Employment Opportunities through History
Channel 4 in England has compiled a list of the worst Jobs in History ranging from Roman/Saxon through Victorian. Here is one example from the Tudor Era:
Groom of the Stool
Attention all ambitious noblemen! Following the untimely death of Sir Henry Norris, a new groom of the stool is required by Henry VIII. The primary duty of the groom is to see 'the house of easement be sweet and clear' or, more plainly, to clean the royal rear and privy.
It's always interesting to look at your own stool but imagine looking at the king's and laying it in a dish. As for wiping – with the hands: there is no toilet paper at the Tudor court – just try not to think of the meat-heavy diet of the big man.
And there's more of this description as well as about 40 other really good careers with opportunity for advancement... Really! Would I kid you?
Posted by DaveH at April 15, 2005 10:36 PM