Concept
We’re building a castle! However, it shouldn’t be a simple replica that’s just good for looking at. The castle is to be built using the same means that were available to the builders around the year 1000. Important aspects are the preservation and expansion of knowledge of medieval building techniques. The construction period is significantly shorter (approx. 15 years) than, for example. B. Guédelon in France is planned. As soon as the first buildings are completed, the facility can be used as an open-air museum. School classes can already visit the castle complex that is being built and learn a lot about medieval life first hand. The focus should be on active participation. After the construction hut is completed, blacksmithing, pottery or bow-making workshops can be offered.
Since there are similar projects in Europe, the construction of a castle complex of this type also has a European dimension. An exchange with e.g. B. Guédelon, Friesach, Campus Galli, Kanzach, Lauresham, Bärnau, and Lütjenburg makes sense and is almost mandatory. The integration into this network shows that the project is also of national importance. Many years of experience in experimental archeology can thus be viewed and deepened from a new perspective. A project in this form is a great enrichment for the museum landscape in the Wetterau and Hesse.
The system can be operated all year round. The challenges of medieval life that arise throughout the year are examined. The area remains open to visitors and visitor groups all year round. In order to maintain the buildings that have been constructed, they can be given to members of the development association, who act as “tenants” to ensure the revitalization of the facility and at the same time ensure its preservation. However, this always happens in coordination with the scientific management.
Background – “History”
This project aims to investigate the creation of the castle of a lower noble lord/knight around the year 1000. This is not a reconstruction of a historically documented castle. The aim is rather to build an ideal complex of buildings that are used for this time and our area.
We first begin with the reconstruction of the court riding of a rich landowner/knight. A longhouse with stables, a hay and grain store, a herb garden, an arable area, a bakery, a bee house and a simple blacksmith shop will be built in this first construction phase. First, a construction hut is required in which the individual components can be manufactured. After the completion of the rural buildings mentioned, we imagine an increased need for protection, e.g. B. an external threat. The outer palisade, mound and motte are constructed. A palace, a chapel, a fountain and a pottery workshop are then built and the construction hut is expanded into a wood workshop and the blacksmith shop is enlarged.
The Area/ Terrain
The required land area is approx. 10,000m². In addition to the actual castle grounds, there should be additional space that can be used for short periods of time. This area can provide parking spaces or be used as a warehouse and market area for medieval events. In addition to the actual castle complex, an entrance building will be built. The building serves as an entrance and houses the sanitary facilities. Water and electricity supplies are provided via the building. In principle, no power supply is required in the castle itself. The entire area is framed by hedges to create a suitable ambience.
Tower (Motte)
- Tower
- Hill
- Dig
- Wooden plank path
- Wooden bridge
- inner wooden palisade
Homestead/In front of the castle
- Stables with servants’ quarter
- Hay and grain storage
- Bakehouse
- Apiary
- Wood workshop
- The blacksmith shop/ Wrought
- Palas
- Spring
- External wooden palisade, dith, gate, bridge
- Chapel
- Potter
Modern Entrace
Knowledge transfer and events
Even though collecting knowledge about the construction and way of life in the Middle Ages is an important part of the project, the area of knowledge transfer is just as important.
This should take place using the following methods:
1. Open-air museum and exhibition
The open-air museum and exhibition appeal to visitors who are interested in the Middle Ages. The transfer of knowledge is implemented with the help of replicas, display boards and audio guides. The museum can be opened about a year after construction begins. The buildings to be visited are continually being expanded. After the first construction phase, visits are possible during normal opening hours.
2. Guided tours
Guided tours are an important part of the targeted transfer of knowledge. For groups of students, visits to the castle can become an integral part of history lessons. The educational staff will present topics at various locations and encourage people to participate. Tours for travel groups are designed purely as presentation and information tours. These tours can be booked through the Büdingen tourist office.
3. Medieval weekends
The “Middle Ages Weekend” is certainly a special way of imparting knowledge. Anyone interested can register at the construction site for a limited period of time (no longer than three days). Here you can get a short taste of life on a medieval construction site.
4. Lectures
After completion, lectures can be held in the entrance building on the progress made during construction and the knowledge gained during construction. The lectures can also take place on its premises in coordination with the Heuson Museum.
Summary
The castle is an excellent addition and extension to the Wetterau archeology and museum landscape. Experimental archeology always offers an exciting connection between the acquisition of scientific knowledge and the broad transfer of knowledge. School classes from the area can experience life in the Middle Ages to supplement history lessons. Families can take “trips to the Middle Ages” at any time without having to forego authenticity.
Medieval enthusiasts have the opportunity to get actively involved and deepen their knowledge in the process.