JCH 6.5 PIH

Page 1

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...

Introduce yourself and what you do.

Talk about the kind of craftsman you are.

Talk about the stages of becoming a craftsman.

Talk about markets and fairs.

Finish up with crime and punishment.

Don't....

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

Making mistakes like that will cost you marks, as the information you write down must be relevant (important). You get 2 marks for every relevant point you make, so try to make sure you have at least 10 relevant points in each answer. The more you have, the less chance you have of losing too many marks if you get anything wrong or mix anything up.

Example - A Craftsman in a Medieval Town

I am a carpenter in this town. It wasn’t easy and took me a long time to become a carpenter.

I started at the age of 7, as a young boy I became an apprentice. I always wished to learn this skill. I went to live in the house of my master for 7 years in a craft shop. I learned the trade of him, I didn’t receive any money. In return I was given the chance to learn the skill of the trade, given a place to sleep in the attic. I was feed and ate with my master and his family. It was not the best but It was against the law to leave. If I tried to I would have been beaten.

After 7 years I became a journey man. At this point I was allowed to leave my master, now I had completed my training. This meant I could get paid for my work for anyone. I travelled from town to town looking for work.

I really wanted to be a master to have my own workshop and sell my goods. I need to prove that I have the skills to the local craftsmen. In order to maintain excellent standard, craftsmen would form groups called guild. At this point I would show the guild my master piece. I made a table and the guild was happy with it so I could become a master. Craftsmen have to pay a yearly free to the guild. The money was used to take care of sick people or the poor families.