A trebuchet is a siege engine that was employed in the Middle Ages either to smash masonry walls or to throw projectiles over them.

The counterweight trebuchet appeared the twelfth century. It could fling up to three-hundred and fifty pound (140 kg) projectiles at high speeds into enemy fortifications. On occasion, disease-infected corpses were flung into cities in an attempt to infect or terrorize the people under siege—a medieval form of biological warfare. Trebuchets were far more accurate than other medieval catapults.

Gunpowder, also called black powder, is a mixture of sulphur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate. It burns rapidly, producing volumes of hot solids and gases which can be used as a propellant in firearms

Gunpowder is classified as a low explosive because of its relatively slow decomposition rate. The gases produced by burning gunpowder generate enough pressure to propel a bullet, but not enough to destroy a gun barrel.

The MSS gunners are mercenary Burgundian gunners, from the Company of St. Barbara.  They will fight for anyone who will pay them.

Burgundian gunners were regarded as the best in Europe, and many such groups fought on both sides during the Wars of the