Bizarre History of The Rat Catching Profession

The video explores the history of rat catching in Europe, highlighting its role in controlling the Black Death and its evolution into a legitimate profession. It discusses the innovative methods used by rat catchers, the rise of fancy rats as pets, and the popularity of rat fighting as a blood sport. The video also covers the impact of Norway rats, the fame of Jack Black, and the influence of rat catching in literature. Finally, it touches on the celebrations of Ratcatchers Day.

What was one of the primary reasons for the emergence of rat catching as a profession in Europe?

• To provide entertainment for the wealthy

• To create a new culinary delicacy

• To control the spread of the Black Death

• To train animals for circus acts

How did some rat catchers increase their income beyond catching rats?

• By training rats for theatrical performances

• By organizing rat races

• By breeding and selling fancy rats as pets

• By selling rat fur for clothing

What was the role of Jack Black in the rat catching world?

• He was a fictional character in a novel

• He was a scientist studying rat behavior

• He was a famous rat catcher and breeder of fancy rats

• He was a government official regulating rat catching

What was a significant consequence of the introduction of Norway rats in Great Britain?

• A decrease in the rat population

• An increase in demand for rat catchers

• The extinction of black rats

• The end of rat fighting as a sport

What was the purpose of the National Fancy Rat Society?

• To support the breeding and exhibition of fancy rats

• To regulate the rat catching profession

• To advocate for the humane treatment of rats

• To promote rat fighting as a sport

Which famous literary work is associated with the legend of a rat catcher?

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit

• The Pied Piper of Hamelin

• The Canterbury Tales

• The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Why is Ratcatchers Day celebrated on two different dates?

• To align with international rodent awareness days

• To coincide with the rat breeding season

• To honor two different famous rat catchers

• Due to different historical interpretations of the Pied Piper story