Exploring the past can reveal fascinating details about how people lived and worked. Medieval jobs are an interesting glimpse into a world fueled by unique trades and skills that are no longer needed today. For instance, roles like alchemists and cup bearers once played a vital part in society but have since faded away due to advancements in technology and changing societal needs.
The medieval era was a time of significant craftsmanship. Many jobs required specialized skills that made each role distinct and valuable in its own right. These long-gone occupations, such as alewives who brewed and sold ale, demonstrate how much has changed between then and now. It’s compelling to see how these jobs shaped the societies in which they existed.
From the sweat of the galley rowers to the know-how of herbalists, the medieval world was diverse in its employment opportunities. Each job had its challenges and rewards, often involving a strong connection to nature and community. Delving into these obsolete occupations offers a window into the ingenuity and adaptability of medieval people and how their work laid the groundwork for modern professions.
Agricultural Positions
In the Middle Ages, farming was the backbone of life, with many roles ensuring fields were productive and crops were abundant. These positions required a mix of skill and hard work.
Reeve
The reeve was a key figure on a manorial estate. He acted as a manager, overseeing daily operations and ensuring tasks were done properly. The reeve was often chosen by the villagers because of their strong leadership and experience.
This role required excellent organizational skills. The reeve kept track of labor duties, ensured taxes were collected, and mediated disputes among tenants. Additionally, the reeve reported directly to the lord of the manor, which made this a position of trust and responsibility. Often, the reeve also had to ensure that the livestock was well-maintained, which was crucial for farming success.
Thresher
Threshers played an essential role in processing harvested crops. They separated grain from stalks and husks, which was a critical step in preparing crops for consumption and sale. This job was labor-intensive and required endurance.
Threshing, while crucial, was often seasonal. This made the thresher’s position temporary, depending on the harvest. Techniques mainly involved swinging a tool called a flail to beat the grain apart. Despite its simplicity, this work demanded precision to maximize yield and minimize waste.
Threshers contributed significantly to the agricultural economy. Their diligent work ensured that communities had access to grain for food and trade. The efficiency and skills of a thresher directly impacted how much grain was available for the winter months.
Ploughman
The ploughman’s work was foundational in preparing fields for planting. They used large ploughs, often pulled by oxen or horses, to turn and loosen the soil. This helped to bury crop residues and prepare a clean seedbed.
Skills in handling and maintaining a plough were critical for this role. Ploughmen often needed to understand different types of soil and adjust their methods accordingly to ensure optimal crop growth. Given the physical demands of the job, strength and stamina were important.
Ploughmen contributed directly to food production. Their work determined the quality of the soil, which affected crop yields. By ensuring fields were ready for planting, they set the stage for a successful harvest season.
Craftsmanship Roles
In medieval times, craftsmen played essential roles in society by creating everyday items. Their skills were vital for making tools, containers, and products that people used daily. Let’s explore some of these unique craftsmanship roles.
Fletcher
A fletcher specialized in making arrows used for hunting and warfare. This job was crucial because archery was a primary method of combat and hunting in medieval times. Fletchers crafted arrows by shaping and balancing shafts, attaching feathers for stability, and securing arrowheads to ensure accuracy and lethality.
Their skills required precision and an understanding of materials like wood, feathers, and metals. Fletchers worked closely with bowyers who created the bows necessary for using the arrows. Together, they provided essential weapons for knights and soldiers.
Cooper
Coopers were skilled artisans who made wooden barrels, buckets, and casks. These containers were used for storing and transporting goods such as wine, ale, and other commodities. By using wooden staves held together with metal hoops, coopers ensured their products were sturdy and watertight.
The creation of barrels was important for trade and commerce, as these vessels were ideal for shipping goods over long distances. Coopers needed a sound understanding of carpentry and metalworking to efficiently produce barrels that met the demands of merchants and traders.
Chandler
A chandler made candles, which were a primary source of light in homes, churches, and public spaces. They carefully crafted candles using tallow, wax, and wicks to ensure they burned steadily. Making candles involved melting materials, dipping or molding them, and trimming wicks for even burning.
Chandlers provided an essential service, especially in an age where electricity wasn’t available. Their work allowed people to extend their productive hours beyond daylight. Some chandlers also produced soaps and other household commodities, diversifying their offerings to meet local community needs.
