text: what were the purpose of the "guilds" in the middle ages?   merchant guilds controlled the trade in the town by setting prices, et cetera.  craft guilds regulated the quality, working hours, and conditions of its members.  there were 3 levels of guild members:  masters, journeymen, and apprentices.  apprentices worked for approx. 7 yrs to learn the craft, then became journeymen.  the journeymen worked approx. 7 years, then submitted a sample to the guild masters for approval. if the item was approved, they became masters.