The Willensstark Fortress:
Three Hundred Years of Military Evolution
By Daniel T. Rial

The medieval period spanned hundreds of years and contrary to popular myth, innovations and technological advances did occur. This was not a time of stagnation but rather the foundation for the renaissance.

The medieval era is wealthy with classic icons of power, religion, literature, and history. Swords and crowns, lions and dragons, suits of shining armour... all conjure familiar feelings and meanings froma bygone time to any reenactor. Of these icons, perhaps none is as well known the world over as the castle. The center of politics, the inspiration of inventions, the pride ans strength of rulership, the protection of the masses; the Medieval castle was all this and more.

Part of the grand vision for the future of this historical society is to obtain a grant with which to construct such a fortress that demonstrates not only these aspects, but also the fascinating experience of daily life within the walls. This building, once completed, will be the very heart and center of our living history museum.

These articles are intended to introduce the general membership of our historical society to the "history" and floor plan of our currently chosen design for the Wllensstark mercenary company and Captain Lothar Von Degen. I will attempt to cover the basics of not only this design's authenticity, but also its practicality, esthetics, and {true to a castle's first purpose} it's militaristic capabilities.

The Willensstark fortress represents three hundred years of military evolution for a small boarder defense structure. First constructed in the late twelfth century as a fifty foot diameter five level tower by Henri Iv the Blind near the boarder of France, it then underwent modifications and modernizations when it came into ownership of Sir Luthar Von Degen in the year 1490. The interior of the tower was latered minimally, mostly to accomodate the garderobe and two breteche's. The primary new additions consisted of the great hall, entry, and the fifty foot moat. The hoardings were kept intact despite their somewhat old-fashioned concept {now being replaced by machicoulis} because fo the roof which helps provide needed protection from the elements. Loop holes originally designed for long bows were modified for the now more popular crossbows, and the large breteche' over the drawbridge contains loop holes for handgonnes. Two lookout posts were also added to the tower's conical roof to provide a better view over the frontbreteche' and to the rear flank.

Due to economy the construction of a structure such as the Willensstark fortress was common. Modern buildings were often times found to be older buildings that were actually only expanded. The design of this structure gives a realistic progression of military science in architecture by showing elements of previous times.

As gunpowder and cannon gained influence on the battlefield, architecture changed. Walls became shorter and thicker, and the new ideas for the shapes of castles were being experimented with. In the near future some fortresses will be walled more by earthen embankments that better absorb cannon shot and provide a stable platform for defensive artillery. Sharper angles, as opposed to curves, were being used to deflect shot. In 1495 these ideas were just being born, and therefore are not to used in our design. Although Von Degen woujld be educated in the latest of defenses, it is more realistic to leave these advanced methods of the era to the "big players", not a simple mercenary captain.

As you first approach the fortress head-on, you'll see a powerful defense set in classic beauty. There is a thirty five foot dock you must cross before meeting with the drawbridge. Preferably this dock would be of stone, though may use some wood if we decide to add a second exterior drawbridge for yet greater defense. The five handgonne loopholes in the larger breteche' show a capable short range striking field that is supported by the battlements and tower defenses.

Before you can proceed to the entry, two murder holes to be used by handgonners on the second level {bottom level of the bretech'} must be passed under. Within the entry foes would face first a portcullis, then arrow loops and more murder holes, then finally the heavy wooden gate at the end. The layout of the approach and enrty is in simulation of a large castle or gatehouse defense.

Although such defenses may have been more rare for a structure of this size, it is still authentic and gives a classic feel to our public attendants. In light of the situation and location, it would be perceivable that Captain Von Degen would have such a formidable entry.

Machicoilis, breteches', and the tower behind with it's jutting hoardings all contribute to an appearance of size and dimension. It makes the fortress seem bigger and more impressive. The moat, in the eyes of the public, gives a touch of romanticism and also lengthens the entry path into the keep making the building stand apart more from other structures in the area.

Needless to say authenticity will be somewhat breeched when it comes to the moat as a stinking cesspool with spikes rising from below the surface may turn those with weak stomachs away to seek the Board of Health. Railings {or a rope boundary on either side of the drawbridge} will also probably have to be added for safety reasons.

