Medieval Occupations

[Alaxk Knight of Galt]

I found this site today that lists hundreds of different Medieval Occupations (some by frequency in Paris 1292). I found it interesting so I'm passing it along

What did people do in a Medieval City?

 

[El Mahdi]

Not bad. A good place to start for Medieval references.

Thanks for the Link!



*(A good place to start as some of the definitions are incorrect or incomplete. For example: the provided definition of outlaw is "a man wanted by the law" - wich is only part of it's meaning, and the lesser part at that. An outlaw was one who has been declared outside the law, meaning that they don't just act outside the law, and are wanted by the law, but they no longer have the protection of the law. Being declared an outlaw meant anyone could commit a crime against you or usurp your rights, even as far as killing you on sight, without being prosecuted themself for anything done to the outlaw. This also was regardless of social station - a serf could even kill a noble who was declared outlaw, with no fear of legal retribution. Also, the family of the outlaw had no grounds to seek recompense for the "outlaws" death. Having a warrant sworn out against you by a judge or noble, also meant you were wanted by the law, but didn't necessarily mean you had lost your protections under the law. So, the definition is: a person wanted by the law, and forfeit of all rights and protections of the law.)

 

[NewJeffCT]

I found this site today that lists hundreds of different Medieval Occupations (some by frequency in Paris 1292). I found it interesting so I'm passing it along

What did people do in a Medieval City?

Good list - I think I had printed off a similar list a few years back, as I remember thinking that making/repairing shoes was a very popular business back then.

However, it's fantastic in helping fill out the other businesses in the town square, instead of the typical "D&D items general store" that handles everything. (Over there is Sam's Shoe Shop, right next to Tina the Tailor's store and opposite Harry's Haberdashery , but if you've seen Bertha the Baker's shop, you've gone too far)

 

[CharlesRyan]

Very cool, thanks!

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

People who find that link useful (which is probably most DMs) should also check out the Magical Medival Society: Western Europe sourcebook, which is that kind of thing, and looking at the resulting interactions with D&D.

 

[Rhun]

Now if the list gave medieval incomes for the jobs listed, it would really rock!

 

[MinistryOfGame]

Yes, if only questions of economy could be so easily answered. But of course, medieval economies weren't run primarily on coin, they were a function of land, serfdom and vassalage (for those who weren't nobles).

 

[Hautamaki]

Awesome, this is just what I needed

 

[Balesir]

Yes, if only questions of economy could be so easily answered. But of course, medieval economies weren't run primarily on coin, they were a function of land, serfdom and vassalage (for those who weren't nobles).

In fairly large sections of medieval Europe they were, true - but even there slave-worked estates, sharecroppers, taxpaying freeholders and settlements best described as "collectives" were also far from unknown.

If you want a really good feel (without too much academic reading) for medieval settlements, I recommend the "Life in a Medieval XXX" series by Frances and Joseph Gies, and for more details of economy H.S.Bennett's "Life on the English Manor", even though it's a bit old.

Prices are a very tricky area, because they are not static - especially over the ~600+ years commonly thought of as "medieval". The lists used for HârnWorld - a good one is here - give reasonable "average" kind of prices, though.

 

[Bluenose]

Here is a list of prices and wages for various items and professions.