8 Bizarre Historical Jobs

Groom of the Stool

A person who attended to all the crown’s ‘bathroom’ requirements. Thought to be in an enviable position, they were the king or queen’s most intimate & powerful servant.

Knocker Up 

People hired to knock on people’s windows with sticks, or sometimes pea shooters, until they were awake. Essentially a human alarm clock.

Jester 

A clown to the court, hired to entertain the king. William the conqueror’s jester was reputedly the 1st casualty in the battle of Hastings. He was juggling a sword.

Wet Nurse 

The practice of breastfeeding someone else’s baby. Popular in Europe from 1000 AD onwards, it was a major factor in spreading diseases to infants.