![]() ![]() Seen as places of “entertainment”, some Inns and Taverns developed “names” for themselves. ![]() Eventually, the “Locals” would be responsible for “recruiting” new or lost Merchants into a certain Establishment. When slow, Keepers would “open their doors” to the Local populace (serving them food and drinks as well). Taverns and Inns a natural “meeting place” for people. In practice, Merchants heavily used Inns and Taverns to conduct business and make new contacts in new Cities. They worked to “direct” Travelers coming into Towns and Cities for Tournaments (and even Executions of the more “popular” Villains of the day!). Often, many Guilds Members also had connection with Nobles and Officials. They worked to keep prices “affordable” so as to maintain a steady flow of Merchant “customers”. As time progressed, many Innkeepers and Tavern Keepers formed their own “Guilds”. If a room was “procured”, often one had to “share it” with a member of The Tavern Keeper's Family (see a joke coming!) Actually the “joke” referred to is “The Farmer's Daughter and The Traveling Salesman” (which developed from The Middle Ages, by the way). However, most Taverns did NOT have areas to sleep. Food and drink (often better than The City) was provided. In outlaying area, Taverns were more prevalent. Obviously, only a moderate to wealthy Merchant or Guildsman could afford staying in “The City”. Many Inn and Tavern Keepers would “charge” for every item (no matter how small). Food would be provided (again for a price). They would provide a “Bed, Chair, Mirror and often Chamber Pot”. In France (and Italy) – for example, major Cities featured large Inns and Hostels. The type of lodgings a Traveler could expect varied with “where” they were in The World (and of course, the Regional customs. Offering to pay for food and lodging was one thing, “setting” a fixed price for “services” that a Traveler needed (or requested), was true “Capitalism” at it's earliest roots. “Commercial” Hospitality was a new concept in The Middle Ages. It did however give way to the 3rd “oldest” professional in The World – that of Inn (or Tavern Keeper). As early Medieval travel increased (brought about by The Merchant Class), this practice became impractical. Up until the 11th Century, an early Middle Ages traveler had to rely on the hospitality of Monasteries or private homes – to provide food and lodgings. ![]()
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