Victorian children acted as itinerant vendors, calling at doors to sell newspapers, sweets, or small trinkets. They often doubled as information brokers, spreading news and local rumors. The work demanded persuasion, courage, and social awareness. Some children memorized local household preferences to maximize sales. These roles offered independence but exposed children to potential danger. Door-to-door trade taught negotiation, resilience, and street geography. Families often depended on these earnings.
Children as door-to-door sellers learned commerce, social interaction, and independence.
It shows the economic contribution of children in Victorian streets.
Did you know some street children kept informal ledgers tracking which houses bought sweets or newspapers daily?
[British Library, britishlibrary.uk]