In our next issue we will be moving into the heart of the fortress which is the great hall.

I asked this group "why mercenaries"? and this was the reply:

Mercenaries are the next issue in which you’ve shown concern. Undoubtedly you are familiar with two of the most famous mercenary companies present in the year 1495; the Landsknechts and the Galoglas. Maxmimillian himself who owns and rules the territory in which Nieravan would be located is the founder of the Landsknechts who were mercenaries. It would just be common sense that Maximilian would send one of his Landskneckt companies to help protect a disputed border that he claimed only two years prior by treaty. Henri the blind and others started a boom of round tower construction in the twelfth century in this area so it is realistic for one of them to be used by Maximillian’s men to protect his border. It is also realistic that he would allow at least some minimal defense upgrades, hence the rest of the structure. Wanting his boarders to be secure as possible, Maxamillian would presumably desire the sent mercenary company to be as efficient and capable as possible. Allowing his own men to utilize the structure for the sake a strategic advantage against his enemy (France) is not only authentic but sensible.

Why mercenaries? Well, besides being the type of combative body primarily used by Maximillian, there are other important reasons. First of all you gain more diversity, which means more history can be represented. The more history we can represent the better education we can provide. Secondly it is well known by leaders of the medieval world that the best soldiers are professional mercenaries, not regulars. With a relatively small company guarding a potentially dangerous border, skilled fighters would be doubly preferred. Thirdly, mercenaries are an important and influential force in the middle ages. In centuries prior to Neiravan they were THE fighting force on the field, comprising the entire combative force for many nations. Due to a justly gained reputation of trouble, we then see a shift away from mercenaries as the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries pass. In response to this shift many mercenary captains attempted to improve their soiled reputations by stressing the concept of chivalry with its origins in the crusades and the often discussed and revered Saladin. 1495 is not the time of brutal (relatively speaking) mercenaries usually thought of. This shift in connection to the rising "middle class" is not only of political and cultural importance, but also of historical significance.

The design of the castle was also something I had a few reservations about. Pictures showing the design will be forthcoming. Here was the reply to my reservations:

The next subject of concern that you mentioned is our choice of design for the Willensstark fortress. To begin, your statement that our fortress "for all intents and purposes, is fantasy", is ridiculous. Besides being untrue I think that is a rather premature conclusion considering you have had little more than a glance at the design. It is fictitious, NOT fantasy. As a good researcher you should know not to jump to conclusions. Calling it a castle may be technically misleading, for in truth it is more of a fortified residence, a structure-type every bit as authentic as castles.

Economically speaking this scaled-down design not only will cost far less than a true castle while still showing classic features, but also is much more realistically doable. It’s smaller scale ensures that the equally important aspects of life within the town are not overshadowed. Note that not only were castles of Luxembourg examined, but castles of Germany and France (two of the countries that have had primary influence on the architecture of Luxembourg). I suggest you take a fresh look at your photos and also other fortified residences to see the obvious similarities! Notice the classic stepping of the walls on either side of the roof of the front bretech’. Notice the pitch of the tower roof. Both of these features for example can be found in the design of Viaden castle which became one of the largest fortified castle complexes in Europe, and which is indeed located in Luxembourg. The gatehouse-like entry may be less likely for a fort of this size (though still perfectly realistic), however the educational benefits to our visitors is also a consideration. Our choice in this design is firm (though not necessarily final), and was decided upon after much research and consideration. A keep with standard second story entry was considered but is at this point not generally preferred as it would require an immense amount of time and money, both of which are not readily available, to construct all the other walls and buildings needed to demonstrate the historical points of importance. As mentioned previously such a structure would also distract from the village and the important examples of history it provides. We are open to ideas for certain modifications if they can be determined as authentic, practical, and within the spirit of a wholesome family event, but the selection of a completely different design is unnecessary and unwanted. Here again I think it is important to remember who our customers will be, and our goal of education.

I would appreciate some constructive criticism of this project as it is something I am quite interested in. They have stressed to me that historical accuracy is their number one priority which is why I am asking for your assistance as my knowledge about such things is nowhere near the level of many of you. When it comes to subjects other than little iron links I am of no help.

