Lost Builders of the Middle Ages | Craftsmen of Hereford

[@angelamurphy9472]

I love how you pay tribute to the actual craftsmen! Their art is the true legacy!!!

[@reencollett6835]

“The horny-handed sons of toil did the hard graft”…wonderful ! God bless them !

[@prayermanone]

Absolutely beautiful ancient construction artwork.

[@Davidbirdman101]

Greetings from the lost colony of America! I was a carpenter for 45 years and I can tell you that the carpentry skills of those days are unsurpassed in quality compare with today's world. I can't imagine any new home standing for hundreds of years. I'm Scots -Irish and very proud of my heritage, God bless great Britain and all the wonderful people of the British Isles.

[@MrJimtimslim]

Americans love to say they're Irish or Scottish 😅 Most of them are actually English You can tell by the language they speak

[@david9783]

I'm right there with you, brother. 45 years a carpenter, now 70, stil building. I stand in awe of the guys who were doing this work so long ago, with only the most basic of tools. Carpentry is extremely labor intensive, even WITH electricity, not to mention without it!

[@bogtrottername7001]

@@MrJimtimslim BUNK !

[@helenamcginty4920]

​@@bogtrottername70012 things. 1. English was imposed by need to trade etc. 2. Americans speak a version of English. Just like if an English northener goes south, even today, the locals find it hard to understand them. As for Scots, tv often has to use subtitles. 😅

[@ava.artemis]

Those churches and cathedrals blow my mind. I love your approach of talking about the people who actually were the craftsmen, and your common sense straightforward approach.

[@G6EJD]

Roger, another truly excellent documentary that could stand head and shoulders with any BBC, Channel 4 or 5 variant. The cinematography snd scene composition was excellent and of course the content excellent and so well presented. Thank you.

[@SkillBuilder]

Wow, thanks

[@declanjoyce8640]

Agreed, well said....

[@metaljasex]

​@@SkillBuilder I will 2nd those comments please consider more such videos. Far superior to any bbc stuff. Roger is an excellent presenter. Thank you for this work / film and great work Roger.

[@kier4931]

Totally agree. Roger’s insights are brilliant.

[@finch45lear]

What a fine presentation. I learned so much. Thank you.

[@Benehrethgir]

You're appreciation for the common working man is beautiful. Thank you for your contribution.

[@cakeofthepan2233]

It’s so good to see a documentary that concentrates on the things that you personally notice when you go to these places.

[@adrianglanvill9749]

I come from a family of Masons. This documentary is so special! Thank you.

[@johnfletcher9907]

About 6 or 7 years ago I was watching this guys videos daily on how to wire a thermostat or some other random stuff while renovating a house. Now randomly a vide pops up of him talking about my home town. Pretty cool, and I have to say as somebody already familiar with a lot of what’s covered in this video he has got the details spot on and clearly taken his time with the research. Very credible bloke clearly. Fantastic video.

[@luish777]

Awesome show this guy is a gem. Thank you from south Texas for posting .

[@harveysmith100]

Roger, as a time served bricklayer, I would just like to thank a plumber, (yes I know, un-heard of) for supporting my profession and the other masons, the stone masons. Bricklayers are much maligned these days but there are still thousands of us that can do the fine work you show. 99.9% of your viewers will live in a house built by one of my colleagues. We are important, even the 10 Downing St is build by one of us. (Flemish Bond for those that are interested.) Not sure why you chose Hereford but I am pleased you did.

[@Daibenswan]

These new "history series" are fascinating, thanks Roger!

[@NeilEngland-m5f]

I am absolutely with you on this one. I am heritage surveyor who came from the trades. I was an ornamental plasterer with 35 years of working on, and restoring ancient buildings I always studied the exposed with a view to imagining the trades and working out how it was done and the materials utilised. IT REALLY MATTERED. The stories I tell the interested are many. Now in my 70s I still practise. Sadly I have to state, the quality and care taken is - various, partly due to the lack of professional training of young enthusiastic trades. OK staggering off my soap box now :) Passion is the key.... I still have that.

