What does a medieval chaplain do?

Answer 1

Medieval Chaplain: provided spirtual welfare for laborers and the castle garrison. The duties might also include supervising building operations, clerk, and keeping accounts. He also tended to the chapel.

Answer 2

Chaplains were priests who were specifically appointed to staff a chapel, which might be inside or close to a castle or near a manor house. Both the chapel and the chaplain were paid for by a local aristocrat, who continued to fund the chaplain (unlike parish priests, who depended on contributions from their congregation).

The chaplain was there to conduct the daily services, including Mass (just like a priest), but also to continually recite prayers for the nobleman and his family, both living and dead. He effectively worked for the nobleman.

The Normans believed that their soul's well-being in the next life depended on prayers being continued on their behalf, particularly if they had much blood on their hands. Prayers would ensure forgiveness.