Guilds

Confraternities, Associations and Societies

Medieval people generally loved joining clubs, although usually these appealed to the wealthier sections of society, the poorer social strata having more pressing activities. Often these had a social and/or religious nature to them, and ranged in a bewildering variety from sworn religious fraternities to trades and craft guilds. Not all communities possessed the full scope of these groupings, but where they existed they were typically exclusive sworn associations each with its own symbol and patron saint, either with their own codes of regulations, or overseen by the authorities.

To generate the type of presence within the town, roll against Table - Guild Presence in Town.

A major lure of these bodies was their exclusivity: by being a member one gained prestige and potential assistance from one’s fellow brothers. In addition, besides their status as tradesmen and/or citizens, higher social cachet could be achieved through membership, social 'one-upmanship' being rife, especially amongst the wives of members.

Although generally technically separate and distinct from civic government, it was not always easy to tell them apart as many well-to-do citizens were also prominent in civic affairs. Following the Early Feudal Period these associations increasingly became part of city and town life.

Religious fraternities were especially popular, with societies often raising huge amounts for charitable works. These were almost universally single sex in organisation, with many focusing on pious deeds, such as caring for the sick, alongside their adoration of the Virgin or particular saint.

Dining, drinking and social clubs (sometimes called guilds) were also popular, many of which in addition also supported, or functioned as, militia units in times of communal crisis. These fraternities also often had some religious connotations, although only as a secondary feature. Many provided mutual support and other services in times of need to members and their affiliates. Often provision for the care of sick members would be made out of contributed funds, and funeral expenses provided for poorer members. Occasionally aid would be given to surviving families, such as dowries for poor girls and as literacy increased, some basic education for members’ boys. Guilds were also charged with watching over the morals of the members who indulged in gambling and usury.

However as trade and commerce increased, craft and business based associations increased their influence, becoming very important in urban areas, where the majority of 'luxury goods' were produced. These interest bodies were structured and created in part to preserve the rights and privileges of their members, although members often acted in no different fashion to non-members.

In some towns these mutual aid societies developed into trade guilds. Initially there would be a single guild, but quickly merchant guilds and craft guilds separated. An urban centre might usually only have one or two merchant guilds, although many craft guilds. For example, in 1350 Augsburg had 17 guilds, 38 by 1450, and around 50 by 1500. For some crafts there might be a guild for every stage in processing a product.

On the other hand, some centres never developed guilds (or only possessed a few), while some cities and towns occasionally banned guilds - either generally or selectively. This was commonly due to these fraternities being feared as potential monopolies, or as revolutionary hotbeds for rowdy apprentices and journeymen.