York Minster

Traditional Journeyman joins the Minster Stoneyard

Published Friday 2nd November 2007 by Alix Peacock

The York Minster Stoneyard has been joined by a German “Journeyman” – a stonemason who is travelling across Europe with only the tools of his trade to learn further skills and enhance his training.  The tradition of becoming a “journeyman” dates to the Middle Ages when stonemasons, after completing their apprenticeship would have to leave their hometown with only their work clothes and their tools. They had to make a living while travelling throughout Europe by using only the skills they learned during their apprenticeship.

Mark Langer, 26 years of age, originates from Heilbronnin the South West of Germany, near Stuttgart.  Mark will be working in the stonemasons workshop alongside the Minster’s own stonemasons over the next few months.  Mark is required to wear the traditional clothes of a stonemason as he works, these include a black bowler hat, a shirt and waistcoat.

Mark will receive a stamp in his work book to confirm that he has worked at the Minster Stoneyard.  He will then continue travelling through Europe using his skills in different places to enhance his training.