Human Billboards of Victorian London (Worst Jobs in Victorian England)

A piece of human flesh between two slices of board was a miserable job and one of the worst in Victorian era England. It is thanks to Charles Dickens that we have the term ‘Sandwich Man’ for which these walking advertisements are now more commonly known. This job demanded neither training nor skills, but it was a miserable and physically demanding existence - the preserve of the ruined, the elderly - those for who life offered little or no choice other than this unfortunate and poorly paid existence.
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Credits: Narration - markmanningmedia.com
CC BY-SA - Leather Workshop The Walsall Leather Museum showing the 200 years of saddlery and leather goods for which the Town is famous by Gordon Griffiths; North Norfolk Railway by James Petts; The Christmas Pantomime colour lithograph book cover, 1890, showing harlequinade characters by @UniKentArchives; WikiWorld comic based on the article Human billboard by Greg Williams
#VictorianLondon #VictorianDocumentary #VictorianLondonDocumentary #VictorianEraDocumentary #FactFeast #VictorianLife #Victorian #VictorianEraJobs #VictorianJobs #HumabBillboard #HumanBillboardAdvertising

[@FactFeast]

✅ Please support the channel by sharing this video on social media 📲 It really helps the channel grow so we can bring you more content to watch 📺 Thank you 👍

[@linkin543210]

Have you tried employing a sandwich man instead? 🤔

[@Simon-1965]

When I was about 9 years old, there was a fancy dress competition in my village, mum made sandwich boards with newspaper clippings stuck to front and back. I had old style clothes on and the sandwich boards for the competition and come away with the winners rosette and a big bar of chocolate. Great memory.

[@clintfalk]

Imagine working in a mine back then.

[@owlthepirate5997]

Imagine.. growing up in a village!

[@danniis9444]

I feel so bad for those poor people. Having their dignity taken away while they are just trying to make a living. 😔😪

[@arthas640]

Sadly rich people really get off on making minimum wage workers lives hell, especially since unethical companies also like to use minimum wage workers their spokesmen in things like customer service, so when the companies lie or take advantage of people then the minimum wage worker gets to take the beating instead of anyone in management.

[@chromeego7903]

Don't feel bad. After graduating from university I was a sandwich board man in Manchester (England) in the 1990's for an amusements arcade. The sign declared "Cheapest Fags in town ➡" - (Fags means cigarettes in England) I got a lot of abuse for that slogan. It was better paid then my chosen profession after three years of study (Archaeologist)! Passers by were always shocked when they saw I was spending my time reading the Greek plays of Euripides. I've got to say it was one of my favorite work experiences. 🪧Sunny, outdoors, people to chat to, could read what you wanted, could listen to your 'Sony Walkman', start at 10am - better then being a chimney sweep... or office drone.... or archaeologist as it turns out. As the story in the video suggested the 'freedom' (and late start) of this kind of job was very appealing to people with drug addictions that could not hold down a 9-5 job. As a tramp you were going to be walking around the city and abused by children anyway, at least this way you got paid to do it. Now this job is virtually extinct but we still have the tramps. They just have absolutely no way to earn money now. One thing I did learn holding that sign is no one can take away your dignity, certainly not some snotty nosed kids singing the same chants and making the same lame jokes you have heard for months.

[@nadapenny8592]

I know right it's almost as bad as retail

[@avalondreaming1433]

What about the people who have to dress up in a chicken costume (or other costume) and stand outside in blazing heat waving at cars for advertisement.

[@garyhyndman1105]

I saw a guy in a sandwich board in Ediburgh just a couple of years ago. They're effective because I can still remember what was being advertised.

[@jamiemboko3455]

I came here to say this exact thing haha I live in Edinburgh and this is still common even McDonald's do it

[@sunnyd5280]

I was literally just about to say the same thing! They’ve been here for years!

[@williamtruitt3346]

One of the best channels on KZbin. The narration is magnificent. Keep the vids coming. Thanks from Philadelphia.

[@FactFeast]

It’s great that you enjoy the presentation! Many more videos to come.

[@crystallong9625]

I completely agree!!

