occupations-msg - 7/12/99

Lists of medieval occupations.

NOTE: See also these files: guilds-msg, mining-msg, prostitution-msg, p-lawyers-
msg, commerce-msg, p-prices-msg, p-agriculture-msg.

************************************************************************
NOTICE -

This file is a collection of various messages having a common theme that I  have 
collected from my reading of the various computer networks. Some messages date 
back to 1989, some may be as recent as yesterday.

This file is part of a collection of files called Stefan's Florilegium. These 
files are available on the Internet at: http://www.florilegium.org

I  have done  a limited amount  of  editing. Messages having to do  with 
separate topics  were sometimes split into different files and sometimes 
extraneous information was removed. For instance, the  message IDs  were removed 
to save space and remove clutter.

The comments made in these messages are not necessarily my viewpoints. I make  
no claims  as  to the accuracy  of  the information  given  by the individual 
authors.

Please  respect the time  and  efforts of  those who have written  these 
messages. The  copyright status  of these messages  is  unclear  at this time. 
If  information  is  published  from  these  messages, please give credit to the 
originator(s).

Thank you,
    Mark S. Harris                  AKA:  THLord Stefan li Rous
                                          Stefan at florilegium.org
************************************************************************

From: martenb at aol.com (Marten B)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: List of Occupations
Date: 15 May 1994 13:04:02 -0400

una at bregeuf.stonemarche.org asked for a list of occupations that she could 
use
at a demo.  I mailed her the following, which I found entertaining enough that
I thought someone else might appreciate it too.

Hans Sachs, writing in 1568, selected this list of "All the Trades on the
Earth":

Pope; Cardinal; Bishop; Priest; Monk; Pilgrim; Emperor; King; Prince; Nobleman;
Doctor; Apothecary; Astronomer; Procurator (or Proctor, this is a kind of legal
Agent or Representative); Typefounder; Engraver (for printing, not to decorate
items); Blockcutter (for block printing); Paperer; Bookprinter; Illuminator;
Bookbinder; Painter (portraits and landscapes); Glazier; Glasspainter;
Embroiderer; Goldsmith; Gemcutter; Sculptor; Merchant; Jew; Mintmaster (coin
stamper); Goldbeater; Peddler; Bagger; Belter; Thonger (maker of leather straps
or laces); Butcher; Hunter; Cook; Miller; Baker; Farmer; Beerbrewer; Falconer;
Tailor; Furrier; Dyer; Weaver; Hatter; Shoemaker; Barber; Dentist; "Bather"
(owner of a bath); Bellfounder; Thimbler; Tanner; Spectaclesmaker; Brushbinder;
Combmaker; Fabricshearer (trims the nap and makes pleats for customers);
Locksmith; Compasssmith; Knifesmith; Spurrer; Coppersmith; Gunsmith;
Clockmaker; Redsmith (brass); Nailer; Scythesmith; Armorer; Smith (blacksmith);
Basinbeater; Bellmaker (these are the little bells that go on sleighs and
clothing, as opposed to the large civic bells cast by the Bellfounder);
Bronzefounder; Needler; Mailmaker; Bowyer; Balancemaker; Lanternmaker; Saddler;
Potter; Mirrorer; Grinder (knife sharpener); Stonecutter; Bricker (brick baker,
not mason); Carpenter; Joiner; Wagoner;  Cooper; Woodturner; Gunstocker;
Parchmenter; Siever; Roper; Ship's Captain; Fisher; Oilmaker; Vintner; Singer;
Wiredrawer; Pinmaker; Lutemaker; Miner; Organist; Harper; Lutenist; Fiddler
(this is an unfair translation, "Geiger" is applied to any player of bowed and
stringed instruments); Piper; Drummer; Tapestrymaker; Fool for Money;
Gluttonous Fool; Buffoon; Fool.

All translations are my own.  In instances where I do not know an appropriate
English distinction between occupations, I have gone for fairly literal
translation.  "Spiegler" becomes "Mirrorer" instead of "Mirrormaker", and
"Beckgiesser" becomes "Basinbeater", not "Basiner".

*The Book of Trades* by Jost Amman and Hans Sachs, with an introduction by
Benjamin A. Rifkin.  New York:  Dover Publications, Inc.  1973.  (reprint of
*Eygentliche Beschreibung Aller Staende auff Erden...*, Frankfurt am Main: 
1568)

A truly incredible list of medieval occupations is available in Bertil
Thuresson.  *Middle English Occupational Terms*.  Nendeln/Liechtenstein:  Kraus
Reprint, 1968.  (reprint of Lund:  C.W.K. Gleerup, 1950.  from the Lund Studies
in English).  This beauty made the circuit of the College of Arms a few years
ago, and might be available through a good Herald.  I can't begin to list the
240 pages worth of material available there.


From: Dave.Aronson at blkcat.fidonet.org (Dave Aronson)
Date: 15 May 94 19:06:00 -0500
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: List of Occupations
Organization: Fidonet:TIDMADT 703-765-0822 (1:109/120)

martenb at aol.com (Marten B) writeth:

 m> Hans Sachs, writing in 1568, selected this list of "All the Trades on the
 m> Earth":
 [...]
 m> Goldsmith; Gemcutter; Sculptor; Merchant;
 m> Jew; Mintmaster (coin stamper); Goldbeater; Peddler;

How, pray tell, does one earn a living from being a Jew???  My best guess is
that he meant a moneylender (a trade often associated with us); the only
other thing I can think of, a rabbi, would more likely have been put closer
to the other clergy, than here among trades that deal with money....

---------
Fidonet:  Dave Aronson 1:109/120
Internet: Dave.Aronson at blkcat.fidonet.org



From: martenb at aol.com (Marten B)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: List of Occupations
Date: 16 May 1994 21:41:03 -0400
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)

In article <7c3_9405152116 at blkcat.fidonet.org>, Dave Aronson asked how you
could make a living being a Jew.

I'm afraid you have it correct, milord.  The illustration clearly shows a
stereotypical moneylender.

One of the reasons I thought it would be fun to approach Mistress Alizaunde's
request in this fashion was because it is uncluttered by modern sensibilities
and selection.  These are the Trades a real, 16th Century person thought were
worth noting, for better or worse.  I certainly would never have come up with
that one on my own.


From: martenb at aol.com (Marten B)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: List of Occupations
Date: 19 May 1994 21:51:02 -0400
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)

I guess I'm sort of an idiot.  Instead of just saying "Yeah, you're
right.  You made a living as a Jew by lending money" I should have
followed through on the source and told you how Hans Sachs thinks you
made money being a Jew.  That was the point, after all, of printing a
list from an early source - to produce an unfiltered version of
_their_ opinion.

Having realized this, and done the necessary homework, I'm a little
reticent about publishing the results.  No sense, however, in shying
away from a topic just because it reminds us that our period of study
was filled with prejudice.

The Staendebuch(1) has these marvelous woodcuts designed by Jost
Amman, each accompanied by a very clever and witty poem by Hans
Sachs.  I can't begin to write a translation of these.  Poetry is a
pain in any case, with rhyming and meter and all, but these have word
play that is way out of my league.  With these apologies made,
though, here is the sense of "The Jew" (2):

    I'm not called a Jew for nothing.
    I lend only half value on a security;
    Don't give any slack for an important purpose -
    It has so much value for me then.
    Thus I ruin the gambling crowd,
    Who only want idleness,
    Eating and drinking.
    I sure won't take my trade very far off
    Since I have many brothers who are all the same.

(1)  I think, on reflection, "Staendebuch" is less likely to mean
"Book of Trades" than the publisher would have one think, and more
likely to mean the "Book of Ranks" or "Book of Stations", where
"Staende" is interpreted as "social standing", not merely
"occupation".

(2)  Taken from p. 38 of the Dover edition.  If anyone wants to take
a real stab at it, the poem reads:

Bin nicht vmb sonst ein Jued genannt/
Ich leih nur halb Gelt an ein Pfand/
Loest mans nit zu gesetztem Ziel/
So gilt es mir dennoch so viel/
Darmit verderb ich den lossn hauffn/
Der nur wil Feyern/ Fressn vnd Sauffn/
Doch nimpt mein Handel gar nit ab/
Weil ich meins gleich viel Brueder hab.


From: una at bregeuf.stonemarche.org (Honour Horne-Jaruk)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: list of occupations-the total so far
Summary: More occupations! More needed!
Date: Fri, 27 May 94 00:38:54 EDT

	Respected friends:
	About three weeks ago I posted a request for names of midieval 
occupations, for use in a demo. I got lists back from several people, who may 
or may not have gotten thank-you notes because my Email is misbehaving.
	I also got a request to explain how I was going to use them. SO:
here's who helped (Bless you, friends!) -
	Damon de Folo, JABray at bnr.co.uk(no other name given), Dorothea of
Caer-Myrddin, Henry (HW) Troup, Damien of Baden, MartenB at aol.com (no other 
name given), and Tabitha. You kept me from falling on my face, folks. Thanks!
	Since MartenB at aol.com already reposted his list to the Rialto, I'll 
save bandwidth by skipping his list- There were considerable numbers of
duplicates. The rest, in no particular order-
	Saltboiler,Delver,Linkman,Almoner,Waferer,Threadmaker,Begger,Footpad,
Jailer,Cartwright,Skinner,Glassblower,Dairymaid,Lady,Barker,Thatcher,Wood-
cutter,Senaschal,Beekeeper,Papermaker,Linenspinner,Troubadour,Landlord,Astro-
loger,Confectioner,Guardsman,Scullion,Chantry Priest,Bearleader,Bard,Herald,
Privycleaner,Pardoner,Pursuivant,Parish Priest,Sexton,Stewsman,Shrimper,
Netmaker,Falconer,Bargeman,Panter,Chaplain,Clark,Tutor,Midwife,Bodyservant,
Taverner,Scrivener,Archer,Quartermaster,Sapper,Burglar,Friar,Canon,Sherrif,
Charcoalburner,Drycooper,Woolcomber,Seamstress,Clothier,Pickpocket,Poacher,
Fuller,Lacemaker,Glover,Executioner,Ditcher,Tentsman,Bonecarver,Knight,
Sheepshearer,Horsetrainer,Tapester,Tyler,Gamekeeper,Alewyfe,Reeve,Nun,Parker,
Goatherd,Silkwoman,Cobbler,Ferryman,Navigator,Fence,Wheelwright,Mapmaker
Mason,Crofter,Gravedigger,Player,Userer,Cordwainer,Tumbler,Chapman,Thresher,
Waterseller,Costermonger,Smelter,Cheesemaker,Banker,Weirkeeper,Cutler,Hayward,
Canaller,Cowherd,Fowler,Poulterer,Architect,Chaplain,Butler,Oyster Raker,
Groom,Molecatcher,Bath Attendent,Plowman,Cannoneer,Drayman,Bailiff,Constable,
Chamberlain,Carver,Judge,Swineherd,Watchman,Drywaller,Spinster,Farrier,
Sawyer,Limner,Bricklayer,Sailmaker,Shingler,Stillroom Maid,Quarryman,Vintner,
Laundress,Cook,Scholar,Pavier,Wet nurse,Master of Hounds, and Nurse.
	...Which still adds up to only 248 trades, including both this list
and the MartinB one. So if anybody has more to add, sing out- My original goal 
was 500 total. (Please Email me as well as posting, since my feed sometimes 
eats posts. Thanks.)
	Now for how it was supposed to work: We were told we'd have two hours
with each group, to be split between heraldry, dancing, fencing, and whatever
I came up with. So I was planning to hand out cards with the trade name on the
blank side and a description on the lined side, then lead the kids through
1: How few of these were even scrape-the-bottom rank nobility, and 2: How many
of these were tied to the land or castle and did not have freedom to travel.
	But.. First, I lost my list of 40 farm-related occupations (The ones
performed by serfs, villeins, and cottars). This helped skew the list very
heavily toward late-period and city trades. Then, I arrived to find our 
Herald/Fencer unavailable and our time cut to one hour each. 
	So I accomplished #1 by having the kids with Noble cards stand up (In 
each group of +/- 150, that turned out to be two kids) and telling them that 
everybody else was a "working stiff" just like their parents and teachers are 
today. The look of shock on their faces was worth the work all by itself.
(Poor things, they've gotten their history from fairy tales and Robin Hood,
and even the outlaws are _really_ Earls)- Serious reality-check time.
	Since the skew made idea #2 impossible, I then explained about modern
surnames coming from midieval trade and place names, and the rest of my part 
of the demo was spent telling them what their own last names meant in the
Middle Ages- Which was brutal, since that's quite unmistakably Herald's work, 
and I'm not one. Even though I could only translate about half the names, they 
loved it. It was especially nice for the kids whose names are easy to make 
fun of nowadays, such as Crooker and Fou- they _loved_ hearing the period 
versions. With long demos I sincerely recommend having the Herald try this. If
there isn't time to throw it open to the floor, you may want to get name lists 
from the teachers and choose a few from each class.
	All in all, it worked and worked well. I'll certainly do it again-
(More! Send me more!) and I recommend it to all of you.
	If you've read this far, thanks again.
				(Friend) Honour Horne-Jaruk, R.S.F.
				Alizaunde, Demoiselle de Bregeuf, C.O.L. SCA


From: tip at lead.aichem.arizona.edu (Tom Perigrin)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: list of occupations-the total so far
Date: 27 May 1994 23:03:28 GMT
Organization: Department of Chemistry

In article <J4Vymc1w165w at bregeuf.stonemarche.org>,
una at bregeuf.stonemarche.org (Honour Horne-Jaruk) wrote:

I have taken the liberty of sorting your list alphabetically, and
adding 54 more trades.  Note that some trades such as "nailmaker" would
often
be accomplished by other tradesmen (blacksmiths) in smaller villages. 
However, nails were also made in dedicated shops and shipped as well.  
Also, if this list is intended for kids you may wish to drop "harlot".


Abbess, Abbott, Alewyfe, Almoner, Archbishop, Archer, Architect,
Arkwright, Astrologer, Attendent, Bailiff, Baker, Banker, Bard,
Bargeman, Barber, Barker, Bath, Beadle, Bearleader, Beekeeper (also
known as Apiarist), Begger, Blacksmith, Boatman, Bodger,
Bodyservant, Bonecarver, Bowyer, Bricklayer, Burglar, Butcher, Butler,
Camp Follower, Canaller, Cannoneer, Canon, Carpenter, Cartier,
Cartwright, Carver, Chainmaker, Chamberlain, Chancellor, Chandler,
Chantry Priest, Chaplain, Chapman, Charcoalburner, Cheesemaker, Clark, 
Clothier, Cobbler, Coiner, Confectioner, Constable, Cook, Cooper,
Cordwainer,
Copiest, Costermonger, Cowherd, Crofter, Cutler, Dairymaid, Delver,
Ditcher, Draper, Drayman, Drycooper, Drywaller, Exchequer, Executioner,
Falconer, Famulus, Farrier, Fence, Ferryman, Fisherman, Fletcher,
Footpad, Forester, Fowler, Friar, Fuller, Furrier, Gamekeeper,
Glassblower, Glover, Goatherd, Goldsmith, Gravedigger, Groom, Guardsman,
Harlot, Hayward, Herald, Horseleech, Horsetrainer, Hunstman,
Jailer, Jeweler, Joyner, Judge, Knight, Lacemaker, Lady, Landlord,
Laundress (also known as Lavendar), Leadworker, Limner, Linenspinner,
Linkman, Maid, Mapmaker (also known as Cartographer), Mason, Master of
Hounds,
Mercenary, Midwife (humorously known as a babycatcher), Miner,
Molecatcher, Musician, Nailmaker, Navigator, Netmaker, Nun, Nurse,
Ostler, Oyster, Panter, Papermaker, Pardoner, Parish Priest, Parker,
Pavier, Physician, Pickpocket, Pikeman, Pioneer (an early term
for military engineer), Pissprophet, Player, Plowman, Poacher, Poulterer,
Priest, Privycleaner, Pursuivant, Quarryman, Quartermaster, Raker,
Reeve, Rivener, Ropemaker, Sailmaker, Saltboiler, Sapper, Sawyer,
Scholar, Scrivener, Scullion, Seamstress, Senaschal, Sexton, Sheepshearer,
Sherrif, Shingler, Shrimper, Silkwoman, Silversmith, Skinner, Smelter,
Spinster, Stewsman, Stillroom, Surgeon, Swineherd, Tailor, Tapester,
Taverner, Tentsman, Thatcher, Threadmaker, Thresher, Tillerman,
Tinsmith, Troubadour, Tumbler, Turner, Tutor, Tyler, Userer, Vintner,
Waferer, Watchman, Waterseller, Wattler, Weirkeeper, Weaver, Wetnurse,
Wheelwright, Wood cutter, Woolcomber


From: cav at bnr.ca (Rick Cavasin)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: list of occupations-the total so far
Date: 30 May 1994 15:17:43 GMT
Organization: Bell-Northern Research Ltd.

Here's a few more:

Tanner
Parchmenter
White-tawer
Fellmonger

Cheers, Balderik


Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
From: rorice at bronze.ucs.indiana.edu (rosalyn rice)
Subject: Re: list of occupations-the total so far
Organization: Indiana University, Bloomington IN
Date: Sat, 28 May 1994 05:55:23 GMT

In article <J4Vymc1w165w at bregeuf.stonemarche.org>,
Honour Horne-Jaruk <una at bregeuf.stonemarche.org> wrote:
>	Respected friends:
>	About three weeks ago I posted a request for names of midieval 
>occupations, for use in a demo. 

	Farm: Shepherd, Cowherd, Swineherd, Plowman, Reaper, forrester, 
game-keeper, hunter, trapper.
	Armoring: Plattner (beat out sheets of metal), armorer, mail-maker.
	Fine arts: painter, limner, goldsmith, brazier (makes brassware), 
jeweller, lapaidary, mailer (enameller, not a maker of armor), cabinetmaker,
terrazo grinder/mosaic layer, fresco painter, gold beater (makes gold leaf)
	Textiles: buttonmaker, fuller, dyer, draper, milliner.
	Travelling: knife-grinder, pot mender, peddler, palmer, pilgrim, 
outlaw, tinker
	Legal: baliff, sergeant-at-arms, summoner, judge, barrister, lawyer
	Clergy: Bishop, Abbot, sacristian, curate, dean, rector, pardoner,
friar, monk, nun, beguine, canon, almoner
	Misc. Trades: apocothery, baker, barber, basketmaker, blacksmith, 
bowyer, brewer, alewife, broderer, builder, butcher, carmen, carter, teamster
carpenter, clerk, cook, cooper, cordwainer, currier, cutler, farrier, felt-
maker, fishmonger, hatter, fletcher, founder (foundryman), fruitier, girdler,
glass seller, wire drawer, harberdasher, horner, joiner, launderer, 
cardmaker, seige engineer, cannoneer, sergeant, hobilar, bowman, archer, 
spearman, crossbowman, halberdier, scout, spy, prostitute, link boy, 
librarian, architect, engineer, mason, furniture maker, gardner, glazier, 
glover, grocer, gunsmith, spicer, innkeeper, taverner, playwright, 
mummer, cantor, singer, nakerer, ironmonger, ragpicker, papermaker, printer,
loriner, mason, mariner, pilot, fisher, sailor, sea captain, rat catcher,
hawker, skinner, shipwright, wheelwright, cartwright, scrivener, salter, 
saddler, poulter, plumber, plasterer, pewterer, pavior, tyler, 
pattenmaker, stainer, needler, musician, merchant taylor, mercer, solicitor,
lensgrinder, glassblower, tallowchandler, shipchandler, chandler, piper,
turner, bricklayer, upholder, waxchandler, weaver, woolman, waterman, lighter
man, executioner, stonecarver, woodcarver, pinmaker, cutler, swordsmith,
surgeon, physician, professor, theologian, poet, writer, mathematician,
philosopher, horseleech, dog trainer, horse trainer, falconer, master of 
revels, scullion, potboy, dairymaid, dung carter, jailler, weeper, chimney
sweep, diver, hermit, pie seller, jester, dwarf, alchemist, diplomat, 
housewife, furrier.

	There is probably a fair amount of duplication with this list and
previous lists, since I didn't read the first list closely enough to memorize
it :) 

	Lothar


Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
From: blackdog at netcom.com (David E. White)
Subject: Re: Costuming and Boots
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest)
Date: Fri, 3 Feb 1995 01:24:58 GMT

: The vast majority of shoes and boots made in western Europe after the twelfth 
: century were assembled over a wooden form, or 'last'.  Evidence indicates that 
: lasts were used as early as the ninth century.  Any discussion on cordwaining 
(a 
: term coined after lasts were introduced) would be incomplete without 
considering 
: this construction method.

It is my impresion that the term Cordwainer refers to the use of Cordoban 
leather and was later used to describe anyone who made boots or shoes.  
By the way shoemakers are *NOT* Cobblers (in case you were laboring under 
this usumption as so many do) they are Shoemakers, Bootmakers or Cordwainers.
Cobblers on the other hand only *FIX* shoes.

David White
blackdog at netcom.com


From: hrjones at uclink.berkeley.edu (Heather Rose Jones)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: medieval hat-makers--names??
Date: 16 Jul 1996 05:58:10 GMT
Organization: University of California, Berkeley

PHefner200 (phefner200 at aol.com) wrote:
: Were hat-makers in medieval England called "milliners", or is that a more
: modern word? Does anybody know what they were called in medieval Paris?
: Always curious---Isabelle

Bertil Thuresson's "Middle English Occupational Terms" notes examples of
"hatmaker", "felthatmaker" (how's that for specialized!), "haberdassher",
"capper alias haberdascher", "capmaker", "capknytter", "cappthiker"
(probably "cap thicker, i.e., fuller"), "kellemakere" (i.e., "caul
maker"). The majority of these are from the 15th century, although the
last is from the early 14th.

According to the OED, "milliner" is derived from the place name "Milan"
(Italy) and referred originally to various "fancy" wares associated with
that origin including, but not at all limited to, hats. Examples of this
sense of the word begin around 1530.

Tangwystyl verch Morgant Glasvryn


From: troy at asan.com (Philip W. Troy)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Butcher costume
Date: Wed, 27 Nov 1996 00:16:14 -0400
Organization: IDT 

In article <Pine.SUN.3.91.961126163933.28182E-100000 at seatimes>, Ivan Weiss
<iwei-new at seatimes.com> wrote:

> Last year an SCA function came to my community, Vashon, Washington. My 
> wife and I heard about it at the last minute, cobbled together some more 
> or less authentic costumes, and proceeded to have the time of our lives.
> 
> Now they're doing it again, and we've jumped in with both feet. I 
> volunteered to provide the roast boar's head, complete with apple. Now 
> I'm looking for suggestions for an authentic butcher's outfit. If anyone 
> can point me at a book or even a web site, I'd be most grateful. Thanks.
> 
> Ivan Weiss
> Seattle Times
> iwei-new at seatimes.com

Suggest you check out "Tacuinum Sanitatis", a medieval (14th century, I
think) book extant in various manuscript forms, which is a sort of humoric
health primer, i.e. cabbage is cold and dry in the second degree, so cook
it with oil or ham, etc.

Each little section is illuminated, and there are several (if not dozens)
of pictures of tradesmen. I'm in the market for the pastrycook's cote and
cap, myself.

One modern edition is sold under the name "The Medieval Health Handbook".
Another version is called "The Four Seasons of the House of Cerruti". Both
are essentially the same book.

Adamantius


From: hrjones at uclink.berkeley.edu (Heather Rose Jones)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Help us make a costume!!!
Date: 12 Apr 1997 18:18:24 GMT
Organization: University of California, Berkeley

Wayne Blackmon (wblackmon at pol.net) wrote:
: My 10 year old daughter has been assigned the task of dressing like a
: middle ages stained glass maker for school!  Can anybody out there help
: point us in the right direction for information on such a thing?

Doesn't the University of Toronto "Medieval Craftsmen" series have a
volume on glass-makers? If so, it will undoubtedly include medieval
portrayals of people in this occupation. If your daughter has been
assigned to iconically portray a glass-maker, I'd suggest careful
attention to characteristic tools of the profession, as you're unlikely to
find a signficantly characteristic dress.

Tangwystyl verch Morgant Glasvryn


From: mittle at panix.com (Arval d'Espas Nord)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Names of Medieval Shops
Date: 7 May 1998 12:17:00 -0400
Organization: PANIX Public Access Internet and Unix, NYC

Greetings from Arval!  Caleb or Clement asked:

> does any one have a list of names (or atleast sources point towards or
> just info) pertaining to names of shops in medieval england (perfeably
> woodworking/carving establishments). 

I found two lists of occupational names used by woodworkers in 12th to 14th
century England (Middle English).  And some of them are exactly what you
want.  Gustav Fransson "Middle English Surnames of Occupation 1100-1350".
cites Thomas le Sponere 1221, Dobbe le Sponer 1292, Roger Lesponere 1179,
Adam Sponer c.1346, and several other examples.  In the early examples, the
name may have meant "shingle maker"; the word "spoon" is not recorded in
its modern meaning until c.1340.

Fransson also has: 

Ladeler "ladel maker": Robert the Ladelere 1286; Hugh the Ladeler 1285;
  Wake le Ladeler 1285; Wake le Ladelere 1293; Richard Ladeler 1332.

Cuillerer: "spoon maker", from Old French "cuiller" = spoon.  Rad[ulf?] le
  Cuillerer 1214.

Hornere "maker of horn implements" (combs, spoons, etc.); possibly also a
  horn-blower.  Henry le Hornere 1333; Richard le Horner 1340; William le
  Hornare 1275; Walter Horner 1301; and several others.

Bertil Thuresson "Middle English Occuptational Terms" has "Sponman" =
"maker of shingles or spoons", and cites "Adam Sponman" 1327.

More generally, Fransson also has "Turnour" (turner, one who turns or
fashions objects of wood, metal, bone, etc. on a lathe) and "Keruere"
(carver -- the 'u' often represents the \v\ sound at this period).
Examples include "Roger le Turnur 1255, Beatrix la Turnure 1285, Thomas le
Turnere 1317, etc.; William Keruer 1327, Richard le Keruere 1327, Richard
le Kerver 1275.  

These examples give you an idea of what you might have been called if you
were a spoon-maker.  Guessing what your shop might have been called is
trickier (in part because I forgot to check the OED to see if "spoonery"
was used).  "Spoonerie" is a possibility.  More generally, you might
"kerverie" or "turnurie".  I'm guessing that the "-erie" ending, closer to
the original French, is more likely at this period than the modern "-ery".
I'd welcome more evidence.
===========================================================================
Arval d'Espas Nord                                         mittle at panix.com


Date: Thu, 02 Jul 1998 15:17:23 EDT
From: melc2newton at juno.com
Subject: SC - cook's wages

I found this in "How They Lived", a compliation of different primary
sources ranging from 55 b.c. to 1485 a.d.  The orginal source is
_Establishment of the Royal Household, c.1136, translated in Dialogus de
Scaccario The Course of the Exchequer and Constitutio Domus Regis_, ed.
C.Johnson, Nelson, 1950, p. 131. I just thought it  was interesting:

Cooks: The Cook of the upper kitchen shall eat in the house, and have
three halfpence for his man. The Usher of the same kitchen, the customary
diet and three halfpence for his man.The Scullion shall eat in the house
and have three halfpence for his man, and have a sumpter-horse with his
livery. The Sumpterman of the same kitchen, the like. The Serjeant of the
Kitchen, the customary diet only. The Cook of the King's personal
servants and of the Dispensers, the like. He shall eat in the house and
have three halfpence a day for his man. Great Kitchen: Owen Polcheard has
the customary diet and three halfpence a day for his man. Two Cooks, each
the customary diet and three halfpence a day for his man. Serjeants of
the same Kitchen: The cusomary diet and three halfpence for his man.
Roaster: The like. Scullion : The like, and a sumpter-horse besides with
its livery. Carter of the Great Kitchen: double diet, and the due livery
for his horse.
        Carter of the larder: The like
        The Serjeant who received the Venison: Shall eat indoors, and
have three halfpence for his man.
<end of Quote>

So, why does the Scullion get the horse and not the cook? and does this
mean I've documented the pratice of letting those helping with the feast
eat  without a feast fee? :)

beatrix

Date: Sun, 24 Jan 1999 23:34:57 +0000
From: "S.B. McDaniel" <fretknot at earthlink.net>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: Questions on the Cadfael series

Stefan wrote:
> Bet commented:
> > Peters was indeed the author and again, IIRC, her true name
> > was Dorothy Pargeter (neat name as that was a period profession).
>
> Ok. So what is the period profession of a pargeter?

A pargeter was a decorative plasterer.

Sandy

<the end>
Edited by Mark S. Harris	occupations-msg