Duties of a Night Watchman

In short, the main task of the night watchman was to ensure safety and order in towns and villages. Thieves, criminals, and other riffraff often roamed the streets. Fortunately, the night watchman was granted special rights. These included the authority to stop, question, and, if necessary, arrest suspicious individuals wandering around at night.

Armed with his halberd and a lantern, the night watchman patrolled the streets, ensuring that all citizens could sleep peacefully. He also made sure that all house doors and city gates were properly locked.

The night watchman was also responsible for fire protection. If he spotted a fire, he could summon the fire brigade with a few powerful blows on his signal horn.

"Hear ye, people, and let it be known!" The night watchman’s song echoed through the night as he announced the time during his rounds. This not only kept the townspeople informed of the hour, but also reassured them that the night watchman was diligently performing his duties—essentially a medieval version of a work-time tracker.

Speaking of working hours, you might have guessed: the shorter the day, the longer the night watchman’s shift. In other words, during summer months, his daily duty was relatively short, while in the long winter nights, his work stretched on significantly.

Despite the importance of their role, most night watchmen were classified among the "dishonest professions", which meant they were often poor and socially ostracized by the general population.

Around the year 1900, the profession of the night watchman lost its significance. As public lighting improved and modern police forces were established, the profession of the night watchman largely disappeared in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

But our night watchman is still around today, guiding guests of all ages through the streets. Why not join him and help guard medieval Munich against nocturnal unrest and mischief-makers?

Of course, we also offer private or corporate tours with the night watchman—perfect for team buidling and business events, or simply as a fun break between a long day at the office and dinner with your colleagues. Get in touch with us and let us know your preferred date!