Medieval “Flesh-Priests” and “Tunners of Ale”
The medieval period was a time of complex social structures, where every town and community had a range of specialized roles designed to keep the wheels of everyday life turning. In some cases, these roles were not only functional but also reflected the unique customs and peculiarities of medieval society. Two such roles that may seem strange and amusing today were the “Flesh-Priests” and “Tunners of Ale”. Although their titles might sound like something out of a fantasy novel, they were important figures in their time.
Flesh-Priests: The Butchers of the Middle Ages
The term “Flesh-Priests” may immediately raise an eyebrow, but it was actually a title given to butchers in medieval Scotland, particularly in royal burghs. The Flesh-Priests were responsible for overseeing the slaughter, preparation, and sale of meat within the town. Their role, though quite literal, was also steeped in social and religious connotations.
The Role of the Flesh-Priest:
Supervising Meat Trade: These butchers were charged with ensuring that the meat sold within the burgh met the standards required by both law and religion. The term “priest” was used to convey the reverence in which the position was held. The act of slaughtering and preparing meat was seen as a serious business, and the butchers were tasked with keeping it free from contamination or misdeed.
Religious Sanctions: In medieval Europe, religion played a central role in daily life, and even the sale of meat was subject to the strictures of Christian law. Butchers had to ensure that the meat sold was not tainted by sin, particularly regarding “unclean” animals or improperly slaughtered meat, which could have dire consequences for one’s soul. In some regions, Flesh-Priests were expected to maintain religious practices tied to the preparation of meat and the rituals surrounding it.
Regulation of Butchery Practices: The Flesh-Priest had the authority to enforce rules governing the butchery trade, ensuring that animals were slaughtered humanely and that the meat was inspected and prepared according to the appropriate standards. These butchers worked under the supervision of the town’s council and were responsible for controlling meat prices, preventing overcharging, and ensuring that the meat sold was safe for consumption.
In essence, the Flesh-Priest was not just a butcher; they were a guardian of both public health and religious doctrine, a key figure in regulating what was, for many, the primary source of protein. They were integral to the community’s survival, ensuring that the food supply remained plentiful and safe while maintaining the moral integrity of the trade.
Social Status and Reputation:
Being a Flesh-Priest was a position of both prestige and responsibility. These butchers were highly respected in the town but also held accountable by the town’s officials for any malpractices. If a Flesh-Priest were found guilty of selling bad meat or cheating customers, they could face severe punishment.
Tunners of Ale: Guardians of Good Beer
Next, we turn to the Tunners of Ale, another curious title that seems to come straight out of a medieval tavern. While the Flesh-Priests were concerned with the butchery of animals, the Tunners of Ale were equally responsible for ensuring that the local ale was up to standard. Ale was a staple in the medieval diet, far more than wine or even water in some cases, and ensuring its quality was a significant responsibility.
The Role of the Tunners of Ale:
Ale Testing: Tunners of Ale were essentially ale tasters. They were tasked with ensuring that the ale produced in the town adhered to the proper brewing standards. Every batch of ale brewed in the town was subject to their inspection. They would sample the ale to ensure it met the agreed-upon quality, taste, and alcohol content.
Enforcing Standards: Ale, unlike wine, did not have a standardized production method in the medieval period. The Tunners were responsible for ensuring that the ale served in public houses and markets was neither too weak nor spoiled. They could even fine brewers who did not follow the correct methods or who sold substandard ale.
Regulation and Control: The Tunners of Ale had considerable power. They enforced the rules of the Assize of Ale, a medieval law designed to regulate the price and quality of ale. Brewers had to conform to the assize, ensuring that their products were sold at the correct price and in the right quantities. The Tunners also monitored whether the brewers were following the proper recipe and using the correct ingredients.
In some towns, the Tunners of Ale were so important that they were considered authorities, and in some places, they even had the right to confiscate ale from brewers who violated the rules.
Social Status and Reputation:
Much like the Flesh-Priests, Tunners of Ale were highly regarded figures in medieval society. Their work was essential for public health—ensuring that the ale was safe to drink and of good quality. But they were also figures of authority, whose job had legal implications. In some ways, the Tunners were part of the town's police force, holding the power to fine or punish those who did not adhere to the laws governing ale production.
The Role of the Burgh Authorities: A Web of Social Order
Both the Flesh-Priests and Tunners of Ale were part of a much larger web of social and governmental control within medieval towns. Medieval towns were not chaotic or unregulated places; rather, they were highly organized with various civic roles ensuring that everything from the production of food to the brewing of ale was subject to strict oversight. These roles were not just ceremonial; they were essential to the functioning of the town.
A Day in the Life of a Flesh-Priest and Tunners of Ale:
Imagine a typical day for these figures: A Flesh-Priest might begin their day inspecting the butchery stalls, checking the meat sold to the townsfolk, and ensuring that no rotten or ill-slaughtered animal had entered the market. Meanwhile, the Tunner of Ale would be busy sampling and tasting ale from different brewers, ensuring that the residents were not drinking watered-down beer or ale that had gone bad.
Both figures worked alongside town bailies and councils to ensure the safety and morality of their communities. But their jobs were not without danger; both Flesh-Priests and Tunners could easily fall into disrepute if they failed in their duties, with consequences ranging from fines to expulsion from the town. At the same time, they wielded a unique power in their communities as overseers of two of the most essential commodities—food and drink.
Legacy and Influence: The Evolution of these Roles
While the titles Flesh-Priests and Tunners of Ale may seem quaint and outdated, they represent an important part of the medieval history of governance and regulation. Today, we still see echoes of these roles in modern food safety regulations and quality control within the beverage industry. The concept of inspecting and ensuring the quality of food and drink is as important today as it was in the past, albeit through more modern methods.
Though the titles have long since fallen into disuse, the functions these individuals served paved the way for modern regulatory systems that continue to ensure the health and safety of the public. In this sense, Flesh-Priests and Tunners of Ale were early pioneers of consumer protection, albeit in a very different form from what we know today.
Adapted From: Miller, D. (1860). Arbroath and its Abbey, or, the early history of the town and abbey of Aberbrothock. Thomas G. Stevenson.
