How will the project be realised and who can actively participate and contribute? In our project, we will use the methods and means of the 11th century to create a settlement history with the final construction of a tower mound castle (motte). Of course, this also means that we want to make our own tools and working materials. These would be hammers, axes, hatchets, ropes … but also furnishings such as tables, benches and chairs: Tables, benches and chairs. The BAU working group includes everything that needs to be made or built.

Over the past few months, a team led by the 1st Chairman has carried out very thorough research into the number, type, construction method and location of the buildings to be erected and drawn up a development plan for our future site. This includes a chicken coop, granary, longhouse, well and the actual tower hill castle – the motte. So for every building, no matter how small, we always have to look for excavations or findings. This also applies to every tool that is made. Then contact must be sought and made with archaeologists and excavation companies in order to obtain plans and records. This is also ‘building a castle’ and we are always looking for supporters and helpers.

AG Bau also means testing historical building styles with historical building techniques. To know what these buildings looked like in our neighbourhood? Were the roofs thatched or covered with wooden shingles? What techniques were used in timber construction and what tools were used?

The history park in Bärnau-Tachov, which we visit at least once a year with our members, is a great support for our working group.
Building a tower model also helps us to try things out. Among other things, we were able to test how we construct the castle’s battlements.
The first work with cleavers and axes is planned for 2025. We would also like to test the tools made by our blacksmiths and make a few wooden spades for the plants working group, tables, chairs and a first beam. It is the close co-operation with the other working groups that makes our project so special.

It doesn’t matter what professional background you come from, try it out and discover your new talents with us!