Night soiler???

[carol sea]

Anyone know what a 'night soiler' would do in 1871?? The mind boggles!!

Carol

[PaulineJ]

"night soil" is/are the solid contents of the chamber pot/privy/ cess pit.

Pauline

[carol sea]

I had a horrible feeling that somebody would say that! Thanks for the prompt reply, anyway.
 So I suppose this chap was probably disposing of the contents of outisde loos, overnight.
Here was I hoping I was going to find something romantic in my tree!!!

Carol

[Berlin-Bob]

..... and before there were flushing loos,

(are you sure you wanted to know this      )

someone had to go around all the posh houses and collect the "night soil" and take it away !

So a night-soiler "shovelled sh*t", literally !!
Fortunately, it's died out as an occupation 

PS:
My Dad tells me his Grandfather was the WC-Janitor at Regents Park;
In the 1901 census it states "Parkkeeper". (Well, it sounds nicer on the census form ! )

[carol sea]

At least it's caught everyone's imagination!

There are times at work when I feel I'm following in my ancestors footsteps -although my job has absolutely nothing to do with bodily functions!

Carol

[Berlin-Bob]

There are times at work when I feel I'm following in my ancestors footsteps Roll Eyes-although my job has absolutely nothing to do with bodily functions 

Yes, I get days like that, too !!

I suppose everybody has the "shovelling sh*t" feeling at sometime or other 

[suttontrust]

"Night soil" had value - it wasn't just a case of taking it away and disposing of it.  It was used in tanning, I believe.

[Sisterjane]

Right thats it Suttontrust I will never wear my leather facket again LOL
Joe

[Sisterjane]

Obviously, that should say Jacket
Joe