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constructionhist.bsky.social
Construction History Society
@constructionhist.bsky.social
2K followers 400 following 340 posts
Construction history worldwide. Materials, technologies, systems and people relating to construction in the past. Journal, members' magazine, conferences etc
To get a follow-back tell us your construction interests.

https://www.constructionhistory.co.uk
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constructionhist.bsky.social
Dear Friends, The CHS bibliography is being moved to a new server. It will be intermittently off-line for a few days. We recommend that you do not add anything to it until the move has been completed. I will announce when that has been done. https://www.constructionhistorybibliography.org/
November 17, 2025 at 6:56 PM
constructionhist.bsky.social
Construction History Origins and Consolidation of a Discipline
International Symposium

a tribute to professor Santiago Huerta

Main Hall of the School of Architecture (ETSAM), Madrid (Spain)
November 13 and 14, 2025
blogs.upm.es/homenajesant...
Presentation Santiago Huerta retired this year as a professor at the Madrid School of Architecture after more than thirty-five years dedicated to teaching and research. His thesis, presented in 1990, focused on one aspect of the History of Construction: traditional masonry construction, and this has been his main field of research ever since. But he did more than just research. Since joining the school as a professor, he has not limited himself to teaching the required subjects but has also launched a new course on the History of Construction. He was also involved in the management and promotion of the Programa de Doctorado en Estructuras de la Edificación, which remains active after its accreditation was renewed, and participated in the creation of the Máster Universitario en Estructuras de Edificación, which is now in its eighteenth year and has enrolled more than five hundred students.
October 9, 2025 at 7:37 AM
constructionhist.bsky.social
The whole article is fascinating in that it begins with the case of a female bricklayer who had been living & working as a man for many years. Came to light due to a marital court case. Widely covered in the press.
Morning Chronicle - Friday 13 April 1838 A FEMALE HUSBAND IN MANCHESTER. In The Manchester Times of Saturday last a paragraph to the following effect:- " UNFOUNDED REPORT.-A silly report has been indus- triously propagated this week, to the effect that a respectable female in this town has been married for about 17 years to a person who, within the last few days is discovered to be a woman. As it was not impossible for such a circumstance to have occurred, although very improbable, we had curiosity enough to make Juql tries onl the subject, and Ibund that the alleged ' remarkable discovery' was a gross fabrication." We, too, have had curiosity enough to make inquiries on the subject, and find that the " unfoanded report" of the " re- markable discovery," which, though " not impossible," is " very improbable," is true. All the circumstances commu- nicated to us relative to this singular case we do not feel justified in publishing; but we way mention a few of the principal facts connected with what is here known of the history of this Chevalier ?? in humble life, of course suppressing the names ef the parties. A few days ago a respectable ibmale waited upon an attorney in this town, and asked his advice in a case of a very peculiar nature. It seems that ber husband a master bricklayer, who had been in the habit of trusting her implicitly in his business, even leaving to her management the bookkeeping requisite in his trade, had of late, tbr souse cause or other, refused to allow her the weekly usual sum for holeekeeping. Having also, in other re- spects, treated her as she considered in an unkind manner, sile came to take advice as to how she should proeeed, under the circuimstances, against her husband, whom, to the no small astouisliment of the professional gentleman she was then consulting, she declared to be, not a man, but a woman. The attorney thought it his duty, under such singular circumstances, to bring the matter under the notice of Mr. Foster, the magist… Several articles clalinea DE 1nte wvae been sent to the police-office by the husband, who, so far as we have heard, has not offered any reparation to the wife for the cruel and painful position in which she is now placed. One thing is tolerably certain, that after the exposure which hass tken place, and the affdir was currently talked of as early as Thursday and Friday last, the woman who has ven- tured to assume the charatter of a loan will no longer be able to continue to carry on business in this town, and that she must either lay aside her disguise and resume the ap- pcarance whieh most befits her sex, or, if she will retain her unfeminine appearance and character, she must Peek to hide her imposture in some place where she is not known, and wvere shg may hope for a while to escape detection. We believe that many persons who have employed her join in declaring that they had not the slightest suspicion that she was other than what she seemed. It is somewhat reinarkable that this is not the first case of this nature which has been brought under the notice of Mr. Thomas. In January. 18219, a labourer in the service of Mr. Crisp, shipbuilder, at Duckhead, London, while assist- ig in sawing a log of fir, was struck by the severed part of the llg with such force on the head as to die of the injury while being conveyed to St. Thowas's Hospital. OR strip- ping the body to prepare it for interment, it was discovered that the deceased, who was about Jil years of age, was a woman. She had been known fur about 22 years to have filled various situations, as groom, 8hiipwrihgit'e la- bourer, and other subordinate ocupa tlon in oocK-yrarrs, vitriol-works, &c.. and had been twenty-one years married, and his wife declared in the most soleinn manner, on the inquest, and beibre tie police magistrates at Bow-street, that daring the wlhole of that period she had been in utterig- n tranca of the real sex of her supposed ?? ter Guardian
October 6, 2025 at 8:47 AM
constructionhist.bsky.social
CONSTRUCTION HISTORY & FILM INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
19 - 20 february 2026
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS 6 November 2025: spehc.pt/CHFilmabstra...