[@Deemememe]

I remember seeing men and teenage boys doing that while growing up in NY during the 80s. I felt so bad for them. Especially during the winter. I remember wondering if the boards was helping them to keep warm a little bit during cold windy days. Then the years passed and the boards turned into fliers. I heard that some people that passes out fliers gets paid pretty good but they’re out there for hours in top of hours during the summer and winter. I’ve seen some during harsh winter days with not so warm looking coats handing them out. It’s just horrible.

[@arthas640]

Until they finally raised minimum wage for the first time in over a decade there used to be young men dancing with signs where I live even though it rains more here than Seattle or London. They'd be dancing around sometimes even when it was raining sideways and barely above freezing

[@dougsteel7414]

I see people wearing t-shirts with giant corporate logos like Nike etc. to this day

[@chromeego7903]

After graduating from university I was a sandwich board man in Manchester (England) in the 1990's for an amusements arcade. The sign declared "Cheapest Fags in town ➡" - I got a lot of abuse for that slogan. It was better paid then my chosen profession after three years of study (Archaeologist)! Passers by were always shocked when they saw I was spending my time reading the Greek plays of Euripides. I've got to say it was one of my favorite work experiences. 🪧Sunny, outside, people to chat to, could read what you wanted, could listen to the radio, start at 10am - better then being a chimney sweep... or office drone.... or archaeologist as it turns out.

[@FactFeast]

I was interested to read your story. Thank you. It always seemed to me that archaeology, as a vocation, is undervalued given the qualifications and skills necessary to become professional and the remuneration available. It is highly interesting nevertheless.

[@matthewm2528]

Oh noooo. Im studying archaeology

[@Chris-qw3zt]

New subscriber here, your a great narrator, keep up the good work

[@FactFeast]

Thanks and welcome to the channel!

[@angelaburroughs4584]

I feel like I’m listening to pin head from hell raiser.. I’m waiting for the chains to come out.. “I’ll tear your soul apart….”

[@WhisperingWitchASMR]

There is something especially heartbreaking in reflecting on how, surely, some of these hardworking souls were illiterate or had only rudimentary reading skills and thus could not even read the very words they were promoting to all and sundry who passed by them. 😔

[@dshe8637]

Yes, the advertisers were buying their physical space and their time. The most basic

[@greasylimpet3323]

If you buy a car, and don't remove the dealer's frame from the registration plates, you're doing the same thing for no pay whatsoever, although you'll be a lot more comfortable doing it.

[@lesleysmith51]

Enjoyable presentation with great illustrations. In London you still the occasional one telling you what and not you do and how to live your life.

[@FactFeast]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen one, commercial or otherwise.

[@brianedwards7142]

Michael Bentine starred in and co-wrote a movie in 1966 called The Sandwich Man which was basically just an excuse for cameo sketches by a string of comedians as he walked about London. It has since become a cult movie not for the action but for the views of sixties London.

[@lbennhtx6072]

Excellent channel. Keep up the great work !!! 🌞👍

[@FactFeast]

It’s fantastic you think so! I hope you enjoy what’s to come.

[@Mr29roses]

Last summer here in Ottawa I saw university sudents wearings ads just like these chaps, only these ads were well lit and their wearers were busier on their phones. It reminded me of this episode and figured we haven't gotten too far.

[@feroxartem]

Came to Ireland 8 years ago, one of the easy to get jobs was SIGN HOLDER. So u either hold a sign for a pub/store/etc or u get a billboard.

[@GlassSuperstar]

Bored, while wearing a board, yes you are the chairman of the board :D

[@FactFeast]

Very good!!

[@Perfidious_Hollow]

Really look forward to your videos! Thanks!

[@FactFeast]

You’re welcome! I’m glad you watch and enjoy them. Thank you.

[@nadapenny8592]

*standing here, holding my iPhone, wearing my North Face sweatshirt, and my UnderArmor hat, with my Puma sweatpants, kicking my Nike sneakers, leaning on my car plastered with 6 factory stock logos from the manufacturer and then plastered with bumper stickers, and not getting paid for any of it* Man I'm so glad we don't do this anymore

[@fluffyhead6377]

People have this job today, I saw a guy dressed as a pizza slice.

[@cassandrabeard5070]

I adore this channel, I'm so fascinated by all the topics. I can't get enough. I love the way it I presented and the visuals, I find it really captivating and learn so much and I find myself pondering on what it really was like to live in these times.

