The Medieval Guild

The Medieval Guild Guilds were groups of craftspeople or artisans who joined together to protect the interests of their craft.

There was one guild for each trade. Only skilled workers could join. The guild made sure that their products were good quality and that members charged honest prices.

The Medieval Guild Guilds were a cross between modern trade unions and health and safety inspectors, who were also a training college that provided health and social insurance if you were unable to work. • Apprentice – 12 years old, trained and

lived with the master for 4-14 years• Journeyman – Skilled worker paid a

daily wage. If test I passed ‘masterpiece’ becomes...

• Master craftsman

The Medieval Guild Surnames became more common with the growth of towns in the Middle Ages. In English the names were often derived from the trades.

How many of the following English surnames can you recognize?

The Medieval Guild

Mason

The Medieval Guild

Dyer

The Medieval Guild

Shearer

The Medieval Guild

Baker

The Medieval Guild

Smith

The Medieval Guild

Potter

The Medieval Guild

Carpenter

The Medieval Guild The Guilds often became very rich and powerful organisations in towns and often built some of the most impressive buildings.