More at : www.spehc.pt/noticias.html
The symposium marks the first step towards creating an academic forum dedicated to exploring film images as a valuable source for the study of Construction History. By bringing together scholars from diverse fields, we aim to foster discussion, share recent research findings, and open new perspectives in this emerging area of study. Since the late nineteenth century, moving images have captured every aspect of daily life in communities around the world. As with earlier artistic media, motion pictures revealed the everyday realities of new construction in urban, rural or natural landscapes as well as restoration and maintenance of existing structures. Newsreels and documentaries are among the main categories of historical sources providing valuable insights into building practices since the invention of cinema. These films document the extraction, transportation, and use of materials, machines, and building techniques, the activities of architects, engineers, master builders, and work crews on construction sites, as well as in their leisure time. They also document a wide range of events, including foundation-stone ceremonies, inaugurations and trade union demonstrations, among many others.
October 3, 2025 at 3:12 PM
constructionhist.bsky.social
NOTICE to Construction History Society Members on here:

Due to technical problems the formal notice of the society's AGM has not been circulated in the usual way. Please accept this as advising you of the AGM.
NOTIFICATION OF AGM All members are hereby notified that the society’s Annual General Meeting will take place on 27 September, at 1:45 p.m. in the Fitzpatrick Hall, Queens’ College, Cambridge. Those who are attending the CHS conference can attend in person, everyone else may attend by Zoom, link to be provided nearer the time. Members who can attend in person but are not registered for the CHS Conference are warmly welcomed to attend the Tribute to Jacques Heyman, led by Santiago Huerta, which will be held in the Fitzpatrick Hall, 2.00-3.00 p.m Construction History Society AGENDA for Annual General Meeting, 2025 At Queens’ College, Cambridge and online 27th September, 1:45 p.m. 1.0 Welcome and Apologies for absence 2.0 Approval of the draft Minutes of AGM 2024 (to be emailed) 4.0 Secretary’s Report 5.0 Treasurer’s Report 6.0 Membership Report 7.0 Elections to Board Alexandrina Buchanan to be elected (Secretary), replacing Michael Driver, who resigned in 2024. The statutes of the society require that one third of the Board should stand down each year but may offer themselves for re-election. Members to stand down: Fiona Smyth (Treasurer), Nicholas Bill, Yitang Pan, James Campbell (Chair), David Yeomans, Michael Heaton (Membership Secretary), Nina Baker. 8.0 Appointment of Auditor 9.0 Chairman’s Report 10.0 Any Other Business
September 19, 2025 at 7:02 PM
constructionhist.bsky.social
Perhaps the Strandbeest people could come up with something?
www.strandbeest.com
Strandbeest
September 11, 2025 at 6:21 PM
constructionhist.bsky.social
Our Conference is looking to be exceptionally interesting this year. I have been going for many year, mainly because everyone is so nice and the topics are always so interesting.
Programme: www.constructionhistory.co.uk/wp-content/u...
Registration: onlinesales.admin.cam.ac.uk/conferences-...
