New Framing Projects

Siege Machines, Tower of London

This fantastic project came to us through an old friend who had been asked to arrange the supply of some working siege machines for the Tower. The designs are based on various manuscript illustrations from the 12th - 14th centuries and we have made them as authentic as we can by hand finishing (and in some cases hand hewing) all the timbers.

There are two perriers (hand operated rock throwers) and one springald (torsion powered bolt shooter).

The woodwork for the two perriers then had the metalwork fitted by Graham Chaplin of Ironoak Forge and the perrier was fitted out by Bodger Hodgson who was daring enough to wind it all up to 1,600lbs of torsion!

Once completed we had some great fun in one of the fields adjacent to our 'shop where we tested the larger perrier with flint boulders and even before adjustments a four man crew could gain 60 metres. The springald had a couple of hiccups to start with but once completed they were off to site with a tight deadline for assembly; the smaller perrier had to be assembled and positioned on the south wall in less than an hour! Suffice to say all went fine and now they are all on site the larger perrier and the springald are used during the school holidays by visitors to the Tower, for times check the Historic Royal Palaces website.


An ITV London report on the machines

By appointment to His Majesty King Edward III, makers of the finest siege machines since 1294

Siege Machines Image Gallery

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