What was the job of a clerk in Medieval Times?

Answer 1

No clerks, no jobs as a clerk. People made or grew what they sold to the manor or at market directly to the person who wanted it. There were no stores for a clerk to work in so there was no job.

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There were clerks during this period. Someone had to ensure the books were correct and track the materials coming and going in the manor. They did much the same job as today, checked material costs, wages, and kept accounts usually for nobility. For proof of this look no further than Chaucer's "Clerk's Tale" from the Canterbury Tales.

Answer 2

1st Answer:

No clerks. 90% of the people couldn't read or write. The nearest person to a clerk would have been a scribe. If your question meant a clerk in a store they didn't exist as well. People grew or made what they needed. Sometimes they would barter or trade for items.

2nd Answer:

During the Middle Ages the word clerk was apparently equivalent to the word scholar. It was originally equated with cleric, but the meanings of the two words grew apart with time and gradually changed, so that one referred to a person in commerce, and the other to one in the Church. A clerk could have been just about anyone who worked in positions that required reading and writing. In fact, benefit of clergy, which gave a person who was a member of the clergy right to a trial conducted by the Church rather than secular authorities, was extended to all who could read, including students. I am also reminded as I write this of the name given by his people to Henry I of England, which was Beauclerc, meaning something like good scholar.

There is a link below to the history section of an article on clerks.

Answer 3

During the medieval period the word clerk meant a cleric or Churchman at any level in the Church hierarchy from a university student to the Pope. It was often used specifically to mean the grades below priest, such as acolyte, lector, deacon and subdeacon, but strictly it meant any grade at all within the church.

The word used at the time was clerc, Anglo-Norman French for a cleric or Churchman, a scholar, an educated person, a scribe or writer, or an official of any kind. Such people would all have received a Church education.

Naturally all these grades had different roles, tasks and responsibilities.

Answer 4

Record-Keeping: Clerks were responsible for documenting and maintaining records of various transactions, such as financial transactions, legal agreements, landownership, and taxation. This record-keeping was often done by hand in books or scrolls.

Legal and Official Documents: They assisted in drafting legal documents, including contracts, wills, and other important paperwork. Their precise record-keeping helped ensure that agreements were clear and enforceable.

Assisting with Trade: Clerks often played a role in trade and commerce by helping merchants and traders keep track of their transactions. They would record what goods were bought or sold and at what prices.

Government and Administration: In some cases, clerks worked for the government or local authorities, helping with administrative tasks, maintaining government records, and supporting the smooth operation of the ruling class.

Church Duties: Within the Church, clerks also had responsibilities. They assisted in maintaining religious records, managing donations, and supporting clerical functions.

Education: In some instances, clerks were involved in education. They would teach reading, writing, and basic arithmetic to young students.

The role of a clerk evolved over time and could vary based on the region and historical period. However, in general, clerks were known for their literacy and their role in preserving written knowledge and facilitating various aspects of society, from trade to governance.