Stone Masons

Masons in Medieval England were responsible for building some of England’s most famous buildings.

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Masons were highly skilled craftsmen and their trade was most frequently used in the building of castles, churches and cathedrals.

a medieval stone mason at work dark fantasy

They worked in stone, creating blocks that could be used to create walls or carving out new shapes such as columns and archways to create doorways and windows.

One of the most important types of masonry was Gothic, which saw the creation of thousands of churches all over Europe and beyond, some of which are still standing today like York Minster and Notre-Dame in France.


york minster cathedral dark fantasy

What are Masons?

Medieval masons were skilled craftsmen responsible for building some of the most iconic buildings in medieval England. They were often paid well for their work, but had to pay higher taxes than other tradesmen.

Mason guilds would decide where each mason would work and what they would build. The tools used by medieval masons are similar to those used today and include hammers, chisels, squares, levels and plumb bobs.


a medieval stone mason at work dark fantasy2

History of Stone Masonry

Stone masonry is an ancient craft dating back to the Egyptian era. The term ‘stone mason’ was coined during the medieval period, when stone buildings became more common in Europe.

In medieval England, stone masons built some of the most famous English buildings, such as cathedrals and castles.

They were skilled craftsmen that worked with stone to create some of the most iconic structures in history. Their skills were highly valued and they could sometimes charge up to 20 pounds for their work.


a medieval stone mason building the foundations

Facts About Medieval Masonry

Masonry is a difficult and skilled trade, requiring precision, accuracy and an eye for detail. It is not a job for the faint-hearted!

Medieval masons were highly skilled craftsmen who undertook some of the most challenging projects in building; this included castles, cathedrals and churches. They were paid on a piece work basis which was dependent on the quality of their work. Their tools include hammers, chisels, saws and trowels.

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Famous Medieval Masons

Masons in Medieval England were responsible for building some of England’s most famous buildings. Masons were highly skilled craftsmen and their trade was most frequently used in the building of castles, churches and cathedrals.

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There are many famous medieval masons that have left their mark on English architecture – such as Henry de Reyns, who built the King’s College Chapel at Cambridge University, or Nicholas Stone who designed the facade of Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London.


Saint Pauls Cathedral in London dark fantasy

In the quiet echoes of time, the legacy of medieval stone masons lives on in England’s majestic structures. Their artistry and precision, etched in every stone, stand as a testament to a bygone era’s craftsmanship, leaving an indelible mark on our architectural heritage.