Quote:
Originally Posted by OtinG
Well I respectfully disagree. The methods and craftsmanship used by masons centuries ago has been supplanted by modern methods. After a long period of time, you lose that craftsmanship since it is no longer being practiced. We might know and understand how the stone masons did their work 850 years ago, but that is a far cry from being highly experienced in those long gone methods
|
This is just plain wrong, Otin. All the great mediaeval cathedrals of Europe have permanent teams of stonemasons who maintain and repair the structure of the building. Their craftsmanship has been handed down in an unbroken line from one generation to another over the centuries. This skill was well illustrated by the repairs made to York Minster (one of the finest cathedrals in England) when a devastating fire destroyed a large part of the roof when it was struck by lightning in 1984. The skills required to repair and rebuild mediaeval buildings are alive and well.
Some pictures from the York Fire:
Visit York Minster today and you wouldn't know there'd been a fire.