CONWY CASTLE, A stonemasons commentary (Mike Haduck)

This video I fly to England and visit Conwy castle in Wales, I get to talk with the stone masons that are restoring it.
my other channel • Conwy Castle “How I go...
tomassetti stone video • Limestone caps, carvin...

[@TheCwpan]

Im a part of this amazing conservation team, started day 1 and I'm here till the end. I do the lime mortar mix which is 1.5 buckets of sharp sand 1 bucket of standard sand and a bucket of natural hydraulic lime 3.5 and 5.0 for the very top of the castle. Great video glad i found it. I also showed the lads and our site manager very impressed. Phase 2 next year, the opposite side to current work.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mr Welsh, I think that every Mason should study this castle. Here in the USA lime mortar is almost forgotten, your guys are the best, and I am sure this video will grow in popularity, That castle is the real thing, we don’t have anything like that here in the USA, thanks for all your great work, the world appreciates it, I hope to visit it someday again, thanks Mike

[@timdarmetko4039]

was awesome to learn from you guys in wales ... My wife is from South Wales

[@lizzapaolia959]

Thank you for sharing this outstanding video of yours. Idk how we missed viewing this 🤔. My husband and I enjoyed the history of this awesome castle. God bless 🙏

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks lizza, God bless, Mike

[@mattiashallberg6326]

Love the talk with the workers. Great to hear from the people working on site.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Mattias, yea they were some kool dudes, very helpful, thanks mike

[@michaelflanders8774]

Is it me or did the first one subtly flip him off when he said he was from America?

[@mikeflynn4373]

My part of the world Mike. Edward 1st 'Longshanks' built a number of castle's to subjugate the Northern Welsh...the first being at Flint my home town...then Conway about 30 miles away....Caernarvon, Beaumaris and Harlech. I have many fond memories of building in and around Conway/Deganwy. Hope you went around Plas Mawr while you were in Conway...lovely old house right in the heart of town. Look forward to the coming vids.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Mike, I remember going by Flint on the train and am almost sure I seen the castle from there, I wish I had time to visit them all, it is a big deal for us from the usa to see those things, I did do Plas Mawr, it is on my other channel, I would need a couple months to see it all, Thanks Mike, I appreciate it. mike

[@mikeflynn4373]

Yes Mike you can see the castle from the train as you pass through town...glad you went around Plas Mawr...i'll check the vid out.

[@dasvelo3758]

Mike as a kid I spent school holidays climbing all over this castle. If you are still local find the Roman steps near Harlech castle right up your street. Enjoy the rest of your trip. If you want a brew (tea) look me up

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Das, been back over a week, but I appreciate the offer, wish I could have spent more time there, thanks mike

[@mervyndavies2250]

Another interesting video Mike as a bricklayer in the Conwy area for many years this was of particular interest. Thanks.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Mervyn, you guys been doing this hundreds of years before we were a country, It is a big deal for us to see a real Mid Evil castle, it is my favorite,,, Great place to visit , and learn from. thanks, mike

[@SirArghPirate]

I've never laid a brick, but I really enjoy your videos!

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Sir, I appreciate it. mike

[@Reziac]

I've only done a little drystone repair (retaining wall that was falling down) but I was thinking of one of your repair vids while I worked! Love seeing how these castles were built. And the music got the toes a-tappin'.

[@BlankBrain]

Those spiral staircases are something else! I built a partial spiral following your examples, and it's a lot harder than it looks. When they built those steps, they didn't have cardboard either. Thanks so much for your videos!

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Blank, I only worked on one house like that and they had a guy from Russia do it, quite amazing, thanks mike

[@HeritageStoneworks2]

Awesome video Mike. Love how you explain everything so well and basic. I learn every time I watch you!!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks heritage, I appreciate it Mike

[@nickdfx2208]

Thanks Mike! Another great video! Youre the best! Ive done my whole yard/pool patio area based on your tutorials. Almost finished. Thanks so much!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Nick, I appreciate hearing that, these kind of comments keep me moving on

[@colroulette9337]

This was great thanks for your work and time on this video Mike.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks col, I appreciate it. mike

[@catcook3324]

What a fantastic place-- and right next to the salt water! Love the rough stone walls as opposed to the cut stone. Nice music too. Thanks, Mike!

