Medieval Occupations - Shipwright, Shoemaker, Spy
Medieval Occupations
(Jobs in the Medieval Age)


SHIPWRIGHT

The Shipwright (or Shipwane) was a skilled specialist who built and designed boats and vessels. The most prominent and effective design came out of the Dark Ages with the Viking Longboat. Modifications to that ship led to more successful and safe sea journeys.
Having great knowledge of mathematics, design and science, the Shipwright was a master craftsman. Often earning high wages and a lavish living, their services were often demanded by kings and monarchs.
Their craft was in demand throughout the entirety of the Medieval Ages and Shipwrights gained more respect in England when their designed vessels defeated the Spanish Armada, a flotilla deemed unable of conquer.
Guilds usually provided the training but once a person achieved the status of a Shipwright his future was guaranteed to be profitable.
SHOEMAKER

Shoemakers (or cobblers) were often common laborers who designed and made footwear. Anything from shoes fashioned from burlap, hide or leather to elaborate and fancy boots made from reptile skins. Their work was regarded as necessary but as the materials they worked with fetched high prices, not all were able to afford them.
Shoemakers eventually curtailed their businesses to suit the needs of most people and designed lesser pieces of footwear from cloth and even wood. Though they appealed to the mass populace and even though their product was necessary, Shoemakers often earned only average wages.
SPY

It was a wise king or monarch that kept informed of what was going on in rival and neighboring communities and towns. Therefore it became necessary to hire Spies to secretly find out what was afoot.
Contrary to popular belief, most Spies were women. It was generally accepted that women could move in certain social circles more easily than men and using their inherent charm, could naturally coax more information out of trusted employees of rival houses.
These Spies were often trained with the uses of various skills such as reading, writing and often speaking more than one language. They were also trained assassins and took oaths that obligated them to take their own lives rather than risk being caught by an enemy.
Spies were usually paid high wages and were given the luxuries of castle life.

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