They extracted minerals and metals from the earth, often using picks and shovels, and sometimes using primitive machinery.
In other cases, miners worked as part of a larger team, either in exchange for wages or in return for certain rights and privileges.
“Mining was the backbone of the medieval economy, and the brave men who worked in the mines were the backbone of the industry.” – John Hatcher, Professor of Economic and Social History at the University of Cambridge
A typical day for a miner in the Middle Ages would involve a tremendous amount of physical labor. Miners would typically spend the entire day in the mine, working with picks, shovels, and other tools to extract minerals and metals from the earth.
They would also be responsible for hauling the ore and minerals to the surface, as well as maintaining and repairing the equipment used in the mine.
Depending on the employer, miners may also have been responsible for other tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and performing general maintenance.
In medieval times, miners usually lived near the mines where they worked. Depending on the location of the mine, miners could be found living in a variety of different types of dwellings, ranging from small, makeshift shacks to more permanent structures.
In some cases, miners may have even lived in the mine itself. In addition, some miners may have lived in nearby towns and villages, where they could find work and take advantage of the amenities and services available in the community.
“Medieval mining was a tough and dangerous profession, but it was also one that required skill, ingenuity, and bravery. Without the miners of the era, the medieval world would not have flourished as it did.” – Heather N. McDougall, Associate Professor of History at the University of Richmond
Medieval miners were an essential part of the economy in the Middle Ages. From humble beginnings, medieval miners extracted essential raw materials and precious metals that were used in a variety of applications. Working in the depths of underground mines and quarries, medieval miners were tasked with a dangerous and difficult job.
Despite the risk and difficulty of the work, medieval miners were a vital part of society during the Middle Ages. Mining provided essential materials for building and construction, as well as metals such as iron, copper, and gold. Miners worked with picks and shovels, and sometimes primitive machinery, to extract minerals and metals from the earth.
Medieval miners worked for a variety of employers, from large noble families to the King himself. In some cases, miners were able to purchase their own mining rights and work independently. In exchange for their work, miners were given wages or certain rights and privileges.
“Medieval miners were the unsung heroes of the era, working long hours in dark, cramped mines to provide the raw materials that built cathedrals, castles, and cities.” – Catherine Armstrong, Historian and Author
The work of a medieval miner was physically demanding and exhausting. Miners spent the entire day in the mine, using picks and shovels to extract minerals and metals. They were also responsible for hauling the ore and minerals to the surface and maintaining and repairing the equipment used in the mine. Miners usually lived near the mines where they worked.
During medieval sieges, a special type of miner known as a sapper was used to gain access to castle walls. Sappers were responsible for digging tunnels and trenches that allowed soldiers to assault castles from beneath the walls. This technique, known as a mining siege, was a common tactic used in the Middle Ages to break through castle fortifications.
Sappers were highly skilled miners who were responsible for digging tunnels and trenches to create a path for soldiers to enter and attack the castle.
Sappers would begin by digging a deep, narrow trench that extended from outside the castle walls to the base of the castle. This trench was then lined with wooden beams and filled with earth and stones to create a protective wall.
The sappers then dug a tunnel beneath the castle walls, using picks and shovels to break through the stone. This tunnel was often lined with wood and filled with earth and stones to prevent collapse. Once the tunnel was complete, the sappers would light fires at the end of the tunnel to weaken the walls and create an entrance for the soldiers to attack.
“The medieval miner was a hero of labor, a man who risked his life every day to extract the precious metals and minerals that fueled the economies of Europe.” – Mark Williams, Professor of Medieval History at the University of Leeds
Sappers were highly skilled miners who could work quickly and accurately to dig the tunnels and trenches needed for a successful siege. They faced tremendous danger as they worked
“The medieval miner’s work was grueling, dangerous, and essential to the economy of the time.” – Peter Lewis, Professor of History at the University of London