Eleventh Annual CHS Conference Bookings live: Queens’ College, Cambridge, 26-27th September 2025 We are delighted to report that the Eleventh Annual CHS Conference will be held in Queens’ College, Cambridge from Friday 26th and Saturday 27th September 2025. The programme can be downloaded here https://www.constructionhistory.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Programme.CHS_.2025-v6.pdf The theme of the conference will be Construction Innovation: Materials, Processes, Systems.The proceedings will be published and available at the conference. Booking is now open. Register and book accommodation online here: https://onlinesales.admin.cam.ac.uk/conferences-and-events/faculty-of-architecture/construction-history-society-conference/eleventh-annual-conference-of-the-construction-history-society-september-2025 Any queries on registration, please contact chs@aha.cam.ac.uk
August 31, 2025 at 4:23 PM
constructionhist.bsky.social
The end results.
2/3
Cleaved (split) logs. We are ridiculously pleased with ourselves.
August 19, 2025 at 7:37 PM
constructionhist.bsky.social
🧵This weekend the Construction Historian and the CH's son and pals have been doing back-to-basics forestry. Using a 2-person crosscut saw and wedges to cut up and cleave a cherry tree that came down in Storm Eowyn. We now have some partly cleaved lengths that may (MAY) 1 day be usable timber.
1/3
The cherry tree and the saw. It took a very long time to cut the trunk from the rootball and then to cut the nearer length to separate it from the bigger bit beyond the huge knot where the trunk divided. We love our saw, from Flinns. Marking the cleaving line with a sooted string. Luckily we had plenty of charcoal for sooting the string, from a BBQ the night before. Starting the split with wedges Axe and wedges creating the cleaving line.
August 19, 2025 at 7:37 PM
constructionhist.bsky.social
Some of the podcasts produced in "The Factory Next Door" series are of direct interest to construction historians.
www.amazon.co.uk/The-Factory-...

Youtube doesnt seem to be up yet but will be here: www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Also the Flinn saw factory's pop up shop.
Ever wondered what’s made in the factory next door? Listen to us chat about saws and the history of Thomas Flinn & Co on this fabulous podcast, “The Factory Next Door”. This podcast aims to celebrate the factories across Britain and we were lucky enough to be featured on this. The episode is released on Tuesday 19th August 2025 at 7.30am (GMT). You can listen in all your usual podcast places such as Spotify, Apple, Amazon, even You Tube (click each one for the relevant link). At this stage, we have no idea what parts of the podcast will be aired (eek!) but have a listen to all things saws and come on a journey with us into the podcast world :-) Please do give the series a listen if you a conscious shopper interested in buying items made in Britain, there’s lots of wonderful things from clothes, shoes, umbrellas, cider, scissors and us :-) And don’t forget our Pop Up Shop too :- See below for info on this and get the date added to your diary. We can’t wait to see you. Thanks, Katie 🛠️ Save the Date! Our First Official Pop-Up Shop is Coming to Sheffield! Join us for a one day celebration of traditional craftsmanship and Sheffield-made excellence at the very first Thomas Flinn & Co. Pop-Up Shop. 🗓️ Date: Sunday 2nd November 2025 🕤 Time: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM 📍 Location: The Victoria, 1 Rowland Street, Sheffield, S3 8DE (Right next door to our factory — with plenty of road parking) 🔨 What to Expect: Get hands-on with a curated range of high-quality tools and meet the talented makers behind some of the items we produce. We'll be showcasing customer favourites from our website, including: PAX Saws Clifton Hand Planes Joseph Marples Crown Hand Tools Robert Sorby Ray Iles Elementary Screwdrivers This is more than just a shop — it’s a celebration of the best Sheffield-made tools still available today. 💬 Looking for something specific? If there's a tool you'd love to see, let us know in advance so we can have it ready for you to view. 📧 Email us at: orderonline@flinn-garlick-saws.co.uk ☕ Treat Yourself Our lovely hosts at The Victoria will keep you refreshed with artisan coffee, cakes, and other delicious café offerings throughout the day. 🛠️ Save the Date! Our First Official Pop-Up Shop is Coming to Sheffield! Join us for a one day celebration of traditional craftsmanship and Sheffield-made excellence at the very first Thomas Flinn & Co. Pop-Up Shop. 🗓️ Date: Sunday 2nd November 2025 🕤 Time: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM 📍 Location: The Victoria, 1 Rowland Street, Sheffield, S3 8DE (Right next door to our factory — with plenty of road parking) 🔨 What to Expect: Get hands-on with a curated range of high-quality tools and meet the talented makers behind some of the items we produce. We'll be showcasing customer favourites from our website, including: PAX Saws Clifton Hand Planes Joseph Marples Crown Hand Tools Robert Sorby Ray Iles Elementary Screwdrivers This is more than just a shop — it’s a celebration of the best Sheffield-made tools still available today. 💬 Looking for something specific? If there's a tool you'd love to see, let us know in advance so we can have it ready for you to view. 📧 Email us at: orderonline@flinn-garlick-saws.co.uk ☕ Treat Yourself Our lovely hosts at The Victoria will keep you refreshed with artisan coffee, cakes, and other delicious café offerings throughout the day.
