Gong farmer

JohnHuntNightman

Gong farmer was a term used in Tudor England to describe someone who removed human excrement from privies and cesspits. The occupation was vital for maintaining the hygiene and sanitation of cities and towns, yet it was considered one of the most undesirable jobs of the period. Gong farmers worked primarily at night and were often marginalized within society due to the nature of their work.

History

The term "gong farmer" is believed to have originated from the words "gong" or "gang" meaning "going" or "to go" and referred to the act of going about the city to clean out the waste. This job was essential in an era before the advent of modern sewage and waste management systems. Gong farmers were employed by the local government or city councils and were sometimes provided with specific rights and privileges due to the importance and hazardous nature of their work.

Duties and Working Conditions

Gong farmers were responsible for the removal of human waste from privies, which were the common toilets of the time, not connected to any sewer system. They would manually shovel the waste into carts or barrels and then transport it outside the city or town, where it would often be used as fertilizer. The work was not only unpleasant but also dangerous due to the risk of disease and infection. Consequently, gong farmers were required to work at night to minimize their contact with the general populace and were restricted in where they could live and travel during daylight hours.

Social Status and Regulation

Despite the essential nature of their work, gong farmers were generally looked down upon by society. Their job placed them at the bottom of the social hierarchy, and they were often stigmatized due to the foul nature of their work. However, due to the specialized and necessary skill set required for the job, gong farmers could sometimes negotiate higher wages or certain privileges. Regulations surrounding their work were strict; they were often forbidden from dumping waste within city limits and could face severe penalties for doing so.

Legacy

The role of the gong farmer diminished with the development of modern sewage systems and the improvement of urban sanitation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, their contribution to public health and urban living conditions during their time should not be underestimated. The history of gong farmers highlights the evolution of waste management and the importance of sanitation workers in urban societies.