roofer at Saint Barbara's, of Kuttenberg
“I am a respectable man who keeps his own house in order and his own tools sharp.”
Things Philip Ford had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Thursday before Whitsun, at None
Today is my wife Avice's nameday and I promised her a feast. I cannot leave the high roof because a difficult leak holds me here, and I will not lose a day's wage. I will pay thirteen groschen to any man who fetches me two cabbages before dusk.
Nota scribaeHe dictated this from the scaffolding, making me climb three ladders.
the second day of Easter week, at Vespers
I will say this once so there is no misunderstanding in the town. My son Matthew will not be walking out with Wolfgang Albrecht's girl. I have forbidden it. Any man who encourages this foolishness will answer to me, and my door is closed to it.
My Grete is too good for your boy anyway, you stiff-necked old mule.
You cannot order my heart.
I can order my roof, and you sleep under it.
the eve of Saint George, at Terce
Master Francis demands good work and pays a fair wage. We hear there are soldiers on the Prague road, but a proper tradesman still has a roof to finish. Let the lords fight over the crown. I will concern myself with the lead flashing.
My brother Jan is on that road with the army. Have some respect.
Jan is a fool, Edmund, and Philip is right to mind his own business.
Nota scribaeHe crossed his arms the entire time he spoke.
the Monday after Saint Gregory, at Sext
Osbert Tanner is whining about a broken handle again. A man who does not care for his tools is a man of low character. I bring my own shears and hammers every morning. I do not owe a penny to any man on this site.
It was only a loose wedge, Philip, there is no need to make a sermon of it.
Candlemas, at Prime
A strange morning. I saw Wolfgang Albrecht at the mass and he had the nerve to nod at my boy. I do not like the man's manners. He is loud and his family is beneath ours. I will not have my son keeping company with that sort.
Pay him no mind, brother. We have our own work to do.
Nota scribaeHe said this before the church doors were even open.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Do not fret over a cabbage, Philip, the pottage will be fine.
Thirteen groschen is a rich price. I will fetch them if you lend me your good hammer tomorrow.
I am paying silver so my hammer stays on my own belt, Maurice.