Wattle and Daub: Difference between revisions
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'''Wattle and Daub''' is a simple construction method in which a fence is constructed by twining flexible sticks between (non-flexible) posts, and then covering the fence in mud. Wattle fencing is constructed in the same manner, but generally leaves off the mud. |
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The name 'wattle' refers the flexible wooden sticks, not to a species of [[wood]], and 'daub' to the process of patting mud on the fence. The species of acacia in [[Australia]] called wattle got their name because settlers found them most suitable for use as wattles. (cf [http://www.aussie-info.com/identity/flora/wattle.php] [http://www.worldwidewattle.com/schools/name.php]) |
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The use of wattle and daub extended far beyond [[medieval]] [[Europe]], for instance the pre-[[Columbus|Columbian]] cultures of the [[America]]s. |
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== Wattle fences and Wattle and Daub houses in [[12th century|12th C]] [[Dublin]] == |
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===Posts=== |
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Some posts with fire hardened points, modern studies showed no anti-rotting benefit of this vertical posts- round, generally with bark still on, average spacing 15-30cm. Spacing is not bigger with bigger posts, but with a few very thin internal house walls it was smaller. Occasionally posts are paired, some could be repairs (unlikely - very awkward to insert), but many appear original, to strengthen weak points. |
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The ends of posts adazed to rough points |
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Posts extend 20-40cm below ground. But that may not be original reading (don't need to be that deep) - may have been weighted down by house roofs. They were hammered into position (not inserted in dug trenches). |
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===Wattles=== |
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The size was somewhat dependent on size of posts. |
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More lightweight walls - fences, walls as part of a double wall construction, used av 15-25mm diameter wattles. Heavy single house walls and other heavy uses, av 20-30mm. Thinner wattles required when posts closer together, or less gaps in weave required. |
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Wattles most likely derived from long term coppising, especially the thicker ones. |
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Woven behind every second post (i.e. in front, behind, in front, behind, etc) |
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In one wall lowest 3 strands (and probably top 3 on some houses) plaited together as woven to form a cornice. This known from other locations ([[16th century|16th C]] [[Flemish]], modern [[Ireland]]). The strip binds the ends together better, and was probably on a movable wall - more wear and tear. |
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Figure-eight shaped knots of wattle found - probably used to bind tops of more roughly made walls, joins in fences and for simple joints. (similar shown in ''Lutrell psalter fl63b'') Fibres are probably twisted as worked - prevents snapping. |
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In some cases Blackthorn was used as wattles in lower few rows of fences (not houses), possibly to deter vermin. [[Irish]] accounts ([[12th century|12th C]] story ''Aislnge Meic Conglinne'', [[8th century|8th C]] [[laws]]) mention crests of blackthorn on fences to deter [[animal]]s. |
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''References:'' |
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* Murry, Hilary, 1983, "Viking and Early Medieval Buildings in Dublin" (BAR, Oxford) ISBN: 0-86054-235-1 |
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==Other uses== |
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* Basicly NO other uses |
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==Links:== |
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* Poplar Cottage http://www.wealddown.co.uk/poplar-cottage-construction.htm - is a [[17th century|17th C]] [[cottage]] constructed using wattle and daub, and also has some nice wattle fencing - |
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http://www.wealddown.co.uk/poplar-cottage-gardens.htm |
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*Winkhurst Kitchens http://www.wealddown.co.uk/winkhurst-reconstruction-dismantling.htm - a 16th C [[Kitchen]] outbuilding was deconstructed and moved. Here is a rare chance to see a genuine 16th C wall being pulled to pieces, and the wattles underneath. |
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*wattle and daub in Wiltshire http://www.tonygraham.co.uk/house_repair/wattle_daub/WD.html - a masters thesis |
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*links to examples including the [[Shakespeare]] house http://ah.bfn.org/a/DCTNRY/h/half.html |
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*This site claims [[Roman]]s pre-fabricated wattle and daub walls - http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/frames.shtml?http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/MOLsite/exhibits/hslondon/construct/walls.htm |
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*pictures of escavations of a wattle fence from a Medieval German friary - http://home.bawue.de/%7Ewmwerner/essling/english/karmel04.html |
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[[category:architecture]] |
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Revision as of 23:56, 25 October 2007
hi mom