I am concerned about some of their notions and the responses to them. Especially if they are looking at doing a "LIVING HISTORY" area. This term should not be taken lightly, nor should it be confused with "re-enactment". Living history museums are VERY specific about what and how they do it.

I will write more later as I am a little pressed for time.

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Originally posted by Erik D. Schmid:
[b]The following is a concept from a group in northern Minnesota.

Part of the grand vision for the future of this historical society is to obtain a grant with which to construct such a fortress that demonstrates not only these aspects, but also the fascinating experience of daily life within the walls. This building, once completed, will be the very heart and center of our living history museum.
[/B]

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I will tell you right now that unless they find some foundation in Minnesota who is looking to throw money at medieval stuff they won't get a grant big enough to do this. I'd guess they would need a good $200,000 just to get started and there is almost no chance of them getting that kind of money from anyone, especially for northern Minnesota and without credentials that show that they are qualified and won't squander the money.

Honestly, I think we have all seen a half dozen similar projects attempted to be planned and while I think such a project is possible, unless they have a finacial backer who has deep pockets it isn't worth the time. We would be much better off starting our own project with reasonable goals that are attainable and build up something that looks and is profesional.

I realize this is a bit of a harsh assesment but as far as I can see this is the reality of the situation. It does seem slightly more reasonable then some other proposals that have been floated around but without the money it does not matter.

That is my assesment.

This group is working on getting its non-profit status right now and are close. However, the money they are looking at getting from a grant is well into the seven digit category. For what it's worth, they are not bad people, but tend to have their bar set way too high at the moment.

My purpose in starting this thread was to get the input from people like you, so that I could show it to them in an attempt to bring more into the realm of possibility for their idea.

They initially were going to go with CastleMagic until I talked them out of it. They have their hearts in the right place, but lack the materials and connections to do proper research.

Bob and I have been busy dealing with car and family matters. As soon as we have a real chance to really sit and read it and form an educated opinion rather than the initial Gut reaction, we'll get that done.

I owe two people a book review. So that is topping my list.

Jenn

[ 02-02-2006: Message edited by: Fire Stryker ]

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http://www.wolfeargent.com/firestryker/castle_designs.gif

My initial opinion is that if any of you are familiar with the RPG WarHammer, that these drawings have that fantasy RPG feel to them rather than being based on an actual historical example from Luxembourg.

http://www.castle-vianden.lu/images/chateau.jpg

http://www.castle-vianden.lu/english/index.html

[ 02-02-2006: Message edited by: Fire Stryker ]

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Originally posted by Erik D. Schmid:

This group is working on getting its non-profit status right now and are close. However, the money they are looking at getting from a grant is well into the seven digit category. For what it's worth, they are not bad people, but tend to have their bar set way too high at the moment.

My purpose in starting this thread was to get the input from people like you, so that I could show it to them in an attempt to bring more into the realm of possibility for their idea.

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Like I tell my mother it doesn't always matter if they are good people. If I were you I would politely bow out. Everything about this project points to it being a failure. From the money to the location to the fact that you haven't mentioned any credentials, all of it points not only to seriously hurdles getting and building the site but long term failure when it is unable to pay its bills in 10 years.

As for location making this project a failure, why? Do you have something about northern Minnesota? Money will always be a factor no matter what happens. How you deal with it is what counts.

Credentials... Other than having some bearing on whether or not a grant is achieved, what does it matter if someone has credentials? Also, what type of credentials are you referring to?

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Originally posted by Erik D. Schmid:

As for location making this project a failure, why? Do you have something about northern Minnesota? Money will always be a factor no matter what happens. How you deal with it is what counts.

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Actually my great-grandfather owned land up there and my fathers cousin still lives up there. Theoretically you could build such a project anywhere, infact from that point of view someplace with cheap land would seem best. The problem is getting enough visitors to sustain the project over time. I don't think a site in northern MN can generate the kind of numbers needed. Even if you run a barebones operation just open on the weekends with volunteers you still have to pay property tax, insurance and upkeep. Lets just say such things add up to say $10,000 a year and you charge $10 per visitor. That is 1,000 visitors a year. Do you really think that 1,000 people will go to northern MN a year to visit the site. While it certainly is not impossible there it will eventually get tough. This is why such a project is really best suited for say eastern PA or NY. But even somewhere between the Twin Cities and Chicago would be a better choice as it would have a signifigantly larger population. If you are going enter into such a project it should be run like a buisness which is how most projects like this have to be run these days because government funding for them is drying up. That is not to say that they have to make a profit but if they can't reach a certain critical mass it is not going to survive.

