Lost Builders of the Middle Ages | Skilled Craftsmen of Hereford

🔗 LINKS 👇

Hereford Cathedral
https://www.herefordcathedral.org

All Saints Church
https://westherefordteam.org.uk/allsaints

London Warming and Ventilating Co
https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/London_Warming_and_Ventilating_Co

Kilpeck Church of St Mary and St David
https://kilpeckchurch.org.uk

Kilpeck Castle
https://www.castlewales.com/kilpeck.html

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Skilled Craftsmen Of Hereford

The Skill Builder team heads to Herefordshire to see the incredible buildings near the Welsh border, focusing on the often overlooked, but skilled craftsmen who built these structures. While famous architects like Sir Christopher Wren are credited with designs, the labourers remain forgotten.

Highlights include the tomb of Sir Richard Pembridge, a knight from the Battle of Crécy, crafted in alabaster, and the intricate carvings found in local churches. Roger also visits the SAS memorial in Hereford, honouring fallen soldiers.

Challenges in modernising historical buildings are discussed, particularly regarding preserving their integrity while adding modern amenities like electrical wiring. We examine old heating systems used in churches, such as gas-fired heaters, which were often inefficient in large, cold interiors.

Medieval carvings and stained glass windows told stories to illiterate populations. A notable example is the carvings at Kilpeck Church, where religious and mythical themes are intricately depicted, including a traditional fertility symbol, the Sheela na gig.

The influence of Norman architecture is discussed, showing how they introduced ambitious designs and skilled craftsmen after the Norman conquest. The stonemason’s yard visit demonstrates how modern masons continue the legacy, using traditional tools and techniques to maintain these ancient structures.

Hereford, A Historic City

Situated in western England near the border with Wales, Hereford has roots that reach back to early medieval times, gaining prominence during the Middle Ages as a center of political, religious, and economic importance. The city’s recorded history begins with its founding as a Saxon settlement in the 7th century, with its strategic location along the River Wye making it a valuable defensive and trading hub. By the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066, Hereford was already an established urban center with a cathedral, symbolising its growing status.

In the early Middle Ages, Hereford was fortified, especially as skirmishes with Welsh kingdoms were frequent due to its proximity to the border. The construction of Hereford Castle in the 12th century by the Normans skilled craftsmen further solidified its role as a defensive stronghold. The castle became a key site for royal and military gatherings, reflecting the city’s importance in managing the border with Wales, where tensions often ran high.

The cathedral, first built in the 7th century, underwent significant reconstruction by skilled craftsmen in 1079 under Bishop Robert de Losinga. The resulting Romanesque structure, much of which still stands, became a focal point for the community, embodying both religious authority and architectural grandeur. The Hereford Cathedral also houses the Mappa Mundi, a medieval map of the known world created around 1300, reflecting Hereford’s importance as a scholarly and religious site during this period.

Economically, the Middle Ages saw Hereford thrive as an agricultural center, with markets that attracted traders from the surrounding countryside. Its wool and cattle industries helped sustain the city’s growth, allowing it to become one of the primary market towns in the region.

By the end of the Middle Ages, Hereford had firmly established itself as a significant city on the Welsh border. Thanks to those skilled craftsmen, Its medieval fortifications, cathedral, and market traditions set the foundation for a community that would continue to grow and evolve, shaping Hereford into a city known for its heritage and resilience.

 

Skilled Craftsmen Of Henry VIII’s Time

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📖 CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome to Hereford
00:53 Hereford Cathedral
01:16 Sir Richard Pembridge
02:35 Special Air Service
02:55 Retrofit
04:05 Super Stove
05:48 The Stanbury Chapel
07:38 Man of God
09:18 Stonemasons
10:45 All Saints Church
14:34 Kilpeck Church
20:44 Kilpeck Castle