[@jeremykemp3782]

I am born and bred Herefordian, and walk my dog round by the cathedral most days taking in the magnificent craftsmanship. The rest of Hereford Town has some real gems of quality builds including the recent Holmer bricks of the Victorian times. Bricks that will last a lifetime. The days when they built to a standard not a cost.

[@SkillBuilder]

I will investigate. It is always the way with these videos, we learn more afterwards and want to do a reshoot.

[@henrythompson6350]

These are absolutely brilliant. Thanks

[@SkillBuilder]

Glad you like them!

[@pitcull1046]

Well done Roger, highlighting the invisible builders. The hugely skilled, the talented, the persistent the strong backs, that built/build our world... Keep up the good work Roger.

[@AndrewLumsden]

Fabulous!👍👏 When I retired at the end of 2020, I set myself the goal of getting around all the cathedral cities in the UK. Not very many more to do.

[@SkillBuilder]

Have you been to Ely?

[@AndrewLumsden]

​@@SkillBuilder Yes indeed 👍❤️

[@davetaylor4741]

Some fantastic buildings and craftsmanship. Even back then there was no doubt a pecking order of trades. The stone carvers would have been highly regarded. I used to work on commercial shop rebuilds. We could spend months doing all the main structural work. Nobody cared, apart from hurry up. Then the shop fitters came in with cosmetic bling. The customers would go weak at the knees with how wonderful their work was. A few sheets of ply and a bit of moulding. I bet the guys laying thousands of stones for next to nothing called them some equivalent of glory boys. Our name for shop fitters. I always seek out religious buildings to look at the structures and the skill of the workers. One good legacy of the church being so rich.

[@LaurieValdez-zk3dy]

Thank you very much. Philadelphia USA 🇺🇸 Nostrovia

[@telwood15]

Like yourself I and many others are not religious but visit these places to marvel over the design and craftsmanship which give so much character to a town.

[@janinademetriou-warburton6427]

Love your films. History of Britain, history of materials and crafts. Thank you.

[@dufushead]

I've watched several of your videos in a row and enjoyed them. You have a great grasp of how everything fits together that is unique, probably because you're a builder rather than an academic. Your work is on a level with the best I've seen. Thank you so much.

[@harbourdogNL]

09:26 Oh, mate, that fence to your left!! Absolutely gorgeous! Those treenail pegs, I love how they haven't been cut flush with the rails. And the alternating heights and the act they aren't dead straight. Wow. That's a piece of sculpture.

[@andyskelton7223]

Yes clocked them myself as being a Fencer.

[@bogtrottername7001]

I'm in the Finger Lakes of New York State & I've saved pics of that fence in my "ideas" file !

[@jppalm3944]

Craftsmanship amazing. Always fascinating.

[@andyskelton7223]

A really great piece of story telling Roger bringing our Heritage to life only the way you can, can’t wait for the next episode. Who needs the BBC….

[@robertharris8912]

As a time served Bench Joiner, I can't help but marvel at the work displayed in cathedrals and old churches. Like yourself, Roger, I think of the logistics, the time spent crafting those timber and stone pieces and wish I had the skills they had. But, cost is has been the price of craftsmanship, everyone wants it cheaper and most people don't want to pay the price for proper craftsmanship.

[@tonquinb]

From the USA here and just discovered this channel. Absolutely brilliant! I share your enthusiasm for the craftsmen who did this work so many years ago, And applaud those who continue to this day.....Ill be binge watching your shows. Thanks for doing this.

[@russellsmith4638]

I'm from Australia and visited the cathedral and Kilpeck Church when I was in UK in 2015. Thanks for showing them again. The cathedral was one of the few in the world with a chained library which was the original reason for visiting Hereford but I enjoyed the cathedral for its general history including the crypt and the mappa mundi. There are chained libraries in Wimbourne Minster church and St Walbergers church in Zutphen in the Netherlands that I visited on the same trip. An interesting piece of history. Keep up the good work.

