Leaving Home. Most boys followed in the craft of their fathers—which guaranteed the son membership in the guild—but it was common for a boy to serve his apprenticeship in the household of a master other than his father. Girls could also serve as apprentices, particularly in the various trades associated with the cloth industry. In general, girls were apprenticed to female masters to limit the possibilities of inappropriate conduct or sexual abuse of young girls. An apprenticeship could last from three to ten years, depending on the difficulty of the craft and the regulations of each guild. During this period, an apprentice was integrated into the household of the master and was under his control and guardianship. Young apprentices might begin by cleaning and sweeping the shop and watching the older apprentices. Gradually, they...