Watch The Worst Jobs in History

The Worst Jobs in History is a British television series that aired on Channel 4 in 2004. Hosted by Tony Robinson, the show explores the most challenging, dirty, and unpleasant jobs in history. From Roman times to the 19th century, viewers get to know the people who did these jobs, the conditions they worked in, and what they had to do to survive.

The show is a combination of history, entertainment, and education. Robinson is an excellent host who brings humor, wit, and charm to the series. He takes the audience on a journey through the past and introduces them to the forgotten heroes who contributed to the world we live in today.

Each episode features a different historical period and industry. For example, the first episode takes a look at medieval times and the jobs that people did to make a living. Robinson dressed up in medieval costume and tried his hand at jobs like the gong farmer, who collected human excrement from the city streets, and the leech collector, who gathered leeches for medical purposes.

Other episodes explore the lives of Tudor kitchen servants, Victorian chimney sweeps, and Georgian mudlarks who scavenged the Thames river for goods to sell. The show also delves into the world of pirates, gladiators, and soldiers in various periods of history.

One of the standout things about the show is the attention to detail. Robinson works with historians and experts to ensure that every job he tries is as accurate as possible. Viewers get a real sense of what it was like to do these jobs and the challenges that the workers faced. The show is also visually stunning, with beautiful cinematography and excellent production values.

Another highlight of the show is the way it highlights the role of women in history. Many of the jobs featured were traditionally done by men, but women also had to work hard to make a living. The show explores the lives of women who did jobs like rag picking, which involved collecting scraps of cloth to sell, and matchstick making, which was a hazardous job that caused many women to develop life-threatening medical conditions.

Overall, The Worst Jobs in History is a fascinating look at the past and the people who lived in it. It's an engaging and humorous series that educates and entertains in equal measure. Robinson is a fantastic host who brings the show to life and makes viewers invested in the people he's exploring. If you're interested in history or just enjoy watching something a bit different, this show is definitely worth checking out.