New throwing arm for the worlds biggest trebuchet

As well as being renowned for our oak frame homes we have a reputation for projects that demand an unusual depth of understanding of the use of timber in structures. Of course this understanding is not new, it’s been around for hundreds if not thousands of years but alas has been largely lost in recent history. However when the Tussauds Group wanted to build the worlds biggest war machine at Warwick Castle it was obvious that they would turn to Carpenter Oak & Woodland.

Contacts

Andy Parker
Hall Farm
Thickwood Lane
Colerne, Chippenham
Wiltshire
SN14 8BE
United Kingdom

Tel: 01225 743089
E-mail Andy Parker

Tim Burrell
Hall Farm
Thickwood Lane
Colerne, Chippenham
Wiltshire
SN14 8BE
United Kingdom

Tel: 01225 743089
E-mail Tim Burrell

06 February 2008 ·

Since its erection in the summer of 2005 the Warwick Castle trebuchet has been fired twice a day (close to 2000 throws) and the twelve metre throwing arm is now reaching the end of its serviceable life. As with the original arm its replacement will be manufactured from two lengths of ash jointed together with a ‘chequer board’ housing around the main and basket axles and bound together with hand forged steel bands.

The worlds biggest trebuchet in action

The arm members will be cut from 14m ash logs from two trees approx 110 year old and will weigh nearly 1.8 tons! We expect the 12m lengths of ash to arrive in our Wiltshire yard in the next couple of days. Here they will be cut, shaped and jointed prior to transportation to site.

The hand forged steel bands being fitted to the original arm

The trebuchet itself is located on an island within the castle grounds which is inaccessible by crane, as such all dismantling and reassembly work will be done by hand. Don’t forget to eat your shredded wheat boys!

Arm assembly The original arm being assembled on site and below being hoisted into position

Hoisting the arm