“The medieval carpenter was not just a worker of wood, but an artist who could take a raw material and turn it into a masterpiece. Their craftsmanship was a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the human mind.” – Richard Unger, Professor of Medieval History at the University of British Columbia
Roberta Gilchrist, Professor of Archaeology at the University of Reading
In the medieval period, carpenters typically learned their craft through an apprenticeship system. Young boys were taken on as apprentices by a master carpenter and would spend several years learning the trade by working alongside the master and other journeymen.
During their apprenticeship, they would learn how to use the tools, read plans, and design and construct buildings.
“The medieval carpenter played a vital role in the construction and maintenance of buildings and structures that shaped the landscape of the Middle Ages. Without their skill and knowledge, the great castles and cathedrals that still inspire wonder today would not exist.”
Matthew Johnson, Professor of Archaeology at Northwestern University
Once their apprenticeship was complete, carpenters could become journeyman carpenters. They would then travel from town to town, working on different building projects and gaining experience.
In order to become a master carpenter, a journeyman would need to present a masterpiece or masterpiece project to a guild of carpenters for review. If the masterpiece was approved, the journeyman would then be allowed to establish their own workshop and train apprentices of their own.
Carpenters were typically organized into guilds, which were associations of craftsmen who worked in the same trade. These guilds were responsible for regulating the carpentry trade and ensuring that members adhered to certain standards of quality and ethics.
Guilds also provided training and support for members, including access to workshops and tools, as well as social and cultural events.
“The work of a medieval carpenter was not only physically demanding, but also required a deep understanding of geometry and mathematics. Their ability to create complex structures and designs from wood was a testament to their intelligence and dedication to their craft.”
Pamela O. Long, Independent Historian and Author of “Artisan/Practitioners and the Rise of the New Sciences, 1400-1600”.
