The Daily Grind: Henry's Medieval Occupations Quiz

Answer: Cobbler

A shoemaker makes shoes, while a cobbler repairs them. In addition, a cobbler can take a pair of old shoes and make a new pair out of recycled leather. Many people wear what are called "turn shoes", which means the leather shoes are made inside out and then turned for use.

The styles that are popular at this time is the "poulaine", or pointed-toed shoes for the men, and slippers for the women. Ankle boots are worn for heavy use and wear.

Answer: Chandler

The chandler is the person in the household who is in charge of the chandlery, which is not only the wax and candles, but the room where they are kept. Tallow from cattle or sheep is used in making candles; because soap is a by-product of candle making, the chandler is also in charge of the soap. To tell you the truth, I appreciate the light, but candles really smell awful!

Answer: Cooper

A cooper is involved in making wooden, staved vessels, such as drums and barrels, that are bound with hoops and have flat tops and bottoms. He also makes a variety of utensils, such as butter churns and buckets. Sometimes a cooper is assisted by a hooper, who puts the metal hoops around the vessels, but he can also do that work himself. Everything a cooper produces is called cooperage.

Answer: Tanner

A tanner treats the skins of animals in order to make leather for a wide variety of items, such as shoes, waterskins, and quivers. First the tanner must soak the skins in water to clean and soften them. Then, he pounds the skin to remove any fat or flesh. Next, he must remove the hair.

He has a few choices on how to do this, and they are all gross! He can soak the skin in urine, cover it with a lime mixture, or just let it rot for a few months. Once the hair is removed, the skin is softened. For this the tanner may use animal brains or dung. Needless to say, the tannery is located on the far side of the castle!

Answer: Cutler

Any hand implement used in preparing, serving, and especially eating food is called "cutlery"; a "cutler" is a person who makes or sells cutlery. When we eat at my lord's table, we all have our own knives, but if soup is being served at a meal, spoons are supplied. We have silver spoons for important guests, but most of us are given wooden ones.

Answer: Bowyer

Bows are used, of course, for archery and hunting. My lord, the Earl of Warwick's bowyer, Thomas, is very fine craftsman. He can make a good bow out of a single piece of wood in about two hours. We all practice archery, and he keeps us well-stocked with bows.

Answer: Besom maker

The besom is made with a bundle of twigs tied to a pole. The twigs can be either broom or heather. Some people think the besom is more useful as a way to ward off evil spirits and protect those who live in the home. It can sometimes be found hanging over a doorway or just inside a door.

Answer: Luthier

The lute is a common instrument in the home of my lord, the Earl of Warwick. Not only does he have a musician, but all of us pages are expected to try and learn how to play. My lady says that women like that! While I would rather be practicing sword fighting, I will do my best to learn, just to please her. It is part of our lessons in chivalry.

Answer: Blacksmith

A "smith" is a person who works with metal, and a "blacksmith" works with black metal, or iron, as opposed to gold and silver, which are considered white metals. Along with the other implements mentioned, our blacksmith also makes armor for the knights. He has been known to make jewelry as well!

Answer: Fuller

After the sheep are sheared, the lanolin is left in the wool to make it easier to weave. The wool is carded, spun, and woven. Then the fuller's job is to clean the grease and other impurities from the wool. He does this by trodding on the cloth as it is soaking in urine. This is another hut that is located on the far side of the manor!