Guilds of Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, guilds were organisations or teams of artisans. Each guild concentrated on a particular craft, such as the guild of tanners or candlemakers.

Why were guilds important?

In the Middle Ages, guilds were significant to society. They gave people a way to learn and pass on trade skills from one generation to the next. By working hard, guild members had the chance to advance in society.

The guild offered numerous protections to its members. If a member fell on hard times or was ill, the guild would help them. They had control over the hours worked and the working environment. Additionally, the guild forbade non-members from selling rival goods. Some guild members even received exemptions from paying the lords’ and monarchs’ hefty taxes.

More than only their members were assisted by guilds. They had many guidelines that helped maintain consistency in the work’s quality and cost. This made it easier for customers to know they were paying the right price for a quality product.

Guild Positions

Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master ranks were clearly established in each guild during the Middle Ages. Typically, apprentices were teenage boys who agreed to work for a master for seven years. During this time, they would put in a lot of effort for the master in exchange for learning the art and receiving food, clothing, and shelter.

He was an apprentice before becoming a journeyman. He would continue to work for a master as a journeyman, but he would be paid.

The Master held the post at the top of the craft. The guild’s consent is required for a Journeyman to advance to the rank of Master. He would have to demonstrate his talent and engage in the necessary political manoeuvring to win favour. Once a Master, he was free to start his own business and instruct apprentices.

Different Guilds

In the Middle Ages, there may be up to 100 distinct guilds in a large city. Examples include cobblers (shoemakers), bookbinders, painters, masons, weavers, dyers, armourers, weavers of cloth, and bookbinders. They were referred to as craft guilds.

Guilds for merchants were also present. The management of trade in the town was under the jurisdiction of merchant guilds. They had the potential to rise to great power and dominated much of the local economy.

Interesting Guilds-Related Information

Strong guilds had its own courtroom in the town, where they would hold hearings to resolve member disputes and punish offenders.

Even while many women were talented craftspeople in the Middle Ages, they were not permitted to join or start their own guilds.

The name “guild” derives from tribute or payment, which the guild’s members were required to make.

The guild masters required a Journeyman to create a “masterpiece” before they would accept him.