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Cat, I appreciate it. mike

[@FireplacesRock]

Wow! Thank You for sharing Mike, Great trip!

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Jaime, I appreciate it. mike

[@vrdrew63]

Love your channel, Mike.
There is something truly inspiring about watching and listening to a real professional talk about his/her craft.
I've seen a few of Mike's videos, and it is now amazing, to me, to walk around a town and look at the buildings, the walls, etc. and see them with "new eyes." Some people put up a stone or brick building fifty or hundred years ago and didn't put in a proper water table? You can see it. (If they tried it three hundred years ago, the building has probably already fallen down.)
I'll probably never do any masonry work myself. But when I look at a property to purchase, or simply look at as a tourist, I go in with eyes that are the beneficiary of a true professional's training and experience.
Thanks, Mike.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Drew, for the kind words, I appreciate it. mike

[@suecox2308]

Fascinating video--great information.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Sue, I appreciate it. mike

[@simclardy5281]

Mike, fantastic work. I love how you jump in with the guys working. educating and showcasing different masonry/construction work is a nice way of preserving the old techniques and skills.
Cheers

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Si, I appreciate it. mike

[@smasica]

Must be a real treat to go and tour those places. I always wanted to crawl around an old castle when I was a kid. It would be a blast to see it close up, examine it, and even feel the stone work. Glad you got to do it.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Tremolux, it was very interesting, you could almost feel it, thanks mike

[@Dawt_Calm]

Great video. The music was perfect, Mr Haduck. Thanks.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Mrdead, I appreciate it. mike

[@stephensprecker1509]

Thanks Mike. Very nice to see this stone. Hope you had a great visit. Steve.

[@MikeHaduck]

hi Stephen, yes , I am happy I went, I really wanted to visit a real mid evil castle, lucky me, thanks mike

[@area46241]

Another fantastic video Mike! Thanks for makin em

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks area, I appreciate it. mike

[@chrisamenta3560]

Amazing

[@Richard-qs8dn]

Yet another fantastic video by Mr Haduck.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Richard, I appreciate it. mike

[@rapidrestorationsllc2764]

Its unreal how old that castle is and how basic the construction was. Nowdays I think people tend to over complicate things. Very good video Mike! ( was wondering where you have been, now I know )

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Mike, very true, everything is over complicated today for sure, I appreciate it. mike

[@mjstecyk]

not complicated but not a lot of amenities either. cool videos mike!

[@alforliniteaching5670]

Right.

[@allthingsconsdrble]

“Castle” music perfect for the vid. Well done, sir.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks all things, I appreciate it, mike

[@Alement67]

only half way through the vid but had to comment and tell you *****5 stars Love the arches and fireplaces! Fix'n to try an arch myself if only for a entrance to the backyard trails.. Thank you

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Alement, I appreciate it. mike

[@MD-cd7em]

GREAT VIDEO..MIKE..THANKYOU !!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thank you M D, I appreciate it. mike

[@steelgrafix2646]

You did a great job with the music in this one. Interesting content as well.

[@MikeHaduck]

He Brent, I got out the old mandolin and made it up, nothing great, but I appreciate, thanks mike

[@heavyfeather6682]

Your instructional videos are great and i also like these videos where you go to all the ancient sites and look at the stonework and masonry its very interesting and it gives us a look at places that we would never be able to see

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks heavy, I appreciate it, Mike

[@mhallplumbing35]

Hi Mike I love watching your videos glad to see your in the UK I'm in Newcastle upon Tyne

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks President, I always loved the UK, I appreciate it. mike

[@PawnFischer]

I really enjoy these. Thanks Mike! Also great music

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks L.M. I appreciate it. mike

[@scrfirefighter]

Great video, and very nice vacation. Thanks for sharing...Now get back to work!

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Two legs, I appreciate it. mike

[@junedizzlerocks]

Thank you Mike for sharing your trip & Knowledge with us! As you would say “ No Big Deal” once again Thank you Sir!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Marvel, Mike

[@edswangren6479]

Love your channel Mike, don't stop

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Ed,, comments like this keep me going on , I appreciate it, mike

[@OutOfNamesToChoose]

Very interesting! I never knew about the use of animal fat with lime, but I suppose it makes sense. Nice view, too- thanks for sharing!