If you want to look for places to build a project sustainably you look at a map like this.

And look for areas that are close enough to population centers to attract visitors.

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Credentials... Other than having some bearing on whether or not a grant is achieved, what does it matter if someone has credentials? Also, what type of credentials are you referring to?

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I'll answer the question backwards. While a graduate degree in history, archaeology or museum studies would be nice, something that clearly shows that you have an idea what you are doing and that others believe you know what you are doing. Lets take Bob for instance as someone who lacks traditional credentials but has things that are atleast promising. He was a member of some ancient well respected ACW re-enactment group for a decade or however long. He runs a re-enactment group pertinent to the time period. His group has a long standing presentation at the Higgins Museum. He has published two articles in rather minor journals. Are they great credentials? No. But it shows relevant activities and that other people ie the Higgins and those journals have atleast some level of faith in him. Lack of credentials is only important for the grant if you never want help after you get the money. Credentials open doors and makes life easier. Everything from improved access to libraries to students doing interships on your site to help and advise from the managers of other sites and museums. Most of this you can build up after the fact but in building it you often are building up your credentials by making connections and joining organizations.

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Like I said before, I believe the project can work, but it needs guidance. Also, it needs to start out smaller. I respect your opinion, don't get me wrong, but I think it is a bit too soon to throw in the towel just yet.

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And thats fine. Everyone throws it in at different times plus its closer to you so you have a more vested interest in it. I've seen enough ideas like this pop up and spent too much time with public history people and am further away that there is not even a second thought.

I agree that such a project will work but that one has very little hope without someone who wants to just spend a bunch of money cause they can.

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Do you really think that 1,000 people will go to northern MN a year to visit the site.

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Yes I do. That is really not that many people. The Minnesota ren fair gets close to thirty times as many per season. A great many of them, like the vendors, are not from the immediate area. In fact a good deal of them travel an hour or more to attend. The majority of the attendees go out of habit as they have seen everything there is to offer there and nothing ever changes.

Here there is the distinct possibility that there will be something new and exciting every year. The tourism industry in this area is incredible to say the least. It is in fact quite good year round. It is a place where people can get away from the larger metropolitan areas.

Your map is good at showing what the static population is for a given area, but it does not show what the amount of tourism is to that same area. Just because the location is not going to be out east by you does not mean it will necessarily fail. It does get rather tiring listening to that same argument that if something isn't located on or near the east coast it doesn't have much of a chance.

If this project is to succeed they need to start it out on a smaller scale. Start with a village and then work up to a stone structure of some kind. It is not that difficult to do if the people involved are motivated enough. I know that from experience.

I take your meaning about credentials. Unfortunately I have no such credentials like Bob has. I have never been involved with living history as nobody wanted to play at the level I thought they should. You know the old adage, "do it right, or don't do it at all". Well, they didn't agree. What I do have is drive. These folks have it to. They seem to be willing to go that extra mile, but as I stated before, they need guidance.

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I agree that such a project will work but that one has very little hope without someone who wants to just spend a bunch of money cause they can.

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I disagree with this. I started MRS without any backing. The only thing I lacked was enough time to keep it going at the level I wanted it to. Money was not really an object as much as some would like it to be. The same goes for ARS. I have created two well respected organizations without a lot of capital. The same two that published Bob's articles. Time being the most precious commodity. Without it projects are doomed to failure.

I am going to give this group the benefit of the doubt as long as they are willing to accept constructive criticism. As such I will help them out by my offer of guidance as well as my contacts. Once they close their minds and disregard what others have to say out hand, I will drop them like a bad habit. So, with that in mind, let's take apart their proposal piece by piece and offer suggestions as to how they can improve their idea shall we?

