There’s something very strange going on in Treigny, France. And apparently they’ve been at it since 1997. The mission? To build a castle using only the techniques of medieval yesteryears. The exact location? Guédelon. The outcome? Well, we’ll need to wait a few more years for that.
Guédelon is the world’s biggest experimental archaeological site, and the scientists and builders there are already offering a compelling insight into how our forefathers and mothers gained skills and knowledge to go on to create famous landmark buildings.
Inspired by these Baldrick-with-Blackberry types, we’re going to talk you through the steps to building your very own castle – don’t worry, we also have a cunning plan: to give you a heads up on the variety of exciting construction roles involved in the modern world.
1 – I’d like to build a castle please!
Well, just like all buildings today, a medieval castle begins with a plan and design. Almost any project, even your castle, starts out in someone’s head and is translated to paper before the build can begin.
In ye olden days a scribe would no doubt share his sketches on a piece of goat skin. Today, you will need a professional architect to assume the role of designing the project.
You will also need to call in construction planners or quantity surveyors to fill the boots of those who plan out how many supplies will be needed for the build, as well as set the budget.
Your project also needs a strong leader to make sure all of these people stay on mission: a construction site manager would be perfect.
2 – Let’s get started, then, shall we?
Naturally, we’re going to begin with the foundations. Unlike modern builds, our ancestors didn’t have the pleasure of advanced technologies and so it was difficult to clear land, transport goods and fix the foundations of a lodge, let alone a castle! Where once it was all hands and hooves on deck to plough and pull and dig and fill, today you can rely on digger and forklift drivers do the job.
Remember, too, that modern builds rely on a long supply chain – delivery and HGV drivers who transport goods and materials are an important link.
3 – The only way is up, squire
In the Thirteenth Century you would have found a range of artisans clambering over wooden scaffolding as your castle reached for the skies: blacksmiths, stonemasons and tilemakers all beavering away and creating their supplies from scratch, even the tools.
Similarly, in 2015 your castle will require scaffolders, labourers, builders, engineers, joiners and a whole variety of tradesmen on-site.
As we reach the top, roofworkers and tilers will put the lid on everything.
4 – You want light, heat and water?
Don’t underestimate how essential plumbing was, even back in the day, especially sewerage systems. These stopped the spread of disease and kept the people and the castle clean – basically it was an essential part of the process to make the home liveable.
Now we have a whole host of mod cons that need to be worked into your castle. Plumbers do the plumbing, pipefitters fit the pipers, gasmen do the gas and electricians wire up the entire building for power.
5 – Looking good . . . but good enough?
After the long and arduous process, your castle is complete. Or is it? Your new home has to be both liveable and aesthetically pleasing for you and your guests.
In medieval days gardens would be added, homes would be decorated inside and out and, if it belonged to someone of high importance, the main quarters would be made fit for a king.
Now we have landscapers and gardeners who do the same thing on the outside, and space planners and interior designers who do their thing on the inside. Et voila!
Just make sure Baldrick wipes his feet at the door.