Unlike other craftsmen, blacksmiths made their own tools, and used these tools to make things that other people needed. Since blacksmiths created every item by hand, each finished object was unique and suited to its purpose. Blacksmiths within villages made farming equipment, household goods, nails, hardware, and other small implements necessary for the work done in society at the time.īecause blacksmiths worked on so many different projects for many different clients, they were excellent problem solvers and highly creative. Throughout the middle ages, skilled blacksmiths were always needed within castle walls, creating and repairing weapons and armor.Īs the population of villages grew, and people began specializing in more varied occupations, blacksmiths were needed outside of the castle to create the many tools and household goods needed by common people and other tradesmen. In the early medieval period, a blacksmith worked within the walls of castles creating armor and weapons for his king’s many knights. From the 5th to 15th centuries, the roles and tools of blacksmiths changed and evolved with the projects they completed.
The blacksmith of the Middle Ages was an indispensable craftsman.