That would be us - The Historic Camelot Project, Inc. We just had a large amount of property given to us to begin building our recreation of an Anglo-Briton village/hillfort. The land is located about 20 minutes North or Madison, Wisconsin (about as perfectly middle between the Twin Cities and Chicago than you get).

For more info, check out our website (which I am presently updating!)HERE

I know what they are going through, we have been working at this for the last two years and have "downsized" our plans significantly (believe me, getting grant dollars is not nearly as easy as one would think!).

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Break a Lance,

What do I think they should aim for?

A large border tower with eight to ten foot thick walls, with a single room per floor of about 20 to 25 feet across. Three stories would be a good height. Outside will be a sleeping/eating hall, kitchen, stables, which are all walled into the enclosure. The enclosure wall should be as thick as the tower wall and about 15 feet high. A single gate tower could be added. Yes this would dominate any 'village' as that is what castles do...

Another version would be to make a motte and bailey castle in wood, as they were still being built in wood in the 13th century. Reference _The David and Charles book of Castles_ page 37, ISBN 0 7153 7976 3. This would be most cost effective to start with as earth removal would be fast with heavy machinery. As the project sees a profit, the wooden castle can be upgraded to stone as was generally done.

Another version is after 1295 fortified manor houses became popular. These were often quadrangular with substantial corner towers of three to four stories and a postern opposite a gatehouse. Apartments of two stories were arranged around the inside of the walls. There was normally no great tower or 'keep'. Also taken from the above book.

Another version, if they wish to go as late as the 16th century, they could do a Scottish Z plan castle which are dead sexy and designed for firearm use.

Or what may be best, build a village. To this could be added a Tower House. Tower Houses were as small as they get with walls about six to seven feet thick.

In either case, I don't believe mercenaries would be put in charge of any fortified location. I believe a person loyal to the ruling noble would have contract to defend the site. Hired mercenaries would be used to bolster said defences. Hence a castle is a fortified military residence. Again refer to the above book.

I hope this helps.

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Yes I do. That is really not that many people. The Minnesota ren fair gets close to thirty times as many per season. A great many of them, like the vendors, are not from the immediate area. In fact a good deal of them travel an hour or more to attend. The majority of the attendees go out of habit as they have seen everything there is to offer there and nothing ever changes.

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And if you run it like a renfair it might work because renfairs are there to entertain people not to educate people. That is not to say that you can't do both but most renfairs give little more then lipservice to education. If you were able to get enough volunteers to just open it for four weekends a year and handle 1,000 visitors a weekend then sure you can use that model. But you will spend years just trying to get people to come and they will want a renfair themepark style weekend. Find a nearby historical site with interpretation and call them and find out about their budget and how many people visit a year and whether or not they get funding from any government entities.

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Here there is the distinct possibility that there will be something new and exciting every year. The tourism industry in this area is incredible to say the least. It is in fact quite good year round. It is a place where people can get away from the larger metropolitan areas.

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And when it is new and exciting I don't think there will be as many problems as once that wears off. If you want to appeal to tourism you've got to have something to draw people in and just having a "medieval" castle which is unlikely to get funding for anyways won't be enough. Now if you did something like a Viking villiage or something that people can identify with and fits with the general regional characteristics, then you would atleast start with a hook of some sort.

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Your map is good at showing what the static population is for a given area, but it does not show what the amount of tourism is to that same area. Just because the location is not going to be out east by you does not mean it will necessarily fail. It does get rather tiring listening to that same argument that if something isn't located on or near the east coast it doesn't have much of a chance.

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I think if you looked at what such sites survive on it is not traditional tourism. They survive on regional population visiting and on school visits. If you don't have a strong regional population you don't get those things. As for the east coast, I specifically said "best suited" for the east coast and I specifically gave an example in your region that had much better placement because it has more population to support it. Take Texas for instance. I would never put such a project in west Texas because that moves it away from the population centers. If I were to do such a thing it could be in the triangle formed by Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. The actual county it would be in would be rather low population density but it would be within a two hour drive of the plurality if not majority of the population of the state.

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If this project is to succeed they need to start it out on a smaller scale. Start with a village and then work up to a stone structure of some kind. It is not that difficult to do if the people involved are motivated enough. I know that from experience.

