Medieval reconstruction, Kirk?

[AndyP]

Spotted this in the cloisters of a medieval abbey in St Pierre sur Dives. Immediately thought it might be right up Kirk’s street.



Happy to go back to take more detailed images if you fancy having a go Kirk.

No mention what wood was used sadly.

The abbey itself is reputed to be the finest intact example of a medieval abbey in Normandy. That cart was made to commemorate the Abbeys millennial.

 

[Cabinetman]

Always love looking at ancient woodwork in Churches etc, suspect he will make the side rails a little longer next time. Is that a drawbore peg on the curved stanchion to the left? Must have used loose tenons?
Doh, just realised that the length of wood laid on the bed is for attaching to the drawbar, for people to pull, was it used for coffins?

 

[AndyP]

was it used for coffins?

I believe it was Ian.

 

[kirkpoore1]

Sorry, Andy, I didn't see this until now. It's a cool looking wagon. Clearly only for light duty church work, because those crosses would knocked off in no time flat if it were out in the fields much.

if there's anything original on the wagon it's the body and maybe the axles. I strongly suspect the wheels are pretty recent. All-wood spoked wagon wheels are a specialty that few woodworkers have the time, equipment, or desire to take on. Certainly a medieval abbey would have been able to afford spoked wheels, but that's no longer the case. Regardless, the wagon certainly meets expectations and adds to the atmosphere.

I have made a couple of spoked cart wheels. Let's just say I'm happy with the results but I understand why these were done by specialists.



Kirk