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Outofnames, I never heard that either, something new to me, thanks mike

[@sram993]

Another interesting video, as always! I hope you enjoyed your time over here and look forward to the next instalment of your tour of the UK.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks sram, it is a big deal for us over here to visit and see a real Mid Evil castle, great visit, I hope some day to return, thanks mike

[@mwrcrft]

Great info and history

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Matt, I appreciate it. mike

[@ouchensamr9153]

Thanks video Mike

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks ouchen, mike

[@johncroasmun4129]

thank u mike for sharing the wisdom of your trade with us

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks John, Mike

[@martinbeardmore2540]

Just stumbled on this one Mike 'Conwy' I've been there many times, lovely place only an hour or so from where I live in North Staffordshire,

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Martin, It’s a great place to visit, it’s the real thing, no buildings around Pennsylvania like that, thanks Mike

[@Mattmanhu]

Thanks for showing those books Mike. I'm always looking for that stuff and I never know what's good.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Matt, I tripped over the one quite some years ago and a subscriber turned me on to the other, I am happy they get passed along, thanks mike

[@willhapeman4648]

Well done! I was there in 1976, a lot changed, but the Castle still the same.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Will, was thinking about your stories when I was over there, thanks mike

[@timdarmetko4039]

my favorite video yet. I even have my wife ( from wales ) watching now too . :)

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Tim, tell her I really liked Wales, Mike

[@davewilson3897]

Nice Mike I like learning how they did things back then I really enjoy watching your videos and my dad if he was still here would too I helped him once when young we used to have to patch foundation every few years 1919 concrete from ct.used to hate it at time wish I could go back

[@myowndrummer3372]

230 thumbs up - 0 thumbs down, that is the highest ratio I've ever seen for a video.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Drummer, I hope it holds up,, mike

[@Illtakewhatsleft]

Great video !

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks, I appreciate it. mike

[@leeandrew2561]

Great video 👍

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Lee, I appreciate it Mike

[@peanut71968]

Thanks Mike, so interesting these castles/structures built as they were, last for hundreds and hundreds of years! Theses days your 30 year mortgage will outlast your house!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Shawn, I got to use that one, Mike

[@suep4530]

that was really interesting!! thanks for sharing something I would probably never get to see.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Sue, I was lucky for sure, mike

[@dan1strike]

Great view from the top of that tower. I've visited Elan Valley dams in wales. Quite a sight as well !!

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Daniel, I was something to see, and If I only had time I could have done a lot more exploring, thanks mike

[@peterrathbone179]

Great video, I have visited the castle over the years. Good to hear your take on it . Coming from Chester myself old Roman town not too far from where you visited. You probably would like it, sandstone everything 😁.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi peter, I wish I could have stayed and explored more, lots of history there, thanks mike

[@sailingdijan9128]

Hi Mike! Great video, very interesting. I didn’t even need to take a plane! lol. Thanks.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi John, thanks, well the weather is finally getting warmer up here, I bet you are getting ready, still plan to visit, thanks mike

[@glenpovey1297]

Thank you. Conwy is one of the few Welsh castles that I never got round to visiting. I think masons used a variety of mixtures to bond the stonework. Egg whites were often added to the lime mortar in medieval times to make it bond more firmly. I recall looking at the rolls for work done on Beaumaris Castle and was initially surprised by James of St. George's fixation with poultry.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Glen, I wish they had video cameras back then, lol thanks, Mike

[@mrb1864]

Hope you enjoyed Wales.
I really enjoyed the video .
The old way was the best way, stands the test of time .

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Mr B, It was something I wanted to see for a while, thanks mike

[@joelhunton7108]

I love the background music.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Joel, mike

[@davidbeckwith7598]

Love the Rope Handrail

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks David, me too, mike

[@hrxy1]

17 minutes your improving keep it up, langer the better as far as i m concerned, thums up. Am looking forward to carnavon and london, st pauls etc , remember longer the better.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks jrxy1, those videos are so hard to make thought, but I appreciate it. mike

[@InverJaze]

Nice, Mike.
Maybe you will get to see stirling castle and the wallace monument sometime.
Like the music too.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks inverlass, I just checked it out on the internet, those building would be something to see for sure, thanks mike

[@muricaman1161]

You're a national treasure Mike

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Murica, I fake it, but I appreciate the comment, thanks mike

[@tradingthefuturemarkets4403]