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I agree. A village is a much more accomplishable project and I've even suggested it to a certain member of one of the 15th century groups who has land on multiple occasions but he keeps blowing me off. If you can convince these people to build a villiage then your a much better man then I am. One of the major things I noticed when reading thing you initially posted was their obsession with military history, now that is not to say that they could not be brought around to doing a villiage but it does show where their base interests are.

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I take your meaning about credentials. Unfortunately I have no such credentials like Bob has. I have never been involved with living history as nobody wanted to play at the level I thought they should.

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That is not true, you do have credentials it is simply a matter of putting what you have done in the proper terms. Its like a Ressume. You've founded two armour research associations, you've put out publications with them, you've published stuff on maile. You have studied mail at the premier armour collections in the world. You've made armour for curators of museums and I wouldn't be surprised if you had pieces in museums. It doesn't have to be specifically relevant but as long as its related its something.

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I am going to give this group the benefit of the doubt as long as they are willing to accept constructive criticism. As such I will help them out by my offer of guidance as well as my contacts. Once they close their minds and disregard what others have to say out hand, I will drop them like a bad habit. So, with that in mind, let's take apart their proposal piece by piece and offer suggestions as to how they can improve their idea shall we?

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I think your right, a village or a wooden manor house or some such is the only way to go unless they have cheap access to stone and know how to do mason work. I think they should find a place and time the inspires and catches peoples attention. And hopefully fits with the general look of the area. And perferably one they can read alot about.

Lloyd, ironically I had completely forgotten about you when I made that statement but yea that is where yall are. From what I can tell yall have done a better job then anyone else at being realistic and adapting to the realities of such a project.

I think the project is being approached backwards in two ways -

Firstly, from a practical viewpoint the emphasis should be on building a little village, and then on making some sort of 'castle' - putting up some post and beam structures is within the capabilities of a volunteer workforce, with a small number of professional workmen hired to guide them. You get more bang for the buck, and you are immediately in business. Since the idea of the project is allegedly about showing medieval life, and I know the emphasis intending to be placed on crafts and craftsmen practising medival crafts, this would give them a more immediate venue...

Then, if they are truely ambitious, they could build a small structure such has been contemplated as a faux-castle, and they could even build it in the traditional manner - a much larger castle project is underway in France as we speak, and has progressed successfully over the course of several years.

2. If they intend to portray 'Luxumburg', and understanding that they are constrained by funds in what they create, what they need to do is examine all the extant castles they can find in the reagion - and if they in essence can only manage a tower and a couple of walls, they ought to at least copy an extant example, instead of cobbling together something entirely a fantasy.

3. They really need to find people who understand the history and society of the region they intend to replicate, because in my reading of their project proposal, they really have some very sketchy ideas about the region itself,m and the principle players, nevermind the culture.

4. If they want to utilize a pool of reenactors as instantly useable volunteers to aid their project, complete with their own props and equipment, they really need to date the project back 20 or 30 years - the bulk of 15h century reenactors on the continent undertake the era, and the history of the era in that particular region is a little livlier, in my estimation.

5. If they are going to undertake the project, then they need to contact and consult the orginizattions in Europe and America that have undertaken similar projects (Aercheon, that French Castle, The Danish LH museum I can never spell correctly, as well as places like Plimoth, Williamsburg, and the like, to get a handle on how to actually take on the project and succed. This last bit of advice is probably the most important in my estimation.

6. If they need someone with credentials to initially get grants, then they should find a person with them interested in the project - there are probably dreamers out there with the appropriate alphabet soup willing to help them - of course, they would have to be open to their adivce if they wanted such a persons help.

For what it is worth...

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And if you run it like a renfair it might work because renfairs are there to entertain people not to educate people. That is not to say that you can't do both but most renfairs give little more then lipservice to education. If you were able to get enough volunteers to just open it for four weekends a year and handle 1,000 visitors a weekend then sure you can use that model. But you will spend years just trying to get people to come and they will want a renfair themepark style weekend. Find a nearby historical site with interpretation and call them and find out about their budget and how many people visit a year and whether or not they get funding from any government entities.

