Medieval Masons

Front Cover
Bloomsbury USA, 2000 - Architecture - 64 pages
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.

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About the author (2000)

Malcolm Hislop is an independent archaeological consultant with over 30 years' experience in the investigation and interpretation of historic buildings. He read history and archaeology at the University of Nottingham, where he developed a special interest in medieval buildings, and where he subsequently completed a PhD thesis based around the architectural works of the 14th-century master builder, John Lewyn of Durham. He writes regularly about medieval buildings for the academic journals, and has a particular curiosity about the process of design and construction in the Middle Ages. His publications include Medieval Masons (2000 and 2010) and John Lewyn of Durham: A Medieval Mason in Practice (2007).

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