Old Time Occupations beginning with the letter B

Ships passenger lists, census returns and other documents used in genealogy may give an ancestor’s occupation, this list gives more modern interpretations of those terms.

Bailie – bailiff
Banksman – gives instruction or assistance to driver; overseer at a mine pit
Barker – tanner
Baxter – baker
Belhoste – tavern keeper
Belleyetere – bellfounder
Blacksmith – one who shoes horses
Boniface – innkeeper
Borsholder – officer appointed by the manor or parish, constable.
Bowyer – bowmaker
Brasiler – dyer
Brazier – brass worker
Brewster – brewer; beer maker
Brightsmith – metal worker
Brownsmith – copper or brass smith
Burl – cup-bearer
Burneman – carrier of barm or waters for brewers
Burnisher – metal polisher

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