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.