MEDIEVAL JOBS

From catching rats in sewers to juggling for the king, discover the strange careers available in the Middle Ages.

1. Herbalist.

Using practical herbal remedies derived from plants and other natural sources, these so-called ‘wise women’ could treat a wide range of medical conditions. Providing a lifeline for those who could not afford the services of a trained physician, their knowledge of folk medicine was then passed down through the generations.

2. Blacksmith.

Every village had its own blacksmith, who would make everything from weapons and tools to door knobs and jewellery. Using charcoal as fuel, they would heat iron until it became malleable, then hammer it into various shapes on a heavy block known as an anvil.

3. Scribe.

As there were no printing presses in medieval times, scribes would copy out text in order to create additional copies of books. This role was often afforded to monks, because they had been taught to read and write, and was hard work, illustrated by the complaints they would often write in the manuscript margins.

4. Squire.

Promoted from the position of page boy at 14, a squire was the servant to a knight, and often accompanied him into battle. In return, he would be taught the code of chivalry, the rules of heraldry, bravery, horsemanship, swordsmanship, and other athletic skills, before being promoted to knighthood at the age of 21.

5. Rat catcher.

Rats were a big problem in medieval Europe, spreading diseases and eating crops. Accompanied by a small dog or cat to sniff out the vermin, and various traps and poisons to capture or kill them, rat catchers would walk the streets and sewers, risking contracting the plague to earn a living.

6. Barber.

Offering much more than a haircut, medieval barbers would often perform medical procedures too. Known as barber surgeons, they would extract teeth, amputate limbs and carry out bloodletting, the practice of draining the blood to ‘cure’ various illnesses. With no anaesthetic or training, and only basic tools, it was often a messy affair.

7. Court jester.

Employed by the royal court to entertain the king, a jester would juggle, tell jokes, perform tricks, and generally clown around to improve his master’s mood. In return, he was paid well and given a place to live, and enjoyed certain privileges, including being able to make fun of nobles and get away it!

8. Herald.

With so many knights scattered across Europe, each with their own coat of arms, it was the job of a herald to keep track of them all. This also helped them in their other main duty: conducting and announcing the participants of jousting tournaments.

9. Spinster.

In order for wool to be woven, it first had to be turned into yarn. Typically this role was held by women, but male ‘spinners’ did also exist. They would first twist the fibres between their thumb and forefinger, then attach them to a drop-spindle, the weight of which would stretch the fibres into yarn as they spun.

From "How it Works" UK, issue 91, 2016, excerpt p. 81. Adapted and illustrated to be posted by Leopoldo Costa.