The Other Jack Black: Legendary Rat Catcher

In the bustling streets of Victorian London, amidst the grandeur of its architecture and the complexity of its society, a unique figure emerged, capturing the imagination of the city’s residents. This was not a nobleman, a politician, or a celebrated artist, but rather a rat catcher. His name was Jack Black, and his story is as intriguing as it is unexpected.

Jack Black’s profession might seem mundane or even repulsive to modern sensibilities, but in the 19th century, rat catchers played a crucial role in urban life. Rats were not just a nuisance; they were carriers of diseases like the bubonic plague. As such, rat catchers were both respected and feared, operating at the intersection of public health and urban myth.

Black was no ordinary rat catcher. He was, by many accounts, the self-proclaimed “Queen’s Rat Catcher” — though there’s no historical evidence that he was officially appointed by Queen Victoria. However, this title, whether self-bestowed or not, speaks to Black’s flair for self-promotion and his understanding of the power of branding.

Historical sources paint a vivid picture of Black. He was often seen around London dressed in a scarlet topcoat, waistcoat, and breeches, with a huge leather belt around his waist, from which hung rows of rats. He was known to tame some of the rats he caught, keeping them as pets or selling them to well-to-do ladies as curiosities. In an era before modern pest control, Black’s methods were both effective and theatrical. He used a variety of techniques, from ferrets to trap the rats to a special “rat tonic” to poison them.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Black’s career was his role in popularizing the “fancy rat” — domesticated rats that are now kept as pets worldwide. Black is often credited with being one of the first to breed rats for their color and temperament. He would display these fancy rats on his stall, and they became sought-after commodities. In an interview, Black once remarked, “There’s a vast difference between the wild rats and my fancy rats. The wild ones are cunning and ferocious, while the fancy ones are gentle as lambs.”

Beyond his work, Jack Black’s life was shrouded in mystery. Little is known about his early years, and accounts of his later life are sparse. However, his legacy as a pioneering rat catcher and an early advocate for the fancy rat endures.

In a city teeming with characters, from Dickensian villains to noble heroes, Black carved out a unique niche. His life reminds us that history is not just made by kings and generals but also by ordinary individuals with extraordinary professions.