Ya he is !! Mikes the best !! 😊

[@vermilion3419]

mike i loved da video, i am gonna check out your other channel

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Vermilion, I appreciate it. mike

[@alohathaxted]

It would be great if you went to Newport RI and saw the Breakers. There is an out building called the Doll House and has an unusually smooth glassy brick with red mortar, that I have seen used in many of the Romanesque Revival libraries here in Connecticut.
I remember seeing catalogues from this era with all these ornamental masonry ready to order. You could have your own castle.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi alohath, I was actually stationed in newport 1973 and got to visit most of those mansions, quite impressive, never seen the catalogues thought, that would be quite interesting, thanks mike

[@banzy3]

I've visited Conwy a few times, it was interesting to see the chaps working on the restoration. These days I live in France, and the old stone houses here all use a lime mortar. I'm trying to learn a few tricks for when I come to repoint some of the mortar joints between the granite rock. Thanks for the video share, and great to see you using your own music - a man of many talents.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Gavin, I got a video comming out about that withing a month or so, I appreciate it, Mike

[@banzy3]

@@MikeHaduck That's perfect - I look forward to watching it! :)

[@leehotspur9679]

Hi Mike Really enjoy all your videos Do you notice that all castles the stairway always spirals to the Right the reason the attacker coming up the stair is disadvantaged & cannot swing his sword The defender above has the advantage being mostlly right handed to swing his weapon British castles last a long time as the lime mortar can breathe and drain the inner walls The biggest Enemy of castles is Gunpowder Thank you for sharing your Craft its facts & Science

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Lez, I just recently heard that, I know in the Middle East they would turn the entrance so that a rider on a horse couldn’t use his sword a certain way, thanks for the info always something new to learn I appreciate it, Mike

[@fergusontea]

Now THIS is my kind of tourism! You really get a feel for how these historic structures came to be.
I was at Fortress Louisbourg in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia one time, and was questioning a worker on his window glazing methods. Ha ha

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks mike, Mike

[@wolfy1987]

Had no idea you did music too. Very fine work!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Wolfy, Mike

[@hatzlmike1]

Beautiful

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mike, Mike

[@tangle70]

My wife and I went to Wales 4 years ago and took the same route you did. We did not stop at Conwy though. I wish we would have, that would have been nice to walk the wall.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Tom, yes it was nice, it still is one of my favorite sites, thanks, mike

[@VicsYard]

Awesome video Mike. That’s some fine rock work. Imagine the man hours!?!?!? Lol
Vic

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Vic, I was thinking the same thing, especially walking along the out side walls of town , amazing, thanks mike

[@tonyowen8349]

Hello mike i like the video you did a good job. I live on anglesey not to far from conway

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Tony, I had conwy on my list for a long time, great to have visited Wales, thanks, Mike

[@zpetar]

What majority of people don't know is that all that stone was covered with plaster when it was built. Inside and outside.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi zpetar, very true, thanks mike

[@franciscovieira7503]

I didnt know that. So the plaster fell off as time passed

[@thegreatecb]

Nice video.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks ecb, I appreciate it. mike

[@custardpie69]

It was fascinating to look inside the towers and see where the floor beams would have been... putting in new steps was a bloody good move

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks John, that castle for a stonemason like me was really something to see, thanks for the comment, Mike

[@davidschenburn3238]

I was wondering what hot lime was. I also didn't know that they parged the interiors of castles that way. Thanks Mike!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks David, Mike

[@doonhilla]

Wow, i was there with my wife also in April. Would of been amazing to see you there!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks England, it would have been fun, Thanks mike

[@lookingforsomething505]

I would love to see you make a video of Bishop's Castle in Colorado.

[@MikeHaduck]

It's the first time I heard of it, I will put it on my list, thanks mike

[@craig2493]

Thank you. The book called "Good Lives" (1967) by George R. Stewart dedicates one fascinating chapter to the family, friends, and times of King Edward. It was the same king (or his family) who built this castle. George R. Stewart was born in Sewickley, PA.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Craig, Mike

[@ishowyouapple]

Those guys were awesome! Real pros I wish you could check out Versailles and go around talking about how they did it

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks mg, mike

[@nationaltradesman1781]

Another interesting vid.. Dig the soundtrack.. like an gaelic overtone with slight folk-grass undertone? Haha

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Tradesman, I appreciate it. it was all I could come up, lol, mike

