Rare Professions
Who is an alchemist?
This medieval scientist tried to turn base metals into gold.
Who is a gaoler?
This person watched over the local jail.
Who is a seaman?
This person navigated and worked on ships.
Who is a bladesmith?
This person made swords and knives.
Who is a midwife?
This woman helped with childbirth.
Who is an actuary?
This person calculated life risk for insurance companies.
Who is an apparitor?
This person brought court documents and announcements.
Who is a bumboat man?
This person sold goods to crews of anchored ships.
Who is a goldsmith?
This person worked with gold and made jewelry.
Who is a laundress?
This woman cleaned and folded laundry for others.
Who is an anchorite/anchress?
A person who lived alone in religious devotion.
Who is an advocate?
This person defended others in court.
Who is a boatswain?
This person managed ships’ sails and rigging.
Who is a saddler?
This person made leather goods like saddles.
Who is a flower girl?
This woman sold flowers in the street.
Who is a bowker?
This person bleached cloth with strong chemicals like lye.
Who is a factor?
This person collected land rent or taxes for a landowner.
Who is a legger?
This person moved boats through canal tunnels using his feet.
Who is a woodcarver?
This person carved wood, often for churches.
Who is a lacemaker?
This woman made lace with needles and thread.
Who is an amanuensis?
This person wrote for someone else, taking dictation.
Who is an ale-conner or inspector?
This person examined weights and measures in towns.
Who is a harbor pilot?
This person helped guide boats into ports safely.
Who is a book gilder?
This person decorated books with gold.
Who is a hand flowerer?
This woman embroidered detailed designs on clothing.