independent shoeshiner

In Victorian London, shoeshiners, also known as boot polishers, shoeblacks, or bootblacks, were often young boys trying to make a living in poverty-stricken city. Some shoeshiners worked in brigades, whereas others were independent. The brigades : "These are the orthodox or legitimate boot-blacks, and they consequently find favour in the eyes of the police. The policeman, … [Read more...] about An Independent Shoeshiner Boy in London 1877