August 19, 2025 at 1:56 PM
constructionhist.bsky.social
2/2
Chester is a former Roman fortress town located on the River Dee. Its proximity to the Welsh border made it a key defensive site for the English monarchs, especially in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Many of the city’s buildings were constructed using a distinctive red sandstone which can be found throughout the region, including the walls, castle and cathedral. Chester Cathedral has a rich and complex history. Its origins may date as far back as the late Roman period, but the earliest phase of the present building dates to 1093, when Hugh Lupus, Earl of Chester, established a Benedictine abbey on this site. The building is nevertheless best known for its impressive Perpendicular architecture and innovative vaulting structures, which are the product of a long phase of rebuilding starting in the thirteenth century. The earliest of these new Gothic structures are to the east of the cloister and include the rectangular Chapter House with its lancet windows and early tierceron vaults. These were followed by a more ambitious project to build a complete replacement for the abbey church’s east end, starting with the new Lady Chapel. The rebuilding of the choir was a prolonged and disrupted process and continued well into the fourteenth century. The final stages of premodern rebuilding, which include the west front, the roof of the north transept and a revaulted cloister, date from the fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. Chester thus preserves architectural styles from across the Gothic period and is an especially rich repository of complex vaulting structures. Today, Chester Cathedral is a vibrant community of worship, an archaeological treasure, a cultural hub, a centre of musical excellence and a unique blend of medieval and modern history. While at Chester, study day attendees will be among the first to see the results of ‘Centring the Past: The People and Skills in Making Medieval English Vaults’ (University of Liverpool, AHRC IAA), a cross-sector project that bridges the divide between the abstract knowledge of historical craft and its practical application in Britain’s premodern builders. The morning’s workshops will demonstrate how textual evidence, digital analysis and lived experience have been used to investigate the lost carpentry involved in raising medieval vaults. Following this, the group have an opportunity to explore material relating to the cathedral’s building fabric and vaults in-situ and in the library. Discussion will focus on how interdisciplinary approaches can inform the understanding, conservation, and the care of built heritage, and what role experimental archaeology can play in our research. Throughout the day, there will also be opportunities to engage directly with full-sized and scale reconstructions of thirteenth-century vaults and timber formwork as well as talk with the craftspeople involved with the projec Programme: 10:00 Delegates arrive in Abbey Square, Chester Cathedral, before moving into nearby 30 Werburgh Street for tea and coffee. 10:30-11:00 Welcome to the cathedral by Canon Rosie Woodall (Vice Dean, Chester Cathedral). Introduction to the Study Day by Dr Alex Buchanan (University of Liverpool; BAA President) and Dr Richard Plant (BAA Secretary). 11:00-12:00 Session 1: Introduction to the Centring the Past project, led by Glenn Cahilly-Bretzin (University of Liverpool). A discussion on the intersections between academic research, digitisation, practical knowledge and experimental projects. 12:00-13:00 Session 2: Cultures of Care at Chester Cathedral: A roundtable with Chester Cathedral Clerk of Works, Collections Manager, and others. 13:00-14:00 Lunch break. Lunch is not provided, but Café 1092 in the Refectory at Chester Cathedral has a good range of sandwiches and lunch options. The city centre is immediately outside the Cathedral. 14:00-15:00 Tour of Chester Cathedral Tower and discussion of the ground floor architecture, led by Alex Buchanan and Richard Plant, and Chester Cathedral guides. 15:00-16:00 Behind-the-scenes visit to the Cathedral Library for a session with the Cathedral collections, led by Emily Lanigan-Palotai (Collections Manager, Chester Cathedral). 16:00-16:30 Concluding remarks The study day will conclude at 16:30, but delegates are invited to stay for Evensong at 17:30. Applications The cost of the day will be £25 for BAA members. The event is free for students, for whom travel grants (to a maximum of £50) are also available. Student applicants do not need to be BAA members. Places are limited to 20, of which up to 10 are reserved for students. To apply please e-mail studydays@thebaa.org by 12th September 2025. Please state in the email whether you are a member of the BAA or a student. All names will be entered into a ballot for the study day, and the successful applicants will be notified by 19th September 2025. Travel and practicalities: Chester Station is served by regular trains from Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Crewe, Birmingham and London Euston. The cathedral is a 20-min walk from Chester train station (see map below). There are regular buses that run from the station to the city centre.
