In England a century ago, it was not uncommon for children to be included in the service populations of large households.

Consider the knife boy in one such home, who—between 1897 and 1911—was paid a shilling a day to carry coal, chop wood, polish boots, and sharpen  knives.

That was during the week, when this child was also attending school. (There was infinitely more work on Saturdays.)

At the time of his initial employment, this child was ten years old.