Guild feasts in medieval England facts for kids

Guild feasts were special meals and parties held by groups of people called guilds in medieval England. Guilds were like clubs or associations for people who did the same job, like bakers, tailors, or merchants. These feasts were a big part of their social life and community.

Why Guilds Had Feasts

In the Middle Ages, eating and drinking together was super important for social life. It helped people feel connected to their community. Guilds, which were groups of skilled workers and traders, sometimes had amazing feasts. They even shared food with people who were poor.

Noblemen often gave venison (deer meat) as a gift. You couldn't buy venison in shops back then. This special gift helped rich people build connections and friendships.

Guilds also met for special prayers for their members who had passed away. On these days, they would give out food and help to the poor in towns. For example, in 1442, a guild in Stratford-upon-Avon gave out bread, cheese, and ale. In 1533, another guild in Coventry gave out cakes, candies (called comfits), wine, ale, and cheese.

How Guild Feasts Worked

Guild feasts were a big deal, often held on the day of the guild's special saint. Guild members usually paid for these feasts themselves.

Paying for the Party

For example, members of the guild of St James Garlickhithe had to pay 20 pence for their feast. This was about four to five days' pay for a skilled worker in the late 1300s. In the early 1400s, members of the Holy Cross guild in Stratford paid about sixpence.

Attendance and Fines

Members were usually expected to come to the feast. If someone missed it without a good reason, they might have to pay a fine. However, this rule might not have always been strictly followed.

When Feasts Were Held

The number of feasts held each year was different for each guild. The main feast for the guild's saint might be just one of many parties they had. For example, the fraternity of St John the Baptist in Winchester had their main feast on June 24th. They also had a smaller feast for Corpus Christi. Feasts could happen at lunch, supper, or even breakfast. These gatherings were for religious events and other social celebrations.

Feasting in Norwich

The guild of St George in Norwich had rules for their feasts. Guild members would first go to Mass (a church service). Then, they would go to a special place chosen by their leaders. They would pay 10 pence for things like wax for altar candles, food, and minstrels (musicians). Sometimes, the feasting would continue into the evening for a smaller group. They might eat special foods like rabbit and woodcock that weren't served at the main feast.

What Was Served at Feasts

Guild feasts offered a variety of foods and drinks.

Bread, Ale, and Poultry

In the 1400s, the Stratford feast often happened on a day when meat was allowed. However, some people still chose to eat fish. Guilds bought lots of wheat to bake huge loaves of bread. Later, local bakers started making the bread instead. They also bought flour for things like meat pies, sweet pies, and other pastries. Ale was a very popular drink. Guilds bought brewed ale and also malt to make even more ale themselves. They bought many geese and pullets (young chickens), mostly from local farmers. Raising poultry was not common on large estates.

Luxury Foods and Fruits

In 1560, at a feast for the Master of the Worshipful Company of Skinners in London, there was "great plenty" of food. This included marmalade, comfits (candied fruits or nuts), and fresh fruits. They had Portuguese oranges, cherries, strawberries, and a type of apple called "pippins".

In 1561, London's Lord Mayor William Harpur went to a feast held by the Master Grocers. At this fancy event, they served three stags and eight bucks (male deer). This was a huge luxury, usually only available to very rich noble families.