In the Days of the Guild

"In the Days of the Guild" by Louise Lamprey is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the 12th century during the reign of King Henry II of England and follows the journeys and experiences of various characters involved in the guilds of craftsmen during that time. The central character introduced in the opening portion is Robert Edrupt, a young boy from a rural background who ventures to London with a woolpack, seeking his fortune in the bustling city. The beginning of the book introduces Robert Edrupt as he sits by the road with a bale of wool, waiting for wool merchants to pass by. After a few hours, he finally encounters the merchants and impressively negotiates working as a horse-boy in exchange for the wool. The text vividly paints a picture of medieval England's landscape and social conditions while portraying Robert's determination and courage to abandon his previous life for new opportunities. As he travels with the merchants towards London, the reader is drawn into Robert's aspirations and the vibrant world of guilds, trade, and the diverse characters he will meet along his journey.