What did the medieval watchmen do?

Answer 1

A watchman at a gate had the responsibility to keep an eye over traffic through the gate, opening or closing the gate if necessary. He kept an eye on the road to see who was coming, and possibly on the people and goods going through the gate to see that nothing suspicious happened.

Watchmen in general patrolled the towns and cities, watching for any dangers or illegal activities they might see. They also called hours in some places where there was some way for them to keep time.

Answer 2

They did what any other guard would do. If they worked in a castle they would guard the gates of a castle.

Answer 3

They kept "watch" over the town and called the hour.

Answer 4

If you were a commoner you would be worked to near death, until you finally just gave up and died.