Types and Structure of Guilds
There were two types of guilds: merchant and craft guilds. Merchant guilds appeared early in Medieval Europe. Merchant guilds often had wealthier members than craft guilds and therefore were usually more powerful because the products that craft guilds made were sold by merchant guilds. Craft guilds became important in Europe in the 1100s and brought together craftsmen and artisans to create their goods. Some guilds were run by wealthy merchants but most were run by artisans. To become a craft guild member you would have to go through an apprenticeship. Guilds were very useful to society. They kept young men employed and off the streets and gave them food and lodging, provided their guild members insurance that covered illness and injuries and paid for funerals for their guild members that all members were required to attend. Merchant and craft guilds were extremely beneficial to the Renaissance.
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Steps of an Apprenticeship
• The man works for an older, more experienced guild member, observing and learning his trade.
• After a couple of years the man becomes a guild member.
• To become a full-fledged member he would have to submit a "masterpiece" to be judged by his guild members.
• After a couple of years the man becomes a guild member.
• To become a full-fledged member he would have to submit a "masterpiece" to be judged by his guild members.