CHILDREN can discover whether they were made for mole catching or suited to sweeping chimneys at Quarry Bank this half term.

As part of the Worst Children’s Jobs in History exhibition – launched by TV historian Sir Tony Robinson in April – visitors will be able to take a quiz in the Job Shop to find out what task suits them best.

Youngters can take on the dirty and disgusting jobs that were once part of daily life for the child workers – and might realise how lucky they are that shovelling horse manure, stoking boilers and twisting cotton is not part of their daily routine.

“It might be a real eye opener for families, but lots of fun as well as we’ve given the jobs a creative twist,” said Kate Picker, from the National Trust.

Costumes will be provided for youngsters who really want to recreate the past and get stuck into the worst jobs on offer.

The exhibition was inspired by Sir Tony’s captivating Worst Jobs series and Quarry Bank’s own archive.

Records show children at Quarry Bank swept chimneys, scared birds and spent 12 hours a day twisting together pieces of cotton.

“I think it’s a great exhibition and I’m flattered Quarry Bank have used a lot of the material I originally researched,” he said.

“I’m proud and pleased to have my name associated with it.”

The May half term activities run from May 29 to June 2 and are free, although the usual Quarry Bank admission charges apply. 

For more details go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank