Strange but True: Bizarre Jobs from History You Won’t Believe!

Person riding a vintage penny farthing bicycle on a red background, showcasing an old-fashioned mode of transportation.

Discover some of the strangest jobs people actually had! 👷‍♂️🧙‍♀️✨

Ever wondered about the weird and wonderful jobs people once had? History’s full of bizarre occupations that’ll have you asking, “How did that ever exist?” 🤔 Right then, let’s see how well you know history’s oddest careers! 👷‍♂️🧙‍♀️


Tap to reveal the answer and see if you got it right!

Q1: What was a 'bodger' known for making? Chair parts. A bodger was a skilled woodworker who specialised in crafting chair parts, particularly legs, using a pole lathe in the forests of England.

Q2: What was the role of a 'linkboy' in the 18th century? Linkboys guided people through dark streets at night with torches, before the advent of street lighting.

Q3: What did a 'fletcher' traditionally make? Arrows.

Q4: What did a 'whipping boy' do for young royalty? Whipping boys were punished on behalf of young princes when they misbehaved.

Q5: What was a 'penny-farthing rider' employed to do? Deliver the post, using a large-wheeled bicycle that was popular in the 19th century.

Q6: What did a 'resurrectionist' do? Resurrectionists illegally exhumed bodies to sell them to medical schools for dissection.

Q7: What was the role of a 'loblolly boy' on Royal Navy ships? Loblolly boys assisted the ship's surgeon by preparing medicines and helping during surgeries.

Q8: What was the job of a 'knocker-upper'? They woke people up by tapping on windows before alarm clocks existed 😱 (because a loud “WAKE UP!” wasn’t quite enough!).

Q9: What did an 'ostler' do? Cared for horses at inns and stables.

Q10: What was a 'zincographer' responsible for? Creating printing plates from zinc for illustrations in books and newspapers.



Check your score

Now that you've revealed all the answers — let’s see how you did!

9–10 correct – Job History Expert 🏆 You've mastered the bizarre world of history’s oddest jobs! Your knowledge of strange professions from the past is truly impressive. It seems you’ve dug up the weirdest corners of history like a pro!

5–8 correct – History Buff 🔍 Great work! You know your quirky jobs, but there are a few odd ones you might not have uncovered yet. Keep digging through history’s archives, and you'll be a master in no time!

0–4 correct – Job Explorer 🔎 You’re on your way to discovering some of history’s strangest jobs! Each answer gets you closer to mastering the bizarre professions of the past. Keep exploring, these careers are worth a second look!







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