Building a Medieval castle in the 21th century is a crazy idea. Especially if you’re doing it, only using Medieval techniques and tools. This is exactly what is going on with the construction of the Geudelon Castle and it’s fascinating!
Let’s step back in time
We’re at the beginning of the 13th century in Medieval France.
Somewhere in Burgundy, Guilbert Courtenay, or Guilbert de Guédelon, is granted Royal permission to build a modest castle.
Guilbert isn’t rich and can’t afford architectural refinements. He can’t have a moat and can’t afford a drawbridge. The plans for his castle do not include a prison as he is not a high ranking lord and as such, doesn’t have the right to keep prisoners. Nether the less, his castle is going to be pretty cool!
The site for his castle is chosen for it is bountiful in ressources. An abandoned quarry which will allow for the extraction of all the stones needed to build the castle. A forest which will provide all the wood. A pond which will provide the clay for the making of roof & floor tiles. It’s perfect!
In 1228, the construction of the Geudelon Castle starts. It’s 1997 for us, other common mortals. It will take a bit of time to complete.
Guilbert de Guédelon is probably impatient to move in!
We’re wondering what will happen, once the castle is finished?
Plans leads to think that the construction shall be over by 1254 or 2023, it depends which century you live in.
Experimental Archeology
Guedelon Castle construction is the apex of experimental archeology! OK maybe not. It isn’t the only project of its kind but it seems to be, from what I have found, the most thorough on-going project.
Experimental Archeology is a form of archeology which test archaeological hypotheses by replicating, as much as possible, various tasks and endeavors with the methods, technics and knowledges of the defined period.
In Guedelon, you get to see how a castle would have been built in the 13th century.
Not only will you see the construction of the castle, but you will get to see how the tools used, were made. Because everything is made on site!
From the baskets used to carry mud, to the iron being forged and transformed into tools for the carpenters and masons. Even ropes are being made from raw fibers and mud is being transformed into tiles. Want to learn how to create pigments for your DIY projects? Yes that is possible as well!
It is quite impressive and fascinating really.
The tools and techniques used are the ones used 800 years ago, or what we know of such techniques and tools. There has to be trials, tests and mistakes in the process but the whole process is absolutely amazing.
Click on the image below to see the description and workers in action
Shifting perception
What is also amazing is what, visiting a project like the construction site of the Guedelon castle, might do to you.
Most of us, have an unclear vision of Medieval times if not a distorted view of such period. If , like many others, you think people in medieval times were dirty, uneducated and overall kind of limited, you should visit Guedelon!
There, you might realize, that there was genius in construction methods. You may realize that, people may not all have been able to read, but that they certainly knew how to create. Create things from raw materials, from nature & with nature. Something most of us have lost.
A project like Guedelon also shows what humans can do together. It requires all sorts of skills, a lot of planning and coordination. It’s quite beautiful.
Most importantly, it is also a lesson in patience. Again, something, most of us have lost.
The technical bits
The official website for the Guedelon Castle is https://www.guedelon.fr
Guedelon castle is usually opened to visitors, from March to late October, with varying opening times, depending of the season. Do check the official website to plan your visit.
You can apply to work at Guedelon for a few days! Conditions apply as you must speak French for safety reasons, be in good health and have a mean of transport as the site is fairly remote (Bicycle works!) Applications are required and more info on this can be found on the official website.
If you just want to visit, there are also little 1 hour workshops where you will see masons or tile makers in action and will be able to try their techniques for yourself.
There is no mobile coverage at Guedelon!! I find this extraordinary as France mobile coverage is like 99,999% of the country!
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