[@steve-real]

I love his architectural tours. Really cool!

[@marvwatkins7029]

My ancestors, thank you.

[@csmink]

From Alachua, Florida USA. Thank you. Hats off to the ones who actually bring the idea to life! Could not build it today. No craftsmen, too much regulation. They did it without power tools.

[@Syncronizeification]

Does amaze me how they built some of these. Got a 800 year old church near me. . Love the subject and the way Roger told the stories. Even my wife paid attention.

[@ianwatkins4528]

Hi Roger, I'm from Hereford and my family still live there. My grandad used to work in the cathedral, he was the grounds keeper. One of his jobs was to keep the fires going, as a kid I used to help him and chrismas mornings we would go and fill the fires with coal and wood to keep them going

[@colinnewman2000]

Absolutely superb, thank you !!

[@justinepenman6081]

Dear Roger, you make me doubly proud of my heritage, how wonderful were these craftsmen . Many thanks

[@martindenis3356]

Another really good historical video. Thanks Roger! Enjoying your work all the way from Belgium 😉

[@SkillBuilder]

I was there two weeks ago in Brugge but it was pouring with rain so I didn't do much filming.

[@cantbants]

As a fan of history who started watching your channels to help me do my house up. These videos are a real gem and so well presented. You really bring history alive, telling the story about the ordinary talented folk who built these monuments.

[@matthewmolina9485]

Raised in Catholic School, taught the Classics. I have always been amazed at the Medieval Architecture, unreal really! Some of the Indian Hindu Architecture defies human capability with available tools technical knowledge and ability.

[@dcarbs2979]

Never fail to be amazed by these buildings, even with my experience of modern skyscrapers and the like. Can't imagine the wonder of people when they were new, having seen little more than a mud hut and no media other than their own experience. They may be a long time ago with simple technology, by my God they knew how to use it!

[@desertpoj]

Another fabulous video. Thank you Roger.

[@TimCully]

Roger, keep it up. Excellent information & inspirational.

[@maximusstar9960]

Please more like this, it is so good and enjoyable

[@annkelly7772]

I learned more from this than all my years in formal education. Thank You!

[@alanaitcheson9403]

Thank you Roger for a first class documentary.

[@JuliaHopewell]

I have watched many, many of your videos, Roger; (initially due to my husbands interest in DIY). However, your down to earth approach, expert advice and high standards reeled me in very quickly! For me, these videos are the best yet. I have no religious bent either; but have always appreciated old churches and other historic structures in this beautiful island of ours. I hope that you will continue to produce these, and that you are enjoying them as much as we are. Thank you! 😊

[@madelineschultz4968]

Your video was agreat gift to me. Thank you. You have such love and reverence for the work that our ancestors built.

[@davidberesford7009]

Your ranting was justified in my opinion. Great vid!

[@balluna1453]

WELL SAID SIR!, I feel exactly the same when, without sleight of mouth, an 'architect' becomes the 'builder' even though we know they wouldn't want to get any building site crp on their fine clothes, or drink tea with the peasants every morning. I subscribed because of your reaction, brilliant!.

[@Rzarecteh]

I love the videos where you just wander about looking at stuff - it makes me look at things differently every single time. Love it

[@joemunkey]

Loved this video, great to see the stoneworkers being appreciated these days. In York the masoms work area is also visible, when I was a student there I would love to watch them working.

[@MadeiraFonseca]

I'm a woodworker and I could probably spend a day just examining the piece at 6:44. I'm in awe of the craftsmanship that went into these structures.

[@hermesjackle5903]

Thanks for the lesson on craftsmen gone by , I love hearing how things used to be done, and from someone who used to do it themselves instead of listening to a paid TV talking head.

[@madayis9707]

10/10 great information, engaging and light hearted

[@notsosmartmart5402]

Love these Roger, keep it up please

[@Lavistaad]

Greetings from New England US. Excellent video, Thank you for the insight Roger.

