Ever heard of a tosher the poor soul who waded through the muck of Victorian sewers in search of a coin or two to make ends meet?

This miserable individual will be joining a hideous cast of equally mucky characters who did the worst jobs our ancestors could dish up, when Carisbrooke Castle takes a light-hearted look at the grime and gore of the past over the bank holiday weekend, Saturday 23rd to Bank Holiday Monday 25th August.

From 10am-5pm each day, the deprivations and squalor of the foulest jobs in history will be brought to life. 

Filled with treasure and curios from around the world a Victorian travelling museum will be focusing on the darker side of life, with photographs of ghosts and spirits, tales of murder, monsters and cannibals.

There’s a 18th century surgeon accompanied by live leeches, using some of the barbaric equipment of the time to amputate, pull teeth and operate – all without anaesthetic!  One of the lowest of the low in medieval times, a rat catcher with traps, cages and corpses will describe how he kept the filthy streets relatively clear of vermin. 

Sinking even deeper, there’s a ‘tosher’ or mudlark – effectively a latter day toilet cleaner - who sifted through the Victorian sewers in search of lost money, jewellery and other valuables.

Overseeing proceedings of the ‘nasty’ day out will be the executioner, ready to chop off the head of any unruly visitors whilst comedy and music will be provided by the Singing Plague Victims.

Complete with rotting bandages and festering sores, long nosed Nostrildamus and Milly Molly Manky will encourage the audience to join them in a bawdy sing song from ‘Merrie’ England.

This look at the grimey side of history will appeal to those of all ages who are fascinated by the realities of the past – and have a strong constitution!  Normal admission prices apply - £6.50 for adults, £5.20 for concessions, £3.30 for children and £16.30 for a family ticket. English Heritage members are admitted free.

To round off the month of August Carisbrooke Castle will be offering a Gruesome Castle Quest.  Available from Tuesday 26th until Sunday 31st August, families can pick up a themed quiz sheet and take a quest around the castle to crack a series of clues and win a prize.

For further information Carisbrooke Castle or other English Heritage properties on the Isle of Wight call 0870 333 1183 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk