Jobs in the Middle Ages

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Mr. Deutsch's Virtual Textbook
The Middle Ages

Name: _______________________________

Jobs in the Middle Ages

Mr. Deutsch's class

Game Plan: The list below includes the names of many different kinds of workers from the Middle Ages. Use a dictionary to find out the responsibilities of each of these workers. Write it in the space provided. Be sure you use a definition from the Middle Ages.

For example:

A. napper - You might think a napper had something to do with sleeping, but he really was in charge of the napkins at the lord’s table.
B. panter - A panter did not have trouble breathing, He was in charge of the lord’s bread pantry.

1. abigail –

2. blacksmith -

3. butler -

*4. brewer –

5. carver –

6. chandler -

7. cooper -

8. farrier –

*9. franker -

*10. fuller –

11. mercerize -

12. sawyer –

13. seller (be careful!!) -

14. sewer -

15. smith -

16. tanner -

*17. thatcher –

18. turner –

19. wainwright –

20. wright -

NOTE: Refer to the Medieval Jobs site at http://www.castles-of-britain.com/castle32.htm for additional help and to learn about many more medieval occupations.

Spiral Activity: Since few peasants were able to read during the Middle Ages, the signs outside shops showed symbols rather than letters. A cobbler's sign, for example, would show a shoe. Choose three of the trades listed above and create 3 colorful signs that could have been hung outside their shops.