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20 Essential Tools of a Medieval Scribe

By Lorris Chevalier

The image of a medieval scribe is often inspired by representations of
Saint Jerome, the author of the Vulgate, depicted as a scribe
contemporary with the artist. It was also common for scribes or
illuminators to portray themselves within their work, either as the
figure being depicted or as the artist painting the image.

Essential Tools and Objects
1. Inkwell rCo A container, often made of horn, to store ink for writing. Without it, yourCOre just scratching the parchment for fun.

2. Glasses rCo Spectacles became more common from the 14th century
onwards, helping scribes see better. Because squinting at tiny Gothic
script for hours is a shortcut to blindness.

3. Reed Pen rCo Used before the quill, especially in earlier medieval
times. More durable but required frequent sharpening.

4. Penknife rCo A small but mighty tool for cutting reed pens, shaping
quills, and keeping parchment flat. Also handy for scratching out
mistakes (no pressure!).



Illumination from the Passionary of Weissenau (Wei|fenauer Passionale); Fondation Bodmer, Coligny, Switzerland; Cod. Bodmer 127, fol. 2r
5. Mortar rCo A bowl used to mix powdered pigments with egg white for illumination. Because bright colours donrCOt just appear out of nowhere.

6. Hammer rCo Used to flatten gold coins into thin layers of gold leaf. Essential if you want to make your manuscript fancy.

7. Rosary rCo To pause work and pray for spiritual guidance, patience,
and, probably, better handwriting.

8. A Devotional Image rCo Whether a small image of Saint VeronicarCOs veil
or a scrap of paper inscribed with rCLIHS,rCY a scribe often surrounded themselves with religious imagery. These could be pilgrim souvenirs, relic-touched images, or simple devotional prints. Divine inspiration on
your desk!

9. Powder Container rCo A medieval shaker, often made of bronze with
multiple holes, used for storing powdered gold, pigments, or salt. Also
handy for drying ink.


Prague, workshop of Hildebert and Everwinus, 1142-1150, parchment. The Archives of Prague Castle, The Library of the Metropolitan Chapter of
St. Vitus, sign. A 21/1. Detail of Hildebertus.
10. A Lion or a Cat rCo Though Saint Jerome had a lion, most scribes had a
cat instead. Why? Cats kept the mice from eating precious parchment.
Plus, theyrCOre just good company.

11. Shelves and a Central Bookstand rCo Storing books high keeps them from cluttering the workspace or darkening the room. Also, a scribe needs
space to leave books open for drying. No one wants smudged ink.

12. A Stylish Bookmark rCo A movable square marker indicating exactly
where the scribe left off, so they donrCOt lose their place mid-copy.
Also, a convenient spot to rest a hat.

13. A Candle rCo Not actually for lighting work (manuscripts and fire
donrCOt mix). Instead, it was useful for melting wax when sealing documents.

14. Bone Folder rCo Instead of turning pages with pigment-covered fingers, scribes used a smooth bone folder to turn manuscript pages delicately.


Biblioth|?que nationale de France MS Fran|oais 9198 fol.19r
15. Glass Bottles rCo Always sealed. A large bottle, sometimes covered
with a cloth instead of a cork, likely held waterrCobut not for drinking.
More likely, it was for washing hands or cleaning tools.

16. A Tap rCo Rare, but cleanliness mattered. Parchment was expensive, and
a careless ink smudge could ruin days of work. A small built-in water reservoir with a pewter dish underneath helped scribes rinse their fingers.

17. Lots of Bits of Paper rCo Letters, orders, or notes everywhere. If too many pile up, pin them to your desk. If you have way too many? Let them
fall on the floor and pretend theyrCOre organized.

18. Geometric Tools rCo A compass, sphere, or other mathematical
instruments, often used to demonstrate an interest in astrology and
precise measurements. Because every scribe secretly dreams of being a
scholar or a wizard.

14th-century scribe copying from an exemplar,(Miniature only) A scribe, holding quill and pen knife, seated on a chair with desk attachment and
ink horn, copies from an exemplar weighted down upon a stand. British
Library MS Royal 14 E. III, fol.6v
19. A Cushion rCo Never sit straight on your chair, throne, or folding stoolrCoit will break your back. A scribe works for hours, sometimes
years, on a single book. Comfort is not a luxury; itrCOs survival.

20. A Writing Case rCo Whether a leather pouch for travel or a wooden case with compartments for quills and tools, a proper writing case keeps
everything organized. Never place a pen directly on the manuscript
(unless you enjoy ruining months of work).

Medieval Studies Online Courses
These tools and objects created the essential environment of a medieval scriptorium, enabling scribes to produce the illuminated manuscripts
that remain invaluable today. So, if yourCOre thinking about medieval
scribing as a careerrCostock up on these essentials and prepare for a lot
of ink-stained fingers!


Dr Lorris Chevalier, who has a Ph.D. in medieval literature, is a
historical advisor for movies, including The Last Duel and Napoleon.
Click here to view his website.

Click here to read more from Lorris Chevalier



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