Medieval Weapons - Trebuchet At Tiffauges

Medieval weapons are fascinating to read about but we are lucky ... we've seen one in action! We were treated to a demonstration of a trebuchet replica when visiting the castle of Gilles de Rais at Tiffauges in France.
It took a number of men several minutes to prepare it and and everyone watched with fascination. When the rope was freed to release the main mechanism there was instant applause at the impressive distance achieved with its shot.

Seeing something like this first hand gives you a better understanding of what it must have been like for those cowering behind medieval castle walls in the face of an enemy armed with large siege weapons such as the trebuchet.