[@FactFeast]

You're very kind to say. I'm very grateful to have you here as a regular viewer!

[@patrickrose1221]

Good as gold - as ever , keep em coming : )

[@FactFeast]

Great that you thought this was a good one, thank you! I’ll be making more ‘worst jobs’ videos and plenty of other topics too.

[@weilandiv8310]

I have a pyramid-shaped pizzeria sign on the roof of my car making deliveries. I am blessed! Although kids shout things at me during stoplights. Hey Pizzaboy? ..... I'm 42!

[@Itried20takennames]

Hopefully not as bad and some have amazing skills/energy, but this reminds me somewhat of the “Sign Twirlers” seen at intersections in the US (people twirling and doing tricks with large arrow-shaped signs near stoplights or intersections to advertise sales or store openings nearby).

[@elleryeggen9678]

We call these "taco signs" in the western U.S.A., an opportunity for the less fortunate and the youthful masses to make a couple of bucks, whilst wearing an ad and pointing a giant foam finger aimed at a Mervins, etc.., holiday, going out of business sale.

[@debrabaier1894]

A modern version of the sandwich board (U.S. at least) are young men on corners holding small signs which they artfully spin around to attract the attention of passing drivers. Some are so energetic I can't fathom how they can keep it up for long.

[@jameswillis1742]

In Michigan we call them broke

[@leahmpalzer]

Mervins brings back memories!

[@elleryeggen9678]

@@leahmpalzer "Open Open Open"!!

[@diiii_mond]

Hey Fact Feast, I think it’d be interesting to see you compare and critique the world build of Assassins Creed Syndicate! See what they got right and what they didn’t.

[@bigblue6917]

Funnily enough I remember seeing a sandwich board man when I was a child. That must have been in the early 60s. I seem to remember he was advertising a local men's clothing business, though both are long gone.

[@mikeyfn-a6684]

Another video to further make me appreciate my current position as gas jockey in the only state in the US that (knock on wood!) still forbids self pumping. $15hr.+OT..I've got 99 problems but a good job ain't one 😅🍀

[@FactFeast]

I hope it continues well for you. In Europe it’s self service.

[@mikeyfn-a6684]

@@FactFeast it honestly seems NJ is the only non self serve ANYwhere. And thank ya BTW! 😬👍

[@samuelmmmk181]

@@FactFeast Same in Australia. I feel sorry for the dude.

[@mikeyfn-a6684]

@@samuelmmmk181 I honestly once considered wearing a nasty hotdog 🌭 costume for a gig in Miami, Florida back on 2013 I was so desperate..so glad THAT never happened!

[@tinyGrim1]

Thank you 👍👍👍

[@FactFeast]

I appreciate your support!

[@keepitsimple4629]

At least it wasn't a filthy job. An equivalent job today would be standing on the road 8 hrs. a day, holding a stop sign, to direct traffic around road construction.

[@FactFeast]

There are arguably worse jobs, but they did have to suffer physical pain - hard on elderly men. Plus all bad weather and torment from omnibus drivers and street urchins.

[@keepitsimple4629]

@@FactFeast Yes, they did. I feel really bad for those people of old who led such miserable lives. No elderly person should have to stand out in all kinds of weather and endure physical assaults. The poverty was just crushing for some. Then they had their queen sitting up on her throne, eating her way into oblivion, sending troops all over the world to conquer and enlarge her territories. Such injustice.

[@keepitsimple4629]

@Evil Pimp Yes, they do. Still a miserable job. I wouldn't want to do it.

[@dyskelia]

I wonder what Dickens would write about the people who spins signs in street corners during tax season dressed like Uncle Sam 🤔

[@alicerivierre]

OMG, right?

[@lostfound8112]

I always give your vids thumbs up

[@FactFeast]

Thank you so much! Glad to have your support.

[@dshe8637]

Reminds me of that video for Elbow's One DayLike This

[@trippy4674]

We still got those sign spinners

[@hanniballecter4924]

You still see the Board men now and again here in the U.K.

[@alexisalexander9037]

Today it's people spinning cord board. I put T shirts from businesses into the human advertisement box. People that wear them are paying for someone's advertising.

