Medieval People: S

Scullion
A young servant who did the less skilful jobs in the kitchen such as preparing vegetables and washing dishes

Seneschal
See Steward

Serf
A serf was the lowest kind of peasant – a slave

Spinner
A female worker who span wool or linen with a distaff and spindle. Ordinary people wore clothes made of coarse wool or linen. Lords and ladies tended to have more fine linen clothes

Squire
A page, when he was about 14, would become a squire. He would be expected to wait at table but also look after the lord’s weapons and armour. He would be taught how to fight with a sword and a lance and, finally, when all his skills had been proven, he would be knighted See also Knight

Steward
A steward was in charge of the castle household. He could normally read and write a little and do some arithmetic. He would also settle quarrels and punish criminals.

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