Specialist firm builds medieval war machine for visitor attraction

A Devon company has built the world’s largest working trebuchet replica, designed and made for Warwick Castle.

The22-tonne, 18-metres tall medieval design has been handcrafted in Carpenter Oak’s workshop, located just outside of the historic town of Totnes.

With an A-frame and wheels made from oak and throwing arm carved from ash, the award-winning team of Devon carpenters have used traditional handcrafting skills to bring a piece of history to life – basing the replica on designs from the 13th and 14th centuries.

Operating as it would have done in siege warfare using winders in the wheels co-ordinated by a Trebuchet Master, it can launch an 18kg projectile approximately 200 metres.

Following a 180-mile journey by lorry to the medieval castle, Britain’s biggest siege machine was transported to the castle’s island and fully assembled by Carpenter Oak’s skilled team of carpenters.

The original full-scale replica trebuchet – built by Carpenter Oak in 2005 – needed replacing after over 15 years of launching projectiles as part of live shows.

Experts in design and craft with exceptional experience in the specialist field, building historical siege weapons for film and television projects, including a Roman Ballista and Leonardo Da Vinci’s crossbow.

Carpenter Oak constructed the replica trebuchet with the support of Dr Peter Vemming from The Medieval Centre in Nykobing, Denmark.

Luke Copley-Wilkins, managing director at Carpenter Oak said: “We are thrilled to have worked with Warwick Castle to bring back the much-loved and iconic replica trebuchet to the castle grounds.

“Bringing a piece of medieval history back to life on such a huge scale has been a labour of love for the whole Carpenter Oak team – it’s not every day we get to work on such a unique project that uses 13th and 14th century designs.

“We’re all really proud that the hard work, creativity, and skill of our carpenters will be enjoyed by visitors at Warwick Castle for many years to come.”

Liam Bartlett, operations director at Warwick Castle, added: “The old trebuchet was an immensely popular attraction and so we were keen to replace this jaw-dropping machine. When it needed rebuilding we knew that Carpenter Oak had the skills and craftsmanship to construct Britain’s largest trebuchet.

 

“We can’t wait for our visitors to see the might of the trebuchet unleashed with a spectacular new show.”

 

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