Ancient Jobs Lost to History

Scribe – The Human Printer

Before printing presses, scribes copied books by hand—line by line—for kings, temples, and scholars.

Knocker-Up – The Human Alarm Clock

In pre-alarm clock Britain, a "knocker-up" would tap on windows with a stick to wake workers on time.

Lamplighter – Lighting the Streets

Before electric lights, lamplighters walked city streets each evening to manually light gas lamps.

Phrenologist – Skull Readers

This once-popular "science" claimed to read personality by examining skull bumps—now debunked and extinct.

Groom of the Stool – Royal Toilet Aid

A trusted court position in Tudor England, this person assisted the king during bathroom visits—yes, really.

Town Crier – The News Broadcaster

Before newspapers, town criers shouted important news in public squares—loud, clear, and bell in hand.

Rat Catcher – Pest Control Specialist

In old cities, rat catchers hunted vermin in filthy alleys—risking plague, bites, and disease daily.