[@stuartgoodall225]

I love your vids !, I'm an amateur photographer of 40 yrs , love history , looking around cathedrals& churches , NOT for the religious angle , but the architectural, another great vid, im from Reading , in Berks , so not much history left to look at !!!😂

[@tomrees4812]

I love watching your videos about London but I never thought you’d come to my home town. Thanks!

[@ena6631]

Fantastic, really interesting and historical. Unsung heroes of the building trade.

[@benchippy8039]

Brilliant, I’m loving this documentary series. Keep em coming mate

[@metatron-007]

Another good episode, many thanks Roger & Team.

[@patrickbarrett5650]

Excellent, we’re in no position to visit anymore so thank you.👍

[@lancemason7911]

Lovely video Roger, thank you, shout out to the cameraman, great work🙏🏻

[@helenamcginty4920]

Have you ever visited Guédelon in France where they are building an actual castle using medieval techniques, equipment and skills. There are 4 UK videos on You Tube some where plus a web page. I reckon the craftsmen and women commenting on here would love it. I certainly did. Right down to the dying of fabrics and plastering the walls. But mostly the carpenters. Had I been a boy back when I left school I would have been hard pressed to choose between horticulture and carpentry. Or better still cabinet making.

[@SkillBuilder]

That it great. I will look at it for sure

[@Timothy-remembers]

Also: thank you for showing us these amazing constructions. Please show us more...

[@ianpuddick]

I wrote the script and taught Roger about …..like builders & sparkles ……it’s hidden away 😎 fab video Roger

[@stuartgoodall225]

Wow! , you've do it again sir! , I've been to Hereford twice , once as a kid in 1976,with my dad, there was an open day at the Bulmers cider factory , with steam engines !, (one was the Princess Elizabeth ( Red) as seen on the Queens 50th juberlee on t.v) sorry can't cant remember the other one , when they used to have the rails going directly in the factories , the other time was 20 years ago, again by train , could see the cathedral , the Bulmers place had gone , so l went home again! , thank you again !.

[@rattailJimmy]

Those heaters are a work of art. Love the work of crafts men.

[@guybishop61]

Fantastic video, it's great that the craftsmanship of these wonderful buildings is being appreciated

[@1x3dil]

Hi Roger This country has a wealth of history that is usually open for all of us to enjoy , even the climate is often not that bad . Yet many fly to foreign climes purely for the sunshine , something that just doesn’t appeal to me . Fascinating programme as usual , and reveals yet more hidden treasures which can be easily overlooked . As for the holes in the stone walls , I wonder if they may have been for defence purposes . In those days they weren’t averse to pouring boiling oil or tar on the invading army’s , even the plumbers friend lead would be boiled up to use on the unsuspecting foes . Just a thought with nothing to back it up of course 😂 Kind regards to all

[@thewelshdoctor]

Thanks for the video. These buildings are amazing. I think most people only really appreciate them as you get older and understand how much skilled work goes into building them when we try to build something small and simple. I read 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follet some time ago, and it changed the way I look at everything. His research must have been amazing because (I think) it made me understand how things work and are built now. I would highly recommend it.

[@coop_coop007]

Really good quality production, as good as any, thank you.

[@waynegriffiths5143]

I live in Hereford, I can assure you those heaters in the Cathedral still work and they’re beasts. They do an incredible job of keeping the Cathedral toasty in the winter. Come back in December to see for yourself.

[@SkillBuilder]

That is amazing, I would love to feel them in operation

[@XsweetstarliteX]

fantastic addition to the series! In my travels to different countries, I’m amazed by the incredinle buildings and statues that people in the past an ancient peoples have been able to build. We’d struggle to replicate some of the great sites, especially those in supposedly primitive peasant class and “undeveloped” countries. Excited to see this series continue!

[@charmainepapworth9994]

I love your "history" type videos. :-)

[@stevesanders4071]

Found through heating and hot water but actually find your history series my favourite ❤️

[@SkillBuilder]

That is good to know. I wasn't sure about it when we started.

