and privies in medieval Europe. Armed with a long-handled tool called a gongfermor, they would venture into the foul-smelling depths to remove human waste and dispose of it.
Resurrectionist
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the demand for human cadavers for anatomical studies outstripped the legal supply. Resurrectionists, also known as body snatchers, were hired to dig up freshly buried corpses from graveyards and deliver them to medical schools.
Rat Catcher
Rat catchers were employed to control the population of rats in cities and towns, particularly during times of plague outbreaks. They used various methods such as traps, terriers, and even poison to rid areas of these disease-carrying rodents.
Petardier
Petardiers were individuals responsible for operating and maintaining petards, which were small explosive devices used during sieges in medieval warfare. Their dangerous task involved placing and detonating these devices to breach fortified walls and gates.
Sin-Eater
In certain cultures, sin-eaters were hired to perform a ritual where they would consume food or drink placed on the body of a deceased person. It was believed that by doing so, the sin-eater would absolve the deceased of their sins, allowing them to rest in peace.
Whipping Boy
During the Tudor and Stuart periods in England, young boys were appointed as whipping boys for royal princes. If a prince misbehaved, the punishment would be administered to the whipping boy instead, as it was considered inappropriate to physically discipline a future king.
Court Jester
Court jesters, also known as fools or jesters, were entertainers employed by monarchs and nobles to amuse the court with their antics, jokes, and performances. They often wore colorful costumes and used humor to provide entertainment and satirical commentary.
Phrenologist
Phrenologists believed that the shape and contours of a person’s skull could reveal their character and personality traits. Phrenologists would examine individuals’ heads, feeling for bumps and irregularities, and interpret their findings to provide insights into their behavior.
Lamplighter
In the era before electric lighting, lamplighters played a crucial role in lighting up the streets at night. Equipped with long poles, they would manually ignite and extinguish gas street lamps, ensuring that the city was illuminated after sunset.
Conclusion
As we explore the annals of history, we encounter a multitude of bizarre and unusual jobs that have long faded into obscurity. From leech collectors and gong farmers to resurrectionists and sin-eaters, these peculiar professions offer a glimpse into the customs and needs of bygone eras. While these jobs may seem strange to us today, they were once an integral part of our historical tapestry.
