From Artisans to Scholars: The Many Jobs of a Medieval City

Medieval cities were centers of culture, learning, and trade. They were home to a diverse array of jobs, from skilled artisans and merchants to scholars and religious officials.

Medieval London Image
Image of Medieval London City and The Tower of London

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

Artisan

Artisans were skilled craftsmen who created a wide range of products, from textiles and pottery to metalwork and jewelry. They would typically work in guilds, which provided training, support, and protection to their members.

Medieval Moneyer Coins
A Medieval Moneyer mints the coins in medieval times

Merchant

Merchants were responsible for buying and selling goods, and they played a vital role in the economy of medieval cities. They would trade in a variety of products, including spices, textiles, and precious metals, and they would often travel long distances to acquire these goods.

medieval merchants negotiating deals medieval castle

Scholar

Scholars were highly educated individuals who studied a wide range of subjects, including theology, philosophy, and the natural sciences. They would often be employed by universities, religious institutions, or wealthy patrons, and they would produce works of literature and scholarship that were highly valued in medieval society.

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Religious Official

Religious officials were responsible for the spiritual well-being of the inhabitants of medieval cities. They might include priests, monks, or nuns, who would lead worship services, offer guidance and counseling, and provide charitable assistance to those in need.

catholic-monks-capuchin-dominican-augustinians

Physician

Physicians were responsible for the health and well-being of the inhabitants of medieval cities. They would diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses, using a combination of medical knowledge and natural remedies.

viking life herbs

Lawyer

Lawyers were responsible for upholding the laws and legal system of medieval cities. They would advise clients on legal matters, represent them in court, and help to draft legal documents and contracts.

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Artist

Artists were responsible for creating works of art, such as paintings, sculptures, and stained glass windows. They would often be commissioned by wealthy patrons, religious institutions, or civic organizations to create works that were both beautiful and meaningful.

medieval artists

Musician

Musicians were responsible for creating and performing music, which was an important part of medieval life. They might perform in churches, at festivals and celebrations, or in the homes of wealthy patrons.

Medieval Bard Poet and Musician
In medieval Gaelic and British culture, a bard was a professional poet/story teller, employed by a patron, such as a monarch or nobleman

Teacher

Teachers were responsible for educating the inhabitants of medieval cities, both young and old. They would teach a wide range of subjects, including reading, writing, and arithmetic, as well as religious instruction and vocational training.

Venerable Bede translates medieval poem for scribe

Public Official

Public officials were responsible for governing the city and enforcing its laws. They might include a mayor, city council members, or other officials who would oversee the administration of the city and ensure that it ran smoothly.

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These were just some of the jobs that existed in a medieval city. Each played an important role in the functioning of the city, and together they created a vibrant and dynamic community of artisans, scholars, and officials.