Domestic Service Jobs
In the Middle Ages, many unique jobs catered to domestic services in noble households. Roles like the ewerer, scullion, and spice merchant played vital parts in everyday life, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
Ewerer
An ewerer managed water for washing in noble homes. They were responsible for heating, transporting, and presenting water for guests and the household. The job required trustworthiness because of the intimate nature of the service. Ewerers often worked with valuable items like basins and towels, showcasing their careful attention to detail.
The role also involved maintaining cleanliness and managing the supply of water. They sometimes assisted in other house tasks, providing extra hands where needed. The ewerer’s work was essential in a time when personal hygiene involved elaborate rituals.
Scullion
Scullions performed essential back-of-house tasks in medieval kitchens. They were responsible for cleaning dishes and kitchen tools, keeping the place tidy for the cooks. Their tasks also included fetching water and wood, which was vital for cooking processes. Scullions worked hard to ensure the kitchen functioned smoothly.
These workers were often the youngest or newest on the household staff. Despite their low status, scullions were key to the kitchen’s success. Their role taught them the basics of cooking and kitchen management, providing valuable experience. Over time, some scullions advanced to higher kitchen positions.
Spice Merchant
Spice merchants were critical in the trade and supply of spices for wealthy households. They imported and sold spices such as pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg, which were highly sought after for their flavor and status symbol. Merchants needed to be savvy and knowledgeable about their products, valuing them correctly and ensuring quality.
Spices were expensive, sometimes used as currency or gifts, reflecting wealth. Merchants traveled widely, often dealing with exotic markets. This role required strong connections and an understanding of global trade networks. Spice merchants contributed significantly to the diverse and rich flavors enjoyed in the dishes served at noble tables.
Trade and Merchandise Occupations
Trade and merchandise occupations played a vital role in medieval society, helping to circulate goods across regions. These jobs were essential for both rural and urban areas, providing access to various items and contributing to local economies.
Costermonger
A costermonger was a street vendor who sold fruits and vegetables in medieval cities. They often set up stalls in busy markets or on street corners. These vendors typically operated in larger towns and cities, where foot traffic provided ample customer interaction.
Costermongers needed a keen eye for freshness and quality to assure customers of their products’ worth. They bought goods from local farms or larger wholesale markets and sold them at a profit. Bargaining was often part of the transaction, allowing them to hone their negotiation skills.
While the job was low-status, it was important. It made fresh produce available to people who might not otherwise have had access to it. The vibrant atmosphere surrounding costermongers could be seen as a precursor to today’s bustling farmers’ markets.
Tallyman
A tallyman was responsible for tracking goods that were stored or transported. They maintained records, ensuring that merchants received the correct quantity of items. Tallymen played a key role in preventing the loss or theft of goods during busy trade fairs and market days.
Their tools included wooden sticks or boards marked with notches to represent quantities. This simple yet effective system allowed easy cross-verification by both parties involved in the transaction.
By keeping precise records, tallymen ensured fair trade practices, boosting trust between sellers and buyers. While their work was mostly behind the scenes, tallymen were crucial in maintaining the economic balance in trading practices.
Peddler
Peddlers were traveling salespeople who carried small items such as textiles, tools, or trinkets from town to town. They served remote villages and communities, bringing goods to places without established markets. Their travels exposed them to different cultures and products, which they introduced to various regions.
Peddlers often dealt with small, easily transportable products that could be quickly exchanged. They relied heavily on their communication and persuasion skills, often using stories to appeal to potential buyers.
Despite the challenges of constant travel and uncertainty, peddlers played an important role in spreading goods and ideas across regions, essentially connecting different parts of the medieval world.
Civic and Public Roles
During the medieval period, many unique civic roles played a crucial part in maintaining order and services within communities. These jobs had specific responsibilities and skills which helped towns function smoothly. Some of these roles, like the beadle, crier, and ale-conner, were essential in their time but are no longer found today.
Beadle
A beadle was a minor parish official in the Middle Ages, often responsible for maintaining order. They worked under the churchwardens and took care of many church-related duties. Since churches were central to medieval life, the beadle’s role was vital in supporting religious and communal harmony.
