Merry Medieval Fun!

Once the last of the paper and tissue were cleared from under the tree and everyone was in need of a break from candy canes, we returned to some of our lessons. This was the perfect time to bring out the Trebuchet Kit we had been keeping for use during our study of the Medieval Period. This was the moment that Spencer had been waiting for, the practical application of all his acquired historical knowledge.

He and the appointed assistant (Daddy) broke out the glue, a few common tools and got down to business. They assembled and built this kit over two days. Not that it was very difficult but they were giving the glue plenty of time to set in anticipation of the uses to which this weapon would be put.

During history lessons we had covered "The Art of the Catapult" so Spencer was well versed in the history of siege weapons, their design, weaknesses, and use. While the glue was setting overnight, the family gathered for a viewing of the NOVA special "Medieval Siege." This is a great documentary concerning Edward's attack on Sterling Castle and the attempts of a team of engineers, carpenters and historians to recreate Edward's terrifying "War Wolf." Gripping film making; especially if you are a young lad attracted to knights and weapons.

The next day the treb was completed and ready for test firing. We used handfuls of coins to fill the basket for counterweight and started with the included (albeit dried out) clay. The clay flew beautifully across the dining table at the wall (to choruses of "Fire In The Hole" and "Release"). We then moved on to flinging the rocks and cannon balls from our Fisher Price knight set (these are slightly bigger and heavier than a ping pong ball). Experiments pertaining to distance and aim were carried out against a rather menacing cardboard box. For future reference: the coins work perfectly as a counterweight due to the ease in adding and subtracting weight.

Once Spencer was done attacking Clemmie, they took aim at Daddy. Winston and Mummy stayed well away. I have no desire to be besieged and Winston would retaliate in a Godzilla like fashion. (Both destructive and, more appallingly, historically inaccurate.)

Finally, Spencer decided to set up more realistic games and the treb helped the English win a decisive battle over the Scots or perhaps those blue Papo guys were the French..

This ranked very high on Spencer's fun scale and there was plenty of learning snuck in as well (I don't think he noticed though)! This siege machine is still working, in one piece after some hard play...no, I mean work, punishing battle type work. Serious business laying siege to one's enemy.

This is a wonderful and sturdy yet simple kit that I highly recommend. The perfect hands on project for history class.

If you are curious, here are some links to the items we used in our recreations and studies. All are highly recommended and get two thumbs up from the faculty and students.