Source: “Rosslyn: The Story Behind Rosslyn Chapel” By Andrew Sinclair, 2005
Makers of Weapons and Northern Commonwealth.wav
This podcast explores the crucial, yet often overlooked, role of weapon makers and metalworkers in military history, arguing that they were as vital to warfare and construction as the warriors and builders themselves. It traces their influence from classical civilizations and legendary figures like Hephaestus, through the Roman fabricae and medieval guilds like those of the armourers and masons, highlighting their importance in projects from cathedrals to fortresses. The source emphasizes the significant contribution of traveling metal craftsmen, particularly those from the Near East who came to Scotland, possibly with the Knights Templar, and eventually came under the protection of the St Clairs of Rosslyn, who recognized their essential skills for defense and commerce, including their mastery of emerging technologies like gunpowder and cannon.
Topic 1 The fundamental role of weapon makers and metalworkers throughout history is highlighted. The source emphasizes that behind the warriors and armies, the skilled artisans who forged their arms were crucial to military success. This is illustrated by historical examples like the Greeks and Romans acknowledging those who made their arms, and more modern analogies like the ground crews supporting Battle of Britain pilots or armourers supporting the Knights Templars. These vital figures, referred to as smiths and tinkers, were essential for maintaining weapons and supporting continuous military campaigns and sieges.
Topic 2 The connection between ancient mythology, history, and metalworking is explored. Classical authors described mythological ages, including the Iron and Bronze Ages. The Greek smith-god Hephaestus is detailed as a figure of ingenuity despite physical challenges, becoming essential to the gods and heroes for his weapons and mechanical skills, including the creation of robots. His Roman counterpart, Vulcan, is mentioned primarily as a fire-god. Historically, the Roman army had units of armourers called fabriciae who traveled with legions and later worked in city-based arms factories, where their guilds rivaled those of stone-masons. The source also notes the commemoration of four martyred Christians under Imperial Rome, known as the Quatuor Coronati, by Masonic Lodges. The vital role of metal in construction, alongside stone, is also mentioned, from the Temple of Solomon to medieval fortresses and cathedrals.
Topic 3 The significant contribution of the Cistercian monks, also known as white monks, to industrial technology, particularly iron production, is detailed. Their industrial capabilities matched their agricultural expertise. They utilized water power, adding water-powered trip-hammers to their forges at abbeys like Fontenay. Clairvaux Abbey was strategically located in an area rich in iron ore deposits in France. Before 1330, Cistercian monks owned several factories producing iron ingots for sale, becoming leading iron and steel producers in the Champagne region, and also active in Cumbria and the Borders, areas with rich metal and coal resources.
Topic 4 The Cistercian monks were pioneers in using water power in the weapons trade, marking a key development often seen as part of an industrial revolution. Rivers and burns powered stamping mills used to break up iron ore. Water-driven bellows significantly raised furnace temperatures to 1,500 degrees Centigrade, hot enough to produce molten iron ready for casting. While the blacksmith with a forge remained common, the first blast furnace was in operation by the 14th century. This technological advancement was crucial for large-scale metal production.
Topic 5 A significant connection is drawn between the Knights Templar, travelling armourers, and the origins of groups known as Romanies or Gypsies. The Templars, known as those 'of the trowel and the sword', depended on Semitic and Arabic craftsmen for weapons and castle-building in Palestine, recruiting laymen from local skilled workers. After their expulsion from the Holy Land, the source suggests the Templars took these armourers with them, much like Roman Legions traveled with their fabriciae. These craftsmen, accustomed to a vagrant life following armies, became known as Romanies, Egyptians, or gypsies. Their path to Scotland is indicated by gravestones in Argyll showing symbols like swords and battle-axes.
Topic 6 The migration and settlement of Near Eastern armourers in Scotland are explored, particularly their arrival near Loch Awe. Their clan name, Mac Nocairds, is presented as strong evidence, meaning 'craftsman' or 'worker-in-metals' in Gaelic (Clann-na-ceairde). Four hundred years later, they reportedly changed their name to Sinclair, which when borrowed into Gaelic, became 'Tinkler' or 'caird'. This name change is linked to the Lords of Rosslyn, who were described as the law masters of Scotland's crafts and guilds, suggesting the cairds took the name of their powerful protectors. The source also notes evidence of weapon factories among Templar commanderies in Cumbria, which had resources like iron ore, coal, and smelting works.
Topic 7 The St Clairs, Lords of Rosslyn, are depicted as major patrons and protectors of crafts, particularly smiths, masons, and metal-working travellers. From the time of Robert the Bruce, they were recognized as protectors of early smiths and masons. They were also guardians of the Scottish royal family and its treasures in Edinburgh, a role requiring a strong interest in weaponry and its makers. Their patronage of metal-working travellers, who often followed armies, was crucial. The St Clairs held resources necessary for weapon making, including iron and coal, and controlled the relevant guilds, allowing them to utilize Romanies among Scotland's armourers. Evidence of their role is supported by surviving manuscripts commissioned by Earl William St Clair in 1488, detailing guild laws and the construction of a Scots navy, involving carpenters, hammermen (iron-workers), and masons.
Topic 8 The organization and importance of craft guilds and lodges for metalworkers and masons in medieval society are discussed. Early guilds, like London blacksmiths, formed to protect their trade, sometimes using church courts or even threatening excommunication against interlopers. Craftsmen, especially masons and armourers, frequently traveled to find work. London masons were later persuaded to form a guild. Outside towns, masons had lodges, temporary shelters near construction sites. Guilds were often protected by the Church but sometimes opposed by the Crown, particularly when they sought to raise wages, notably after the Black Death. Legislation like the Statute of Labourers of 1351 attempted to restrict worker movement but was difficult to enforce for travelers. The period after the early 13th century is described as a 'golden age' for the wandering worker, which was later suppressed as craft structures changed and monasteries (which had protected early lodges) were destroyed. Restrictions were placed on employing 'strangers' or foreigners in workshops.
Topic 9 The source covers the evolution of warfare and weapon technology, transitioning from traditional weapons to gunpowder. While swords, pikes, axes, and the longbow were prominent, the invention of cannon is noted around 1313, following earlier work on gunpowder by Roger Bacon. The English King Edward III first used muzzle-loading guns (pots de fer) at the siege of Berwick. Early small cannon were also mounted on ships, though initially less decisive than archers, as seen at the Battle of Sluys. Later breech-loading guns appeared and were adopted by navies, including the Venetian and Scottish fleets, some potentially used on voyages like Henry St Clair's to the New World. This shift in technology began to diminish the importance of itinerant metal-workers and changed tactics, impacting traditional fighting forces like the Scottish Borderers, who were initially reluctant to adopt firearms.
Topic 10 The rise and activities of Henry St Clair, Earl of Orkney, are a major focus. Inheriting claims to the earldom and resources, he navigated Scandinavian royal courts to secure his title as a vassal of the King of Norway/Denmark/Sweden. He became a powerful figure, holding state offices in Scotland like Lord Chief Justice and Lord High Admiral. His power and wealth, possibly supplemented by laundering Templar money, enabled him to build a fleet and assert authority in Orkney, constructing a significant fortress at Kirkwall. He is described as being "more honoured than any of his ancestors" and effectively a "Norwegian Prince" or "second person next to the King," with privileges like coining money and making laws. His maritime ambitions extended beyond Orkney, including participation in North Sea trade and undertaking a significant voyage to the New World, aiming to establish a Northern Commonwealth trading network stretching across the Atlantic. However, his dream ended with his death, and the Northern Commonwealth vision did not fully materialize, impacted by conflicts with groups like the Hanseatic League and pirates.