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Our renfair does not even do a good job of entertaining people. Most go there just because it is something to do. They spend a ridiculous amount to get into a place and then do almost nothing but walk around in a circle. They buy very little. To give you an idea of what I am referring to, simply go to the mall and sit on a bench. That's a good example of what it looks like. People just end up milling around not caring where they are or what they are doing. Of course most of the people at the mall actually have a purpose: shopping.

The fair here has been going down hill steadily year after year. Heck, if they stopped selling beer and wine, the attendance would drop off dramatically. Offerring these people something different seems a good move in my mind.

As for having them visit nearby historical interpretation sites, they have.

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And when it is new and exciting I don't think there will be as many problems as once that wears off. If you want to appeal to tourism you've got to have something to draw people in and just having a "medieval" castle which is unlikely to get funding for anyways won't be enough. Now if you did something like a Viking villiage or something that people can identify with and fits with the general regional characteristics, then you would atleast start with a hook of some sort.

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Their project does not contain a castle only. It encompasses an entire village. The castle is only one component. Viking village? How can people more readily identify with that than a medieval one? General regional characteristics? How does someone who doesn't live here know enough about the area in question to say what would best fit it?

If by hook you are referring to the ancestry of the people, let me say that there are just as many people of German descent as there are of Scandinavian.

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I think if you looked at what such sites survive on it is not traditional tourism. They survive on regional population visiting and on school visits. If you don't have a strong regional population you don't get those things. As for the east coast, I specifically said "best suited" for the east coast and I specifically gave an example in your region that had much better placement because it has more population to support it. Take Texas for instance. I would never put such a project in west Texas because that moves it away from the population centers. If I were to do such a thing it could be in the triangle formed by Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. The actual county it would be in would be rather low population density but it would be within a two hour drive of the plurality if not majority of the population of the state.

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There is enough regional population for a project like this to survive. However, not on the scale that is currently being planned I will grant you. But, provided they start small and work towards something larger, it can be successful.

Woodcrafter,

They are specifically looking to do late 15th century.

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It looks to be something that can be created without compromise, and would be realistically achievable with backing - or without, with a determined, volunteer crew and some land.

I concur heartily with your idea regarding finding an extant small castle or strong house, or at the very least copying a small portion of a larger one in a more realistic arrangement. Nothing looks more fake to the eye than a 'castle' that does not follow or use the natural advantage of terrain.

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Originally posted by Erik D. Schmid:
Their project does not contain a castle only. It encompasses an entire village. The castle is only one component. Viking village? How can people more readily identify with that than a medieval one?

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That is a good question. As a general rule Americans don't know European history and especially medieval history. There are a few little tid bits Americans atleast know existed. Vikings, Crusades and Columbus. They may not have a clue about the realities of them but they have a clue what they are. Most Americans probably don't know where Luxembourg is, let alone anything about it. These sorts of things may seem picky or unimportant but the long term goal is to get people to come and they are more willing to come to something they can identify then something that is nondescript.

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General regional characteristics? How does someone who doesn't live here know enough about the area in question to say what would best fit it?

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Religion, cultural identification things like this. Things that create an attachment between your audience and what your doing. As to if someone who does not live in a region can tell what will best fit, there are several schools of thought on such a question. Some would say that an outsider would be detached and not blinded by his own perceptions of his regions over the realities. Some would say an outsider can never understand the intricacies of a place and therefore don't have a good idea of the place. Personally I'm neither insider nor outsider.

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If by hook you are referring to the ancestry of the people, let me say that there are just as many people of German descent as there are of Scandinavian.

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The real ancestry of the people is irrelevant. What is important is percieved cultural ancestry or more importantly a what large cultural groups have an active interest in their ancestry. And that is not just because it can be a hook but because it can be a revenue and advertising stream. Individuals and groups who have an interest in cultural heritage can be great friends to have because they can be an almost instant network of people who have an interest in your project.

Do you have to do these sorts of things to be successfull? Probably not, but the more things you put in your favor from the begining the greater chance a project has of succeeding.

True very few castles were built perfectly square, they rambled. But they also were built beside lakes and in forests where the hunting was good...

By the 14th century, some castles were used by the crown as jails, hell they even used ships as jails during the peasants revolt.

