We set off early on a pleasant morning and enjoyed a scenic hours drive to find the building site which is Guideron Castle. En route I called in at Gravelines lock to survey progress. Not great sadly.
We did not really know what to expect at Guideron but it had been recommended by the americans bill and Genevieve who had thoroughly enjoyed their visit yesterday.
Guideron castle is basically a 25 year project to build a castle from the 12th century using only tools materials and skills of the time. The only exceptions to this rule are health and safety issues but these have also been well masked to limit any visitor distraction. The site of the encampment was carefully chosen to provide resources neccessary. Started in 1996 they are on target as per original plan, so the main house is well progressed as is the tallest tower and the bases of the front corner towers.
The thickness of the walls is truly awesome. the stones are quarried and shaped here. the floor and roof tiles are all made from clay and wood sourced here. The forge produces and maintains all the site tools,
movement of materiel is by hand built wagons and horses.
Cranes in the form of squirrel cages lift materiel to the required heights (see top picture right hand tower) the cages operated by a man running in the wheel as opposed to a hampster or squirrel. All of the oak beams are produced from wood felled within the site and shaped by hand with axes. We watched enthralled at the skill of the woodcutter who displayed his art for us.
We found somewhere for mum to rest whilst Collette and I went for a long lunch of medieval fayre.
It was truly a fascinating day, the paints which decorated the bedroom in the castle had all been produced in the dye shed on site.
The coachloads of schoolchildren all seemed to be very happily sat in education shelters having a try at stone masonry or rope making or tile making. Of course all the while the building is a live site.
It was easy to understand the pride that the workers must have thinking when laying a wall stone for example of how in 200 years people will be gazing at the finished castle and at their work. there are some 50 people full time on site, all dressed of the time, their wages are funded by the visitor fees. they also attract many enthusiasts who work voluntantarily as a privelidge to be invoved. I understand why!
A fantastic project and a place we now have to return to to monitor progress. It had been a superb day.
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