The Mysterious Trebuchet

The Mysterious Trebuchet

Back in the Middle Ages, trebuchets were used in wars and sieges to throw stones at castles and walled cities, trying to break them down. They were also used to throw things, like manure and animal corpses, over the walls of cities.

But why in the world is there a trebuchet tucked in one of the hiking trails adjacent to GRC? Was it built as a physics project by students on campus? How long has it been there? Like all good mysteries, these questions may not have answers. But in case you happen to stumble upon it while taking a walk through the woods, here are some interesting facts about trebuchets.

• The term ‘trebuchet” is derived from the Old French word ‘trebucher’ meaning to overthrow.
• Trebuchets are a type of catapult, but can handle heavier objects and have greater accuracy. 
• They were invented in France and were first reported to be used in 1124 AD, in the siege of Tyre (think present-day Lebanon) during the Crusades.
• The world’s largest working trebuchet is at Warwick Castle in England. It was built in 2005, stands 59 ft high, weighs 24 tons, and can launch objects up to 80 lb nearly 100 ft. 
• As impressive as that is, the largest trebuchet ever built was the Warwolf in Scotland in 1304. The parts of this beast had to be carried by 30 wagons, stood at east 300 ft tall when erected, and could hurl objects up to 300 lb nearly 700 ft! 

So, next time you are out taking a walk in the woods next to GRC, keep you eyes open for this mysterious trebuchet!