August 19, 2025 at 1:47 PM
constructionhist.bsky.social
🧵 BAA STUDY DAY: CHESTER CATHEDRAL
Friday 10 October 2025
1/2
STUDY DAY: CHESTER CATHEDRAL Friday 10 October 2025
August 19, 2025 at 1:47 PM
constructionhist.bsky.social
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025
26-28 September. Queens' College, Cambridge, G.B.

Dear Friends,
Thanks to the Herculean labours of our Chairman Prof. James Campbell, the Conference Booking Website is now open at onlinesales.admin.cam.ac.uk/conferences-...
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025 26-28 September. Queens' College, Cambridge, G.B. Dear Friends, Thanks to the Herculean labours of our Chairman Prof. James Campbell, the Conference Booking Website is now open at https://onlinesales.admin.cam.ac.uk/conferences-and-events/faculty-of-architecture/construction-history-society-conference/eleventh-annual-conference-of-the-construction-history-society-september-2025, or via the link on the CHS website. I hope to se you there
August 1, 2025 at 3:19 PM
constructionhist.bsky.social
Construction Historian 15, the magazine for @constructionhist.bsky.social members, is going to print soon.
Sooooo...... we are now looking for short articles on anything relating to construction history (see our pinned post) for the Winter 2025 issue.
Message us if you have any ideas.
CH15 draft cover
May 18, 2025 at 10:42 AM
constructionhist.bsky.social
CAHS Easter Term 2025 - Studying water and architecture - does infrastructure belong in architectural history?
Lecture 12 May, by Professor James Campbell.
Link to register in ALT.
You are invited by our friends at Cambridge University to a talk by our Chairman Prof. James Campbell on Monday, 12 May @ 6 pm (BST) online or in-person for the grand finale to of this academic year's talks: Studying Water and Architecture - Does Infrastructure belong in Architectural History? The talk will be given by Prof James Campbell (University of Cambridge) who will need little introduction to most of you, not least because he has been the incredibly generous host and sponsor of our events since their foundation in 2019! But for those who don't yet know James, he is an architect and architectural historian. He co-founded the MSt in Building History with English Heritage, as well as created the new Apprenticeship in Architecture programme at the university. He is Chair of the Construction History Society and has written award-winning books on the history of brick, the staircase and the library, amongst others. His talk on Monday will present some of his latest research, which forms part of his upcoming book, Water and Civilisation, which is due for completion in 2025. As ever, our in-person lecture will take place at 6 pm in the beautiful Old Hall in Queens' College, Cambridge and will be followed by a drinks reception there. People can also join online via Teams webinar. The lecture is free and open to everyone. To register for online attendance via Teams, https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/4c588f63-5717-4fa8-9659-50c3bb7f8592@49a50445-bdfa-4b79-ade3-547b4f3986e9 To register for in-person attendance, please email jana.c.schuster@gmail.com
May 8, 2025 at 8:26 PM
constructionhist.bsky.social
Here he is on the Connal Building, next to Glasgow Queen Street station.
