Craftsmen, Traders, and Officials: Jobs in a Medieval Town

In the medieval period, towns were centers of trade, commerce, and industry. They were home to a variety of jobs, from skilled craftsmen and merchants to officials and laborers.

road g66a944a19 640

Here are some of the key jobs that existed in a medieval town

Blacksmith

The blacksmith was responsible for making and repairing metal tools, weapons, and household items. They would work with a forge and anvil, using techniques such as heating, hammering, and quenching to shape and strengthen metal.

Medieval-Blacksmith-Amourer

Weaver

The weaver was responsible for creating cloth from raw materials such as wool or silk. They would work with a loom to weave threads into fabric, and might specialize in different types of cloth or patterns.

medieval weaver

Baker

The baker was responsible for creating bread and other baked goods. They would work with flour, water, yeast, and other ingredients to create dough, which they would then bake in an oven.

Medieval Baker
A Medieval Baker is baking bread in an oven

Merchant

The merchant was responsible for buying and selling goods. They would work with suppliers and customers to obtain and distribute goods, and might specialize in particular types of products such as spices, cloth, or precious metals.

medieval merchants negotiating deals medieval castle

Tailor

The tailor was responsible for creating and repairing clothing. They would work with fabric and thread to create garments that were both functional and fashionable.

tailor 2778734 640

Apothecary

The apothecary was responsible for creating and dispensing medicines. They would work with natural ingredients such as herbs and minerals to create remedies for a variety of ailments.

viking life herbs

Carpenter

The carpenter was responsible for creating and repairing wooden structures and furniture. They would work with hand tools and a variety of woods to create everything from houses to chairs.

Medieval-Carpenter

Town Crier

The town crier was responsible for spreading news and announcements throughout the town. They would walk through the streets, ringing a bell or shouting out the news of the day.

vintage g4af255b17 640

Innkeeper

The innkeeper was responsible for providing lodging and meals to travelers. They would operate an inn or tavern, providing food, drink, and a place to sleep to those passing through the town.

In medieval times, a watchman was responsible for keeping watch over a town or city during the night to ensure its safety. They would typically work in shifts and be stationed at high points such as towers or walls to have a clear view of the surrounding area.

bar gdec5c2fb3 640

Medieval Watchman

night watchman g77871f7c9 640

Keeping watch:  The watchman was responsible for keeping a lookout for any signs of danger such as fires, invaders, thieves or other disturbances.

Raising the alarm:  If the watchman spotted anything unusual, they would raise the alarm by ringing a bell, blowing a horn or shouting to alert the townspeople.

Patrolling:  The watchman would often patrol the streets of the town or city during their shift to ensure everything was in order and to deter any potential troublemakers.

Checking the gates: The watchman would also be responsible for checking the town or city gates to ensure they were securely locked and guarded.

Keeping records: The watchman would keep a log of any incidents that occurred during their shift and report it to the town authorities in the morning.

Overall, the role of a medieval watchman was vital to the safety and security of a town or city during a time when there was no formal police force or other means of protection.


Town Officials

Town officials were responsible for governing the town and enforcing its laws. They might include a mayor, sheriff, or other officials who would oversee the administration of the town.

martin luther g65edabeed 640

These were just some of the jobs that existed in a medieval town. Each played an important role in the functioning of the town, and together they created a vibrant and diverse community of craftsmen, traders, and officials.

belfry gf41230404 640