“Crossing sweepers were a common sight on the streets of large cities during much of the 19th century. The predominance of horse-drawn vehicles—and the general uncleanliness of urban streets—entailed certain difficulties in crossing intersections. For example, the long dresses of many elite women might easily be soiled by horse droppings (among other forms of refuse).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossing_sweeper #VictorianAge #Poverty #CharlesDickens #London #NewYorkCity