In medieval times, a miller was a crucial figure in the agricultural community, responsible for operating a mill that grinded grain into flour. Mills were often powered by water or wind, and the miller’s job was to oversee the grinding process, ensuring that the grain was processed efficiently and effectively.
Miller’s played a significant role in the local economy, as flour was a staple ingredient for making bread – the main food source for many during this period. The miller would charge a fee, usually a portion of the flour produced, for their services, which made them an important source of income.
Beyond grinding grain, millers also had a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in milling. They needed to maintain and repair the mill machinery, understand the different types of grains and their properties, and manage the relationships with the community who relied on them. As such, being a miller often came with a reputation for both skill and trustworthiness, as people needed to rely on them for food production.
In summary, millers in medieval times were essential workers in society, impacting not only the local economy but also the daily lives of the people they served.