People in History: A Medieval Craftsman

Main page: The Middle Ages 

A craftsman in a medieval town.

The craftsman very rarely appears as a People in History option, but he is a possibility. In class you learn about the different types of craftsmen, the services they provided, and the stages involved in becoming a craftsman in a medieval town. You also learn about markets and fairs, and the punishments that can befall a craftsman who does not work well enough!

People still work as craftsmen today (stonemasons, blacksmiths, designers, engineers, etc.), though the types of craft have increased, and they have computers to help them. Maybe you'll work in of those jobs when you're older! But for now, let's pretend you're a medieval craftsman. How would you answer this People in History question?

  • As usual, introduce yourself first. Where do you live? What do you do?
    • What kind of craftsman are you? A blacksmith? A carpenter? Talk about that and mention how people would know what work you do (signs outside your shop).
      • How did you become a craftsman? What are the stages? What did you have to do to become a master craftsman? Make sure you can describe the stages very well.
        • Next, talk about the markets and fairs that are held in your town. Why are they held? What do you do at these fairs?
          • End your answer by talking about crime and punishment in your town. What happens to you if you make bad goods? 

            So, in short...
            1. Introduce yourself and what you do.
            2. Talk about the kind of craftsman you are.
            3. Talk about the stages of becoming a craftsman.
            4. Talk about markets and fairs.
            5. Finish up with crime and punishment.

            • Talk about anything that isn't based around a solid fact like you learn in class. No small talk! 


            1 comment:

            1. Thank you, this really helped:)