Highly skilled creators of musical instruments recreate rare medieval pieces

The school, which is part of Newark College and features students undertaking foundation and advanced courses, was set this challenge by Newark and Sherwood District Council as part of their Castle Gatehouse Project. It was race against time and good teamwork was absolutely essential.

Students worked in groups and were tasked to recreate a medieval instrument within a week between 15 and 19 December and studied for months in understanding what instruments were played back in medieval times.  Instruments such as vielles were created but students can recreate whatever they want, as long as there’s historic evidence of it existing back in medieval times and it’s accurate to the materials used back then.

They were encouraged to take inspiration from the quirky details in medieval art and use their creative flair to bring the instruments to life.

Judging took part on Friday 19 December and judges were amazed by the submissions. The winning teams included:

• Overall Winner: Crewth Gang
• Most Authentic: Rebels without a cause
• Best Craftmanship: Vielleodrome
• Innovation and Creativity: Farfalle

All instruments that were made will be on display at a special exhibition once the Castle Gatehouse project has been completed. They will sit in the Bishop Alexander room which hopes to recreate the feelings of the past with the winning instrument staying in the room permanently. Visitors will also be able to hear recordings of the instrument being played so they can really step back in history and see as well as hear medieval times.

The Castle Gatehouse project has been funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Government’s Towns Fund and the District Council. The transformative project will secure the Castle’s future, improve public access, and enhance and protect the surrounding gardens and green space.

Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for expert instrument makers to put their excellent craft to the test to make an instrument time has all but forgotten. Now we’ve brought that 12^th century sound back to modern times so we can really get a sense of what life and atmosphere was like almost 1,000 years ago.

“Students have come up with some fascinating pieces and a huge thank you to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for funding this unique event.

“Once the Castle Gatehouse is complete, visitors will be able to see as well as hear the winning instrument in person – it will truly be a show stopping piece!”

Penny Taylor MBE, Head of Newark Campuses at Lincoln College, said: “For decades, the School of Musical Instrument Craft in Newark has stood at the heart of Britain’s instrument-making tradition, nurturing craft, precision, and a deep respect for musical heritage.

“The Guitar and Fiddle Race has become a cherished Christmas tradition here in Newark - a chance for students to celebrate their craft, test their abilities, and support one another. Events like this show how creativity and craftsmanship thrive under challenge. Our students exceed expectations each year, and we look forward to seeing how this tradition continues to inspire future makers.”