The Middle Ages weren’t just about knights and castles—they were also home to some of the most unusual and bizarre occupations in history. From the strange to the downright shocking, these bizarre medieval jobs reveal how society functioned and survived in a world very different from our own. Many of these roles, like the gong farmer, sin-eater, or knocker-upper, may seem absurd today, but they were essential to medieval life and offer a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in the Middle Ages.
1. Herbalist
The majority of Europe relied on herbs for a range of medicinal and health needs, but most herbalists were poorly paid for their services. They treated everything from coughs to sterility. With few effective remedies at their disposal, medieval doctors often turned to herbalism as a last resort.
Indeed, medieval people believed that the ability to find healing plants was the mark of an especially gifted healer.
Medieval herbalists would have had knowledge of what plants and herbs could be used in particular situations or ailments. One such herb might be hellebore: once thought by medieval people to be a cure-all for any ailment; it was later found out to be lethal when ingested in large quantities.
2. Groomer
In the medieval period, a groomer was primarily responsible for caring for horses and other livestock, ensuring they were clean, healthy, and well-maintained. These skilled workers used brushes, combs, and shears to remove excess hair or trim coats, paying attention to areas like the mane, tail, and hooves. Some groomers also used oils or soaps to keep the animal’s skin healthy and free from pests. Groomers were an essential part of medieval stables, helping knights, nobles, and farmers maintain their animals for work, transport, and warfare.
3. Bookmaker
The medieval bookmaker was a skilled artisan responsible for creating books by hand long before the invention of the printing press. Their work involved cutting parchment, preparing ink, and carefully copying texts with precision. Many medieval bookmakers were also expert calligraphers, producing beautifully decorated manuscripts with intricate lettering and illustrations. These handcrafted books were highly valued in medieval society for their accuracy and artistry, and many survive today as remarkable examples of medieval craftsmanship.
4. Peacock Trainer
The peacock trainer was a unique medieval occupation that many people today might not realize existed. These trainers were responsible for teaching peacocks to be obedient and to perform in public displays, often in the courts of nobles or during special events. Training methods varied, but most relied on a system of rewards and discipline, using food to encourage desired behaviors. Medieval peacock trainers needed patience, skill, and a deep understanding of animal behavior to manage these exotic birds successfully.
5. Urinal Cleaner
It may sound unbelievable, but urinal cleaners were indeed a real profession in medieval times. These workers were responsible for maintaining outhouses, latrines, and privies, ensuring that waste was removed and the facilities remained as sanitary as possible for the people who used them. While it was a dirty and often unpleasant job, it was an essential part of medieval public hygiene and urban maintenance.
6. Rat Catcher
The medieval rat catcher was a profession as old as the rodents themselves. These courageous workers were tasked with controlling rats and mice in homes, granaries, stables, and other areas where food was stored. Using long-handled trays or baskets, they would scoop up rodents before they could escape, and were often armed with clubs or sticks for protection. Medieval rat catchers played a vital role in maintaining hygiene and food safety, helping to prevent the spread of disease in towns and villages.
7. Seamstress
The medieval seamstress was a skilled artisan responsible for sewing and creating garments. Many seamstresses worked with luxurious materials such as silk, velvet, and gold thread, which made their services highly valued and sometimes lucrative. They needed expertise in cutting and stitching fabric to prevent fraying and ensure the garment’s durability. While some medieval seamstresses made clothes for themselves or their families, many offered their talents to wealthier clients who could afford custom-made attire, making them an essential part of medieval society and fashion.
8. Pig Chaser
The medieval pig chaser was responsible for controlling pigs that roamed farms and crops—but not simply to protect the land. These workers were often paid to chase pigs into designated areas where they could be captured or hunted. This unusual role highlights that medieval occupations went far beyond farming or baking, encompassing a wide variety of strange and specialized jobs that were essential to daily life in the Middle Ages.
9. Barbershop Singer
In the Middle Ages, entertainment and commerce often went hand in hand. While barbershop singers are well-known for performing in exchange for money, medieval millers—the people who operated the machines that ground grain—were also sometimes paid to sing songs about their profession. These songs highlighted how many sacks of flour they could produce in a day and served to attract customers and encourage them to purchase their products. This unusual combination of work and performance demonstrates the creative ways medieval workers promoted their trade.
10. Executioner’s Apprentice
The medieval executioner’s apprentice played a crucial role in assisting their master with one of the most feared jobs of the Middle Ages. They often acted as guards, helped to prepare execution sites, and carried out any other tasks assigned during the course of medieval executions. These apprentices needed to be strong and resilient, as their work frequently exposed them to violence and death. Many executioner’s apprentices came from poor families or were orphans, forced by circumstance to serve in this grim occupation in order to survive in medieval society.
Groom of the stool
The Groom of the Stool was a unique and highly trusted position in the royal household responsible for attending to the King’s personal hygiene, specifically cleaning and maintaining the King’s anus. The title comes from “stool,” an old word for toilet. One of the Groom of the Stool’s duties was to carefully wipe the King’s buttocks, sometimes using a sponge, ensuring he remained clean and comfortable. Despite the nature of the work, this role was extremely prestigious and gave the occupant intimate access to the monarch, often allowing them to wield considerable influence at court.
📜 Frequently Asked Questions
What was a medieval executioner’s apprentice?
A **medieval executioner’s apprentice** assisted the master executioner by acting as a **guard**, preparing execution sites, and performing other tasks. They were often **orphans or from poor families** and needed to be strong and resilient to face the violence of the job.
What did a medieval groomer do?
The **medieval groomer** cared for **horses and livestock**, brushing, trimming, and cleaning them. They used **shears, brushes, and oils** to maintain the animals’ coats and ensure their health.
Who was the Groom of the Stool?
The **Groom of the Stool** was a trusted royal servant responsible for the **King’s personal hygiene**, including cleaning his anus. Despite the nature of the job, it was prestigious and offered **intimate access to the monarch**.
What did medieval rat catchers do?
**Medieval rat catchers** controlled **rats and mice** in homes, stables, and granaries. Using **trays, baskets, and sometimes clubs**, they helped maintain **hygiene and food safety** in towns and villages.
What was the role of a medieval pig chaser?
The **medieval pig chaser** guided pigs away from farms and crops and often directed them to areas where they could be **captured or hunted**, highlighting the unusual and specialized nature of **medieval occupations**.
Did medieval millers really sing while working?
Yes! Some **medieval millers** sang songs about their work to **attract customers** and advertise how much flour they could produce, combining **work and entertainment** in creative ways.
What did peacock trainers do in medieval times?
**Peacock trainers** taught **peacocks** to perform in public displays, often using a system of **rewards and discipline**. Their work required patience and skill to manage these exotic birds successfully.
What was the job of a medieval bookmaker?
The **medieval bookmaker** created **books by hand**, cutting parchment, preparing ink, and copying texts with precision. Many were also skilled **calligraphers**, producing manuscripts that were highly valued and are still admired today.