[@moondancer9066]

People were sure mean to these men. 😢

[@1gavalanche1]

Should have spun their signs, then everyone would think it was a cool and fine business practice.

[@emilysigmund1255]

Man alcohol has been destroying lives for centuries

[@jamesgoetzke9509]

We still have Sandwich people. Examples: someone dressed as a pizza in front of a shop near the street waving for attention and business. That's one example

[@walshy2116]

It’s like “oy since you’re a standing out here homeless and what not let’s use you to tie our horses to ya bum ya.” I’ll give you a haypenny a day.

[@alicerivierre]

God, what an underappreciated job it was. And to think the Three Stooges made it look like fun in their shorts.

[@danamarcotteseiler7423]

Folks did that type of work here too in America

[@duybear4023]

The Joker was a Boardman.

[@mskinetik]

It's crazy to realize this was the start of what has evolved into modern day sign spinners. 🙃

[@barbaraeddy5725]

Ty brilliiantx

[@FactFeast]

You’re welcome. It’s great you enjoyed the presentation!

[@danamarcotteseiler7423]

Still done ; look at folks dressed as Lady Liberty " for the Tax place

[@Takeawayinataxi]

Oh bless em.

[@Miss-Anne-Thrope]

The good ol' Vic-Tory-an values.

[@davethomasatemyhamster]

I love what you did there 👍👍😀😀👍👍

[@arthas640]

Not sure what's Tory about it, this sort of stuff is still common even outside of conservative parts of the UK. Some walk with sandwhich boards, some dance with signs, some pass out fliers, and TONS sit at a phone all day calling person after person with an auto dialer. I've worked a few sales jobs and prefer being outdoors since at least if you have a sign people rarely scream at you because the auto dialer is set to call over and over and over and over until someone answers even if the person hasn't wanted to buy the product the other 100+ times the auto dialer rang up the number. Rain is easier to deal with then a justifiably pissed off person. I grew up in a strongly left leaning area and until recently there were tons of those dancing people with signs, which is arguably more demeaning since you have to dance like a trained monkey and cant sit still

[@shawnwienecke183]

And still is today

[@نوالليال]

At leest they are not welthy enough to be a Throune ravening rival .then he will be crush like a flay and presoned without a crime.like bad tims

[@briankelly8297]

This is still a thing

[@billyandrew]

Are you honestly trying to claim they had a tougher time than Hatters or Match girls? Smh and lmao.

[@kevinheath7588]

No male privilege there then.

[@alicerivierre]

Nope, poor soul 💔

[@the.only.yorkshirepudding2376]

It sounds like you're trying to not have an Irish accent

[@mijiyoon5575]

👍👍🎬🎬

[@FactFeast]

Glad you enjoyed the presentation!

[@chrisrebar2381]

Ha, and today very stupid people will willingly do the same for nothing with their t shirts and trainers proudly displaying their logos

[@aaronlechner9290]

If I lived back then I would've so targeted these men 😂😂

[@samuelmmmk181]

Check the family tree. Then you'll find out if you'd be able to.

[@davidvonbrawn4904]

It was five times harder to be poor in London than it was America.

[@clintfalk]

Really? Were you there?

[@arcatacompany]

And this job exist today there are still Boardman and women not that I've ever seen a woman wave a sign for a company only to beg but not trying to be sexist

[@tim31415]

Could you possibly get an actual, period camera to use at the beginning of your videos? The brand new camera with its thoroughly modern lens you currently use is just plain lazy and an affront to your viewers.

[@floppysausageroll]

Bore off

[@crystallong9625]

You’re really quite rude!!

[@hippiewithacowboyhat]

Good content, horrible voice. Get rid of the intollorable voice, and you have a winner.

[@Perfidious_Hollow]

Horrible, intolerable comment. Get rid of it and you have a winner.

[@lesleysmith51]

How do you know that's not his real voice.

[@davethomasatemyhamster]

Personally, I love the narrators voice. Enjoy most accents except I Can't stand the American New York one (too brash and cocky for my taste) Would be a boring world if we all liked the same things.💛

[@andrewdaley3081]

I watch for the voice you dont like dont watch simple. 🇬🇧👍

[@shereesmazik5030]

Voice and content is why I am here. Diction is so clear , my 92 year old Mother can enjoy each presentation too.