• Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.

    We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team

Night soil man on 1871 census.

I thought it might be that but wasn't sure as the last letters look like ancen to me aswell. Didn't know if there were other occupations. He becomes a Carter in 1881 so perhaps he got fed up of the job :mask:
 
If my memory serves me correctly then: a soil man was one who went round, I think at night, collecting the "soil" before sewers were in use.
just looked it up jan in my dictionary of old trades and occuptions

nightsoil man...town or city worker who emptied dry toilets in the days before modern plumbing
 
This drawing is from the “State of Large Towns in South Staffordshire”. Apparently, a night soil man or “gong farmer” was reasonably paid. Viv.

73A48DE9-72E6-4D32-9CC8-0A37A67D034B.jpeg
 
Back
Top