Iron-Making Communities in Late Medieval Carniola

Abstract

Late medieval Carniola saw the establishment of a few iron-making centres that saw the emergence of iron-making communities on the basis of privileges and mining regulations. They were led by iron-making masters, i.e. technical specialists and owners of ironworks. They elected a mining magistrate in their midst, who was the community’s main representative and holder of its judicial and administrative autonomy. Subordinate workers in iron-making plants and mines, as well as auxiliary workers – charcoal burners, loggers, and pack animal drivers were part of the community as well. Members of these communities were freemen and had to pay dues on ironworks and other rights or property and had to partake in the defence of the seigneury in the event of a military threat.