Medieval Masons

This book emphasises the information to be gleaned from the interpretation of the archaeology, and provides a practical guide to pursuing the study of medieval masoncraft. Dr Hislop reviews the main documentary sources, discusses the medieval mason's approach to design, examines the evidence for constructional techniques, and proffers advice on identifying the work of individual masons or schools of masoncraft.
A useful, concise guide to the world of the mason, during a time when stone was the principal building material and masons played an essential role in the construction of Europe's most remarkable buildings. Hislop draws on documentary evidence, such as building contracts and archaeological and survey results to identify the different types of mason, including master masons and free masons, the most skilled and highly paid of them all. Sections discuss the sources of stone, construction techniques, the training and career of the mason, church design and architectural details. Illustrated throughout.
A useful, concise guide to the world of the mason, during a time when stone was the principal building material and masons played an essential role in the construction of Europe's most remarkable buildings.
This book explains in detail the practice of masoncraft in the Middle Ages, using evidence from a number of sources. Monastic chronicles, building contracts and other contemporary documents have already revealed a good deal of information on the subject but less attention has, until now, been paid to archaeological evidence preserved in numerous surviving medieval buildings. Dr. Hislop investigates how a study of certain features in these buildings such as the stonework and building joints can contribute to our knowledge of working practices of masons in medieval England. By focusing on how to interpret clues in the building structure, this account provides a practical guide to pursuing the study of masonry, and helps the reader to understand and identify the medieval mason's approach to design and constructional techniques.
This book explains in detail the practice of masoncraft in the Middle Ages, using evidence from a number of sources. Monastic chronicles, building contracts and other contemporary documents have already revealed a good deal of information on the subject but less attention has, until now, been paid to archaeological evidence preserved in numerous surviving medieval buildings. Dr. Hislop investigates how a study of certain features in these buildings such as the stonework and building joints can contribute to our knowledge of working practices of masons in medieval England. By focusing on how to interpret clues in the building structure, this account provides a practical guide to pursuing the study of masonry, and helps the reader to understand and identify the medieval mason's approach to design and constructional techniques.