Medieval coopers were skilled artisans who crafted barrels, casks, and tubs essential for storing and transporting goods such as food, drink, and other materials. Their craftsmanship ensured that these containers were durable, watertight, and vital to medieval trade and daily life.
“The cooper’s craft played a crucial role in medieval society, as their skill in crafting barrels and casks was essential for transportation and storage of goods. Their meticulous craftsmanship ensured the preservation of food and drink, contributing to the economic and social stability of the time.” – Dr. Sarah Johnson, Medieval History Professor at University of Oxford.
The word “cooper” comes from the Latin word “cupa,” meaning “tub” or “cask.”
The job of a cooper was crucial in medieval society because wooden barrels were used to store and transport food, drink, and other goods.
Without coopers, it would have been much harder to move goods from place to place, especially over long distances.
Training to be a Cooper
To become a cooper, one would first need to apprentice with a master cooper for several years. During this time, they would learn the skills and techniques necessary to create high-quality barrels and casks.
The apprenticeship period could last anywhere from three to seven years, depending on the master cooper’s requirements.
Once the apprentice had completed their training, they would become a journeyman cooper, working for a master cooper or setting up their own shop. In some cases, coopers would specialize in making specific types of barrels, such as wine barrels or beer barrels.
Cooper’s Guild or the Guild of Coopers
A medieval cooper would typically belong to the Cooper’s Guild or the Guild of Coopers. Guilds were associations of skilled craftsmen and tradespeople that regulated their respective trades, set standards, and protected the interests of their members. The Cooper’s Guild would have provided support, training, and resources to coopers, as well as governed the trade and ensured quality craftsmanship.
“Medieval coopers were highly regarded artisans, known for their precision and expertise in working with wood. Their ability to construct watertight barrels and containers revolutionized trade and enabled the efficient transportation of goods across long distances. Their craftsmanship was an integral part of the flourishing medieval economy.” – Dr. James Thompson, Medieval Studies Historian at University of Cambridge.
Making a Barrel | Skilled Work
To create a wooden barrel, a cooper would start by selecting the right type of wood. Oak was the most commonly used wood because of its durability and resistance to water. The cooper would then cut the wood into staves, which were narrow pieces of wood that were shaped and bent to form the barrel’s sides.
The staves would be held in place by metal hoops, which the cooper would hammer into place.
Once the barrel was complete, it would be tested for leaks by filling it with water and observing whether any water escaped through the seams. If there were any leaks, the cooper would have to take the barrel apart and start over.
Other Work of a Cooper
In addition to making barrels, coopers were also responsible for repairing damaged barrels. This could involve replacing broken staves or hoops or repairing leaks in the seams.
The job of a medieval cooper was physically demanding and required a high degree of skill and attention to detail. Despite the challenges, coopers played a crucial role in medieval society by helping to transport goods and preserve food and drink for long periods of time.
Tools used by a Medieval Cooper List
Adze
A tool used for shaping and smoothing wooden staves.
Bung starter
A tool used for starting the hole in a barrel to insert a bung.
Croze: A specialized tool used for cutting the groove in a barrel’s stave to hold the end of the barrel.
Dowel plate
A metal plate with various sized holes used for creating dowels and pegs.
Drawknife: A sharp blade with handles on each end, used for shaving and shaping wooden staves.
Hammer
Used for driving hoops into barrels or pounding wooden parts together.
Jointer plane: A long, flat plane used for smoothing and flattening the wooden surfaces.
Mallet: A wooden or rubber-headed hammer used for striking chisels or driving wooden parts together.
Reamer
A tapered tool used for enlarging or smoothing the holes in the barrel staves.
Shavehorse: A clamping device used to hold wooden staves in place while they are being shaped or trimmed.
Spokeshave
A small hand tool used for shaping curved surfaces, such as the interior of a barrel.
Stave jointer: A tool used for beveling or chamfering the edges of barrel staves to create a tight fit.
Trussing iron: A long, slender tool used for tightening the hoops around a barrel to secure the staves.
Vise
A clamping device used to hold workpieces securely in place while they are being worked on.
Wooden mallet: A hammer-like tool with a wooden head used for driving wooden parts together without damaging them.
These are just a few examples of tools that a medieval cooper would have used. The specific tools may have varied depending on the region and the cooper’s individual techniques and preferences.