[@arkansas1336]

I like these old histories. Very nice old castle and I enjoyed seeing those cantilevered steps. This took an immense amount of labor to construction and to maintain, a forever job.
Who owns the castle and the wall surrounding the city?
Thanks for filming, editing and sharing the video.
....13

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi 13, I was a great visit, I think it is a historic site now , I do not know which gov part controls it, but glad I got to see it, thanks mike

[@owendavies5036]

Historic buildings in Wales are managed by an organisation called Cadw (pronounced 'Cah-doo'). It a Welsh word that means keep or protect. You can find out more about their work and lots of the other buildings of historic interest in Wales at www.cadw.gov.wales

[@larikipe940]

Excellent video, Mike. For those of you interested in Gothic architecture, one of the finest books I have discovered and which I highly recommend is:
French Gothic Architecture of the 12th and 13th Centuries by Jean Bony.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks lark, I looked it up on the internet, and put it on my list, good tip, thanks again, mike

[@larikipe940]

@@MikeHaduck You're welcome.

[@alforliniteaching5670]

Great, video . Yes, I heard of adding lard to lime ,but I have never seen a hot mix . It looks like your getting a good walk around that wall. Did you get a chance to play guitar with the locals ? Great song .

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Albert, I wish I could have played with them, thanks mike

[@Beezersh]

Great video. Love that you could talk shop with the masons and hear how they mix stuff. Sharp sand?

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Beezersh, yea I enjoyed that, sharp sand would be like a concrete sand, bigger than mason sand, thanks mike

[@Alasdair-Morrison]

­
­
You sure to pack in a lot of travelling Mike :)­
­
G'don Ya Mate.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Duke, yea I would have been in florida but my dad is a bit sick so I decided to just take short trips, filling in the winter time, thanks mike

[@staceynico]

just a little quiz Mike....why does the staircase rise in a clockwise direction?
Answer.... So that if the castle was under attack the soldiers inside would be able to use their swords right handed!
Great vids

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Stacyey, I never knew that, I appreciate it Mike

[@jeffreymcmillan7703]

Stacey, where did you learn that? I also never knew that. Military genius from the Middle Ages.

[@thegreatecb]

Visit Eltz castle next!

[@MikeHaduck]

hi ecb, some day I would love too, it is quite impressive for sure, thanks mike

[@NeilRobertTurner]

This was great ! I have been to Conway Castle a couple of times as a kid , good to see they are restoring it.I bet you had a hard time understanding their accents.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Neil, thanks enjoyed it, glad I went, the accents were a bit different but no worries, thanks mike

[@marcleblanc7021]

Mr Mike, what were these huge castles used for? Was it used like a fort for the Kings Military? I been in Chateau's in France, which you can tell was more like their home. I hope to get to England one day to see these castles. Also I can't wait to go back to Bavaria and tour that castle there

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi marcle, most were fortifications until gun powder came around, thanks Mike

[@staceypolhemus3088]

Hey Mike, I painted with some Portland recently. Do you find it kinda brushes off with shuffled feet? Did i mix it too weak?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Stacey, I would give it a week or so to harden , you can always just go over it, it is nothing more that a cover, I hope it helps, thanks mike

[@zaidhussain3658]

thanks mike beside being a mason you are an historian as well

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi zaid, I been thinking on going over there for a while and finally pulled the trigger, thanks mike

[@jondoh2226]

I am curious how much that old masonry work influences the new building practices in Europe. Do you know if they tend to use similar "new school" methods to the states or do you think it is more common to take an "old school" approach to new building projects?

[@MikeHaduck]

HI Jon, everything is going to concrete steel and stucco, a lot of that old school is too time consuming, just the way things go, thanks mike

[@budvar45]

Next time you're over here, take a visit to York..