Besides maintaining order during services, beadles managed church properties and often helped organize local events. They would ensure any rules or orders made by the church were implemented within the parish. The beadle’s job required being firm yet fair, handling diverse tasks efficiently. Occasionally, they even took on the role of a town crier, assisting in public announcements.
Crier
Town criers were key figures in medieval communication. These individuals walked through town centers, loudly announcing important news and proclamations. Acting as a human form of news distribution, criers ensured that even those who couldn’t read were kept informed.
Being a crier demanded a loud, clear voice and a good memory to accurately convey messages. They would ring a bell to capture attention and then deliver news about royal decrees, market days, or impending dangers. Town criers donned distinct outfits to make them easily recognizable to the public. ‘Criers’ played an essential role in maintaining an informed community.
Ale-Conner
The ale-conner was a unique medieval official tasked with inspecting the quality of ale brewed within the town or village at Medieval Monday. They ensured that ale met certain standards of taste and purity. This job was important not just for the sake of quality but also to prevent economic fraud like price fixing.
Ale-conners were well-respected figures, trusted by both brewers and consumers. They would visit taverns and alehouses regularly, sampling products and approving or rejecting them. An ale-conner’s judgment held significant sway, influencing which alehouses became popular and which brewers might need to improve their craft.
Military Professions
During the Middle Ages, military roles were crucial to defending territories and expanding kingdoms. Each profession demanded unique skills and offered distinct challenges. From expert crossbow users to those who guided warriors at night, these roles were essential.
Arbalester
An arbalester was a soldier skilled in using a crossbow, a powerful weapon in medieval warfare. Crossbows could shoot bolts with great force and accuracy over long distances, which made arbalesters valuable on the battlefield.
Training was crucial since using a crossbow required strength and precision. Their role often involved taking out key enemy targets or holding strategic positions. Arbalesters wore armor for protection and had to maintain their weapons for reliability.
The effectiveness of arbalesters changed with military advancements. As gunpowder weapons emerged, the crossbow’s dominance faded, but the skill and discipline of the arbalester remained respected among warriors.
Linkboy
Linkboys played a vital role in the medieval military by providing light for navigation during dusk or nighttime. They carried torches or lanterns to guide soldiers through dark streets or campgrounds, ensuring safe passage.
Their presence was especially important during nightly movements or raids, where stealth was necessary but visibility was poor. Linkboys needed to be nimble and quiet, often moving ahead to scout pathways.
This profession was risky, as enemy forces might target them to disrupt troop movements. Despite the danger, the ability of linkboys to help armies maneuver safely at night was invaluable in strategic operations.
Sapper
Sappers were tasked with undermining enemy fortifications, using tunnels and explosives to collapse walls or gates. They played a crucial role in siege warfare, making it possible for armies to breach heavily fortified defenses.
Their work required expertise in engineering and a deep understanding of soil and structural integrity. Sappers often worked under tense conditions, with the knowledge that enemy defenders might discover and counter their efforts.
Equipped with tools, sappers carefully calculated where to dig and set charges. This role demanded both physical endurance and technical skill, as they set the stage for successful assaults on enemy strongholds.
Entertainment and Festivities
In medieval times, entertainment was rich and varied, featuring lively performances that captivated audiences of all ages. Performers, including jongleurs, fools, and mummers, brought joy and laughter to towns and courts through their engaging acts and vibrant costumes.
Jongleur
Jongleurs were versatile entertainers who traveled from town to town. They were skilled in juggling, music, and storytelling. Often, jongleurs accompanied their performances with instruments like the lute or flute. Their acts could range from playful songs and poems to impressive displays of balance and dexterity.
In medieval societies, jongleurs were essential at festivals and fairs. They provided a break from the daily grind, lifting spirits with their talents. Unlike stationary theater troupes, jongleurs adapted to various audiences and venues, performing in markets, villages, or noble courts. This ability to move freely allowed them to share news and stories across wide regions, thus playing a role not just in entertainment but in social communication as well.
Fool
Fools, or jesters, were key figures in medieval courts, known for their wit and humor. They entertained noble families with their quick thinking and comedic timing. Often seen with a colorful outfit and a jaunty hat, fools were allowed to mock even the highest-ranking members of society. This unique position granted them more freedom of speech than most.