[@johnhaydon4055]

Nice one Roger fascinating stuff poking around the old historic buildings. We were in Shrewsbury a month ago for a little break, another interesting old town with stacks of history. Thanks, love these vids.

[@NotLeftarded1]

I know I am French but I really enjoy British history as well. I'm Commonwealth I live in Canada.

[@lindakinchela8776]

I really enjoyed that, love this sort of history. I have often wondered. Be good for people learning about this art. The ceilings always reminded me of boats as you stated. Be good as a holiday package too. Loved the honest approach pointing out faulty workmanship great learning. I loved it so cool even for someone like me who loves the old buildings from the dark, obviously scary ages. ❤👍🏾👌🏾🤘🏾

[@AB-kx4nc]

Absolutely loving your programs. Watching from oz

[@Hew.Jarsol]

My home town! Back in the 60s they knocked most of Herefords best buildings down (like everywhere else). Glad you went to Kilpeck.

[@allanhmelnitski978]

Thank You! Fantastic tour!

[@46spanner]

I would recommend Ken Follett’s “ The Pillars of the Earth” as something to read after watching this excellent video

[@SkillBuilder]

I have just ordered all four in the series, thanks

[@paulmorris3613]

excente attempt to ask the questions we think of but never bother to find out, Enjoyed your exploration

[@iansteel5569]

Great show, I love looking at old church's.

[@howardosborne8647]

Wonderful video,Roger👌 The standard of craftsmanship in old churches and cathedrals is astonishing. About 20 years ago I visited Wells Cathedral for an afternoon and marvelled at the incredible detail in the carved masonry work. We need you to follow this video up with a visit to some of the stonemasons who restore/repair these magnificent structures.

[@Timothy-remembers]

I had to pause to look at each awe inspiring constructions and the amazing craftsmanship that made it possible

[@jillcox6685]

Thoroughly enjoyed your video. Thank you. An entirely different appreciation of the craftsmanship in our churches. Next time I visit a church, as I often do, will do so with much more understanding.

[@hbpw857]

Now this is excellent content please do a series like this 👏

[@Pugggle]

Absolutely brilliant! So nice to see this alternative look at the cathedrals and historic buildings, this was so interesting and well presented!

[@oldmanronerickson2221]

Very good information. Thank you for this.

[@martinpotter8064]

Excellent again, interesting and funny. Well done, Thanks

[@Ex3t3r]

One word 'Fascinating'

[@robandchristheateam5053]

The Michael Moseley of the building world. Excellent Mr Bisby.

[@SkillBuilder]

Hang on a minute Michael Mosley came to sticky end, can't you find another comparison?

[@pats1010]

The bloke who carved that is a bloody legend!

[@pbfamous07]

gooooood gracious. one of a kind. just amazing.

[@jessegee179]

Brilliant 👍 There are heritage renovation courses in Barnstaple, these lovely old buildings need an expert approach. I hope more youngsters specialise and carry on the craftsmanship. Imagine going home proud at the end of the day, your work has become part of history, admired by generations to come.

[@craigh9308]

Love the passion you have for your craft and the historic buildings Roger. Hopefully it’ll rub off on some young people thinking about getting into construction

[@abbeycat6425]

Love the Kill Peck comment! My nephew and his family lived near a Slaughter House Road in a small town called Klangadoo in South Australia. For some macabre reason it always makes me smile!

[@DM-hp7ct]

Superb Roger.

[@peronik349]

great video it is rare to see an art enthusiast marvel not at the objective of a construction (here a religious building) but just at the very high skills and professionalism of the artists and craftsmen who built it if you are looking for another similar site the Cathedral of Strasbourg in France should move you, especially since it seems to be the only one in the world that is still under the supervision of the organization (the factory of "the work of our lady") that built it in 1176 -1439

[@rich8037]

This has to be the best documentary I've ever seen on any historic building. One really attentive pair of eyes, coupled to a properly inquisitive brain, and the courage to show warts and all. Absolutely fascinating.

[@rich8037]

PS I completely agree with you in having no interest in religion as such, but all the same many of the artefacts it generated are amazing.