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks budvar, I would like to, thanks mike

[@summersturdevant2146]

Great video mike , I learn so much from you , when you say you used mortar and Portland ; is that bagged mortar or do u mix your own mortar ? If so what is the mixture if u don’t mind sharing - thank you

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi summer, every job is different, and I show what I use for that certain job, in every area of the country iitS, different, and other Masons wouldn’t use what I use because of the weather where they live,, so it’s a hard question to answer, if it’s up-and-down i usually use S mortar and if it’s flat on the ground i usually use Portland, two sand one cement, But again it depends , but again it depends on What you’re doing, I hope it helps thanks Mike

[@tradingthefuturemarkets4403]

Mike Haduck Masonry , hey mike thank you so much for getting back to me on that , yes that’s exactly what I was thinking you used I use S mortar a lot and I buy my white Portland down in coatesville Pa so they use a lot of the products you use , I build my own pillars and small mason jobs but everything I know I learned from watching your videos .. I love your stone work and your masonry style , it’s very clean and you have a great eye for placing stones perfectly ! Your arches and fireplaces are incredible .. your a master at your craft and I’m so glad you shared your tips and how to videos .. it’s a dying art and you inspired me to learn it and love it !!

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Haunted, I appreciate it is that’s really your picture, you’re the best looking stonemason I know, LOL thanks Mike

[@tradingthefuturemarkets4403]

You just absolutely made my day ! Yes sir it is ! Just a good photo filter really lol but I VERY much loved to hear that ! Mixing concrete kept me in better shape these last few years ! Haha almost 40 now so I sure don’t hear that often ! Thank you mike , for the complement and all the time you spend answering our questions and sharing your invaluable knowledge on stone masonry , it’s hard to learn this stuff without getting hands on experience from a real mason :) so I just binge watch all of your videos , over n over !! I built my first birdbath , stone patio , fireplace , pillar and carved concrete wall mirroring your work and advice , if you ever have classes or in person training I’ll be the first one to sign up ! And love the music by the way ! Just another epic talent of yours !! 😊

[@jeffreymcmillan7703]

Mike, unlike the castle builders of 1700 years ago, we don't use a lot of arches. We use steel angle irons to carry the load across windows, doors, etc. But steel rusts and I've got dozens of steel angles to cut out and replace. Any thoughts or have you ever done a job like mine requiring new steel across brick spans.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Jeffery, It’s a shame but it’s the truth that all the steel rots away, and then they have to redo it over and over, I have taken Steel out, And I arched instead, And replaced steel in some places or even use the oak beams, so I guess the answer is it all the depends on the situation, , I hope it helps thanks Mike

[@jeffreymcmillan7703]

Thanks Mike. I'll let you know how it goes.

[@chrimony]

@10:38: What a great beard. Reminds me of the dwarves from Lord of the Rings.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks chrimony, I should have gotten his autograph, lol, thanks mike

[@roccoconte2960]

Where the hell did they get all that stone? Thats amazing!

[@MikeHaduck]

They took everything they could get, thanks mike

[@rosalee33]

I was having a hard time hearing one of the workers.. Did he say he just uses a Lime putty (no aggregate) and Lard to make it water repellent?
I'm currently researching looking for more information on traditional ways (no portland cement) to build water cisterns/bathhouses and curious about different methods around world.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Rose, I think he did, Mike

[@callmesnake3785]

Went up those steps loads of times as a kid. Coming back down them was always scary. I used to think how those soldiers used to do it in pitch dark without a guiderope. Until you try a spiral stone staircase like that its hard to understand

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Kessier, it is my favorite castle, thanks mike

[@FishFind3000]

You should go take a look at the old Polish castles.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Fish, I would love to look at them all, thank you, mike

[@myowndrummer3372]

Specifically Czocha castle in SW Poland. Now a hotel, but they will let you wander all parts including the hidden passageways.

[@seanmcguire7974]

Middle evil kings were smart by building walls around the towns too in stead of jist the castle. That way they could withstand a seige for prolly for ever. Especially this one had access to the sea. If you had a well of fresh water too like this, you were set. King Edward was a genius. He also built some of the best castles as well. Esp in Wales

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Sean Conwy is my favorite building in the whole world, thanks, mike

[@vtbn53]

Just to clarify, Portland cement is named such as it originated in Portland England, it is NOT a US "thing".
To be fair, it is named after a stone found on the Isle of Portland but the principle remains the same.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Percy, I agree, mike

[@powelllopez7078]

Okay mike I wanna go visit to

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Powell, great trip, Mike

[@powelllopez7078]

Mike could u come an get me

[@powelllopez7078]

I wanna see the message castle with u

[@powelllopez7078]

Medevil castle with u

[@powelllopez7078]

Think u can come get ur nephew

[@hatzlmike1]

Turns out concrete stonemason walls work amazing.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mike, my favorite piece of architecture, thanks, mike