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Was there once a job in Britain called a “knocker up”? | Roamingdesk.com

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Yes, there was a job in Britain known as a “knocker up” or “knocker-upper.” This job existed primarily in the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in industrial cities. The knocker-up’s responsibility was to wake people up in the morning, typically workers who needed to get to their jobs or appointments.

To perform this duty, the knocker-up used various methods, such as tapping on windows with long poles, whistling, or even using pea shooters to shoot small projectiles at windows. The goal was to rouse people from their sleep at their requested times, as alarm clocks were not as common or reliable as they are today.

As technology advanced and alarm clocks became more accessible, the need for knocker-ups gradually declined, and the profession faded away. Today, the job of a knocker-up is largely obsolete, but it offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and the ways people used to adapt to their daily routines before modern timekeeping devices became widespread.

 

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