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 – A container, often made of horn, to store ink for writing. Without it, you’re just scratching the parchment for fun.

2. Glasses – 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 – Used before the quill, especially in earlier medieval times. More durable but required frequent sharpening.

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

5. Mortar – A bowl used to mix powdered pigments with egg white for illumination. Because bright colours don’t just appear out of nowhere.

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

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

8. A Devotional Image – Whether a small image of Saint Veronica’s veil or a scrap of paper inscribed with “IHS,” 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 – A medieval shaker, often made of bronze with multiple holes, used for storing powdered gold, pigments, or salt. Also handy for drying ink.

10. A Lion or a Cat – Though Saint Jerome had a lion, most scribes had a cat instead. Why? Cats kept the mice from eating precious parchment. Plus, they’re just good company.

11. Shelves and a Central Bookstand – 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 – A movable square marker indicating exactly where the scribe left off, so they don’t lose their place mid-copy. Also, a convenient spot to rest a hat.

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

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

15. Glass Bottles – Always sealed. A large bottle, sometimes covered with a cloth instead of a cork, likely held water—but not for drinking. More likely, it was for washing hands or cleaning tools.

16. A Tap – 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 – 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 they’re organized.

18. Geometric Tools – 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.

19. A Cushion – Never sit straight on your chair, throne, or folding stool—it will break your back. A scribe works for hours, sometimes years, on a single book. Comfort is not a luxury; it’s survival.

20. A Writing Case – 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).

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 you’re thinking about medieval scribing as a career—stock 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.

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Top Image: Saint Jerome in his Study, by Antonello da Messina (1430–1479)