THE VICTORIAN JOBS THAT MADE YOU A SOCIAL OUTCAST

Cinemavixion Review

Tony Robinson delves into the shadows of Victorian Britain, unearthing occupations that relegated individuals to the fringes of society. His exploration of the workhouse, particularly the grim task of 'picking oakum,' paints a vivid picture of the era's harsh realities and the stigma attached to such labor. Robinson's hands-on experience with railway digging and rat-catching offers a visceral connection to the past, highlighting the sheer physicality and often unpleasant nature of these jobs. The documentary particularly focuses on the tanner's trade, a vocation so malodorous and socially isolating that it served as a potent symbol of utter rejection. This program is a fascinating, albeit sobering, look at the lives of those whose labor, while essential, rendered them social outcasts.