The Burgher

The Burgher, derived from the Germanic name for a fortified town, "bourg," is a city dwelling male who makes his living from commerce, the buying and selling of goods. In the 13th century, he is enjoying a certain amount of freedom and individual liberty, in contrast to the feudal system that dominated the Dark Ages of the 800s and 900s. Burghers in most cities of northwest Europe have been granted charters from the local feudal lord. These charters grant certain liberties in exchange for taxes. These merchant burghers thus enjoy some degree of autonomy, and some degree of upward mobility. A wealthy burgher in the town of Troyes may enjoy a four-story building. He may be a craftsman, like a smith or potter, and sell his wares directly from the first story of his home. Or, the particularly wealthy and wise merchant may engage in the wool...