Innkeeper's Guild
Innkeepers have a monopoly on the operation of inns and on the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages. Most inns brew their own beers, which do not travel well, but food, wines, and spirits are generally imported.
There are two levels of guild franchise: inns and taverns. The latter are more numerous but are not supposed to offer sleeping accommodation or serve hot meals, distinctions that are much abused. Most inns have an ostler’s establishment adjoining them, but few taverns provide this service. The ostler is either bonded to the innkeeper or operates his own franchise in partnership.
Two types of brewer exist outside of the guild structure. Alewives are small-scale brewers who prepare ale for private consumption, while cellarers are specialist brewers and vintners who work on large holdings and in religious orders. Guild law allows them to sell their brews to an innkeeper or mercantyler but prohibits selling to the public, although this is often overlooked if there is no local inn or tavern.
Inn and tavern prices depend mainly on the location and clientele served. Typically, a pint of ale, cider, or mead will cost one farthing, as might a cold meal of bread and cheese. A hot bowl of soup or stew served with warm, fresh bread may cost as much as one penny. Meat roasts and other luxuries can be purchased in the better inns for 2–12d per serving. Accommodation prices (per night) range from one halfpenny for a soiled straw bed in a crowded dormitory to sixpence for a furnished and spacious private room. Prices usually soar during local festivals and holidays.
There are two levels of guild franchise: inns and taverns. The latter are more numerous but are not supposed to offer sleeping accommodation or serve hot meals, distinctions that are much abused. Most inns have an ostler’s establishment adjoining them, but few taverns provide this service. The ostler is either bonded to the innkeeper or operates his own franchise in partnership.
Two types of brewer exist outside of the guild structure. Alewives are small-scale brewers who prepare ale for private consumption, while cellarers are specialist brewers and vintners who work on large holdings and in religious orders. Guild law allows them to sell their brews to an innkeeper or mercantyler but prohibits selling to the public, although this is often overlooked if there is no local inn or tavern.
Inn and tavern prices depend mainly on the location and clientele served. Typically, a pint of ale, cider, or mead will cost one farthing, as might a cold meal of bread and cheese. A hot bowl of soup or stew served with warm, fresh bread may cost as much as one penny. Meat roasts and other luxuries can be purchased in the better inns for 2–12d per serving. Accommodation prices (per night) range from one halfpenny for a soiled straw bed in a crowded dormitory to sixpence for a furnished and spacious private room. Prices usually soar during local festivals and holidays.
Type
Guild, Craftsmen
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