NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE GROUP CONSTRUCTS TREBUCHET

For those uninitiated in the fine points of medieval siege warfare, there appears to be little difference between a catapult and a trebuchet.  However, for those on the receiving end of this ancient projectile, the trebuchet’s destructive power far outweighs its Roman predecessor.

A group of New England College students, faculty and alumni built a version of the medieval trebuchet.  The construction and firing of the trebuchet, was conceived of by history professor, Dr. James Walsh.  Walsh, a firm believer that traditions help to bind an institution together, uses the project to convey a number of lessons.  “It’s a way of bringing history to life,” said Walsh.  “Not only do my students study the trebuchet in its historic context, they must understand the challenges associated with medieval construction methods and replicate the firing process.”

“It’s also a community endeavor,” notes Walsh.  “Students learn to work as part of a team that includes other students, faculty, alumni, and neighbors of the College.” 

Each year, the NEC group chooses an appropriate target for the trebuchet.  In the past, projectiles have been hurled at the likes of terrorists, politicians, and rival sports teams and pumpkins have served as the projectile of choice.  “They’re perfect,” said Walsh.  “Just about the right size and shape for a projectile, and they’re readily available at this time of year.”
 
“The mechanics of a trebuchet are fairly straightforward,” explained History Professor Ted Petro.  A counterweight is fastened to the end of a long throwing arm.  At the opposing end, a sling is attached with a release mechanism and the projectile is placed in the sling.  When the trebuchet is fired, the counterweight falls downward, the sling is flung around in a huge arc, it releases at the height of the arc, and the projectile is sent to its destination with a menacing woosh.  Once calibrated, the trebuchet can be accurate within a few yards.