A fuller in medieval times was a tradesperson who specialized in the process of fulling woolen cloth. This was an important step in the textile industry, as it helped to clean and thicken the fabric, making it more durable and warm.
The fulling process involved several steps. First, raw wool or woven cloth was soaked in a mixture of water and a range of natural cleaning agents, such as urine, which was commonly used for its ammonia content. This helped to remove oils, dirt, and impurities from the wool. After soaking, the cloth was then pounded or stomped on, often using large wooden or stone tools, to help agitate the fibers and further combine the wool strands.
Fullers were crucial to the production of quality textiles, and their work was typically conducted in specialized workshops known as fulling mills. These mills utilized both manual labor and water power to enhance the fulling process. The output of a fuller’s work not only contributed to the local economy but was also essential for preparing woolen goods for sale or domestic use.
In summary, fullers played an indispensable role in medieval society by transforming raw wool into a finished product that was crucial for clothing and other textile needs.