Roundel of Baird on Connal building, Glasgow
April 23, 2025 at 10:03 AM
constructionhist.bsky.social
And loads of examples of spiralling brickwork in tunnels, bridges etc
some twisty bricks
April 22, 2025 at 11:27 AM
constructionhist.bsky.social
The Construction Historian has had the following query. Can anyone help?

"What type of hut might have been used (eg. Atco, Nissen, Quonset), in these pix of Marston Green Hospital? What materials used (possibly Asbestos/Concrete), or possibly the name or contact details of someone who might know?"
Marston Green Hospital – a former WWII Canadian Army Hospital in Birmingham (since pulled-down). Marston Green Hospital – a former WWII Canadian Army Hospital in Birmingham (since pulled-down). Marston Green Hospital – a former WWII Canadian Army Hospital in Birmingham (since pulled-down). Marston Green Hospital – a former WWII Canadian Army Hospital in Birmingham (since pulled-down).
March 26, 2025 at 5:59 PM
constructionhist.bsky.social
The Construction Historian was on its way to a delightful lunch in the beautifully renovated Lanercost Priory when we spotted this gorgeous old bridge. Unlike most bridges of this type and age, the Lanercost Old Bridge has two awesome arches.
www.visitcumbria.com/car/lanercos...
Lanercost old bridge. from https://www.visitcumbria.com/car/lanercost-the-old-bridge/ Lanercost old bridge
March 22, 2025 at 9:04 AM
constructionhist.bsky.social
The story of Robert Willis is far too extensive to be fully captured in just a few posts, but consider this series as only the beginning of discovering his remarkable legacy. To dive deeper, explore his writings, images, conferences, biographical dictionaries, & the biography dedicated to him. 4/4
Robert Willis (1800-1875) and the Foundation of Architectural History by Alexandrina Buchanan https://boydellandbrewer.com/9781843838005/robert-willis-1800-1875-and-the-foundation-of-architectural-history/
March 22, 2025 at 8:53 AM
constructionhist.bsky.social
This expertise was the reason that in 1861 he was called in to help determine the cause of the collapse of the spire of Chichester Cathedral that had occurred during its restoration. Willis was very careful, however, not to voice any structural opinion, leaving that to professional engineers.3/4
Chichester cathedral spire collapse Willis's illustration for essay on thr fall of the Chichester cathedral tower
March 22, 2025 at 8:53 AM
constructionhist.bsky.social
🧵Robert Willis (1800-1875) (4 of 4)
1853 appointed lecturer in UK Government’s School of Mines & Science, just merged with Royal College of Chemistry. School supported by Sir Lyon Playfair & sponsored by Queen Victoria’s consort Prince Albert, both interested in technical education for industry. 1/4
Willis when he lectured at school of mines
March 22, 2025 at 8:53 AM
constructionhist.bsky.social
CfP
The summer 2025 Construction Historian magazine is about to go off for layout design so we are now looking for articles, snippets, lovely photos etc for the Autumn/Winter 2025 issue. www.constructionhistory.co.uk/publications...
More info in ALT text.
CH14 winter 2024/5 cover. This is our members' magazine not our academic peer-reviewed journal. Articles should be no more than 2,000 words. Submit as word doc, NOT PDF. Pictures MUST be provided as separate files (jpg etc) not embedded in the document. See our pinned post for guidance about what is and is not considered to be 'construction history'. Please submit all pieces for consideration to magazine@constructionhistory.co.uk
March 15, 2025 at 9:18 AM
constructionhist.bsky.social
While not able to develop the mathematics of this idea on his own, he was certainly responsible for the development of the experiments with collaborators including practising engineers such as Henry James, Peter William Barlow, & Robert Jacomb-Hood. 4/4
Willis' essay
March 14, 2025 at 11:25 AM
constructionhist.bsky.social
🧵3/3
Robert Willis (1800-1875) developed apparatus & conducted experiments on behaviour of cast iron vs wrought iron in railway bridge construction as a member of Royal Commission that produced Report of Commissioners Appointed to Inquire into the Application of Iron to Railway Structures 1849. 1/4
Report of the commissioners appointed to inquire into the application of iron to railway structures 1849
March 14, 2025 at 11:25 AM