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.