However by the 15th century many castles in England were either residences of lords or in control by the crown. An out of the way border defence would not be a dream castle.

So really they don't need a castle, they need a small border tower, tower house, Pele, lump of square or round structure in stone... to be accurate. What they seem to want is World of Warcraft part of a castle.

Every castle started with one tower... so can they if they wish to do it right. But it would not have a Duke style entrance way with multiple gates, murder holes, porticullises. Which to my mind's eye would look ludicrous on a single tower. A motte and bailey is a 'hall' turned on its end and called a tower, placed up on a mound and the service buildings placed in a walled enclosure at its base. Later this could be remade in stone. Later they forgo the mound and just build from scratch in stone.

However every castle is unique. Some of the features are similar, but a castle was generally built to suit the site. A castle consists of a 'hall' (Great Tower [not keep]) for the living space of the owner and his loyal retainers. So a space 20 x 30 feet, which is armoured with 10 foot thick walls of rubble faced with stone on the outside, plastered on the inside. A kitchen can be included, or built outside the hall. Other service buildings are needed for a fortified military residence, like stables, food storage, smithy for the horses, brew house, etc. These would then have to be protected by a perimeter wall also in stone. The actual layout and shape of buildings will be dictated by the land, fashion and personal preference of the owner. Many great towers were about 90 x 90 x 90 feet tall. As romantic as heartburn. They were a tool used to dominate the local country side.

Religion played a large part, so where are they building the accompanying monastry, or church which was built nearby for protection and service to the local village? Or are they not interested in accuracy?

I must imagine their funds will either afford a castle, or a village, not both. However if they do a square tower (or round) 40 x 40 x 60 feet tall, as a border tower, then they could afford some sort of village buildings including a church in wood.

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If they are trying to be historically accurate as Erik said, then they need to do a lot more castle research to start with. As a long time castle freak who has visited about 200 sites, I certainly don't see their planned "castle" as acceptable.

I agree with what was said above about them using a real castle to base their reconstruction on. Nothing beats the real thing! Such plans can be found on the web, but even better would be archaeology and history journals.

I'm sure it can be done, but not with a one off sponsorship. I would think that doing it in stages may be more realistic.

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Originally posted by BR_AMAHS:
I have over 13 years of experience with historical societies and living history, on both the management and re-enactment ends of the spectrum. In no way does this make me all-knowing or qualified to accomplish this project. What it has given me is a wide-ranging understanding of the many facets of running a business, conducting educational living history events, and the many pitfalls of this type of endeavor. I have been researching medieval history for twenty years now and what it has taught me is that experts rarely are, and ego seems to rule the better judgement of many, both in a historical sense and in that of the modern academicians purporting their often limited and biased research as fact.

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Mind posting a brief Vita?

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Comments with regards to our members-only newsletter should be from members directed towards the board of directors.

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I have asked questions and have given suggestions. The questions were met with varying answers depending on the board member and the suggestions were responded to in a somewhat snotty fashion. Your brother seemed to take it as a personal insult that his castle design was questioned.

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I have been researching medieval history for twenty years now and what it has taught me is that experts rarely are, and ego seems to rule the better judgement of many, both in a historical sense and in that of the modern academicians purporting their often limited and biased research as fact.

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What experts are you referring to? Could you name them for us? What about the modern academics? Who are they?

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If anyone is truly interested in our project as an educational and historical enterprise with a sound foundation in economic pragmatism, then they should attend one of our meetings, get to know us and find out what we are really about.

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I did attend your last meeting and to be honest I was not that impressed. I'm sorry if that isn't the type of response you were looking for. You state that this project has been in the works for three years. In that amount of time you would think that you would have more to show for yourselves, but your meeting seemed very disorganized.

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Since none of you really have any understanding of who we are and what we are doing, let alone how we are going to accomplish it, I suggest you do some research about us and then your comments will be received a little more openly.

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Where can one do research on you other than coming to one of your meetings or by e-mailing you? I looked over your by-laws and they need some work. As far as I know, you can't have a permanent board position.

For what it's worth, I did do some research on you by takin gto one of your board members. Every time I spoke with him I got a different story.