A Unique Occupation
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, before the invention of affordable alarm clocks, people in Britain and Ireland relied on knocker-uppers to wake them. These workers roamed the streets with long poles, tapping on bedroom windows to ensure laborers weren’t late for work.
Tools of the Trade
Knocker-uppers used a variety of tools to wake their clients. Some employed long bamboo poles to reach upper-floor windows, while others used small pea shooters to lightly tap glass panes without causing damage.
Odd Hours and Reliability
Their work began early, often at 4 or 5 a.m., and required exceptional punctuality. Clients paid a small fee for their services, and knocker-uppers kept detailed schedules to ensure everyone was awake at the requested time.
The End of an Era
The job faded with the spread of mechanical alarm clocks in the mid-20th century. However, some knocker-uppers became local legends, like Mary Smith of London, known for using a pea shooter to wake her clients with precision accuracy.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, before the invention of affordable alarm clocks, people in Britain and Ireland relied on knocker-uppers to wake them. These workers roamed the streets with long poles, tapping on bedroom windows to ensure laborers weren’t late for work.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/XqWXlplWcM
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) January 23, 2025