A fool’s act could include jokes, songs, and physical comedy. They often used their sharp intelligence to comment on political and social issues, disguising criticisms as humor. Fools were valued not only for their comic relief but also for providing honest reflections on court life. This made them entertaining but also insightful companions for the nobility.
Mummers
Mummers were performers who participated in seasonal plays and processions, especially during holidays like Christmas. These performances often included masked plays featuring themes of life, death, and renewal. Mummers donned elaborate costumes and masks, making their performances visually striking.
Typically, a mumming play involved a series of sketches filled with lively action and festive music. Unlike other entertainers, mummers often involved the community in their performances, encouraging participation. By engaging directly with the audience, mummers created memorable and immersive experiences that strengthened local traditions and community bonds. These festive gatherings allowed villagers to celebrate shared stories and customs, reinforcing cultural ties and creating a sense of unity.
Religious and Monastic Titles
In medieval times, religious and monastic roles held significant societal importance. These titles often came with specific duties that contributed to the spiritual and communal life of the era. The Pardoner, Lector, and Almoner were notable figures within the religious community, each performing distinct functions.
Pardoner
The Pardoner was a medieval church official who granted indulgences or pardons to people seeking forgiveness for their sins. Pardoners traveled widely, issuing these pardons in exchange for donations to the church. They were skilled in persuasive speech, often using relics and artifacts to support their claims.
Despite their role in the church, Pardoners were sometimes viewed with suspicion. Some were accused of being more interested in collecting money than in spiritual guidance. This reputation partly comes from the fact that some Pardoners exploited their position, which led to controversies about the genuine nature of their work.
Lector
The Lector was responsible for reading scriptures during church services. This role was crucial in a time when literacy was not widespread; it ensured that religious texts were accessible to congregations. Lectors needed a clear voice and a good understanding of the texts to communicate the teachings effectively.
Their work went beyond reading. Lectors often assisted in interpreting sacred texts for the congregation, providing important insights into biblical passages. They made religious teachings more understandable, enhancing the spiritual experience of the listeners. Their role was foundational for the religious education of the community.
Almoner
The Almoner managed the distribution of alms to the poor and needy. In medieval society, almsgiving was a vital part of church practice, reflecting Christian values of charity and compassion. The Almoner ensured that donations were collected and distributed fairly among those in need.
This position required attention to both logistical and social aspects. Almoners had to keep track of resources while maintaining compassion and discernment in supporting the disadvantaged. They played a key role in community welfare, embodying the church’s commitment to helping those less fortunate. Their work was seen as an extension of the church’s charitable mission.
Miscellaneous Occupations
During the Middle Ages, many jobs were vital for daily life yet have since disappeared. From treating cloth to lighting streets, these roles show how much society has evolved. The following subsections explore the work of a fuller, a lamplighter, and a knocker-upper.
Fuller
Fullers played an important role in the textile industry of medieval times. They specialized in cleaning and thickening wool cloth. This process was essential to produce a strong, durable fabric for clothing and other uses.
To accomplish this, fullers often used a mill to pound the fabric with water and a cleansing agent, usually fuller’s earth or clay. This helped remove oils, dirt, and impurities. The work required physical strength and could be quite tiring.
This occupation was crucial for ensuring fabric quality, making it a key part of medieval life. Over time, mechanical processes in factories replaced the need for fullers, leading to its decline.
Lamplighter
Before electricity, lamplighters were responsible for illuminating streets at night. They walked through towns at dusk, lighting oil or gas lamps using a pole. At dawn, they returned to extinguish them.
Their work ensured safety and visibility during nighttime. It was a daily task, so lamplighters were an essential part of urban life. They needed to maintain lamps by cleaning them and ensuring they had enough fuel.
As streetlights began to operate automatically with electricity, the need for lamplighters diminished. Their duties reflect a time when each aspect of daily life depended on individual contribution and labor.
Knocker-Upper
A knocker-upper’s job was to wake people up before alarm clocks became common. They used long sticks or poles to tap on windows or doors. This early morning service was vital for workers who needed to rise on time for their jobs.
Reliability and punctuality were crucial traits for a successful knocker-upper. Clients depended on them to avoid being late for work, especially during the industrial era when timekeeping was essential.
As alarm clocks became affordable and widespread, the demand for knocker-uppers faded. This occupation highlights the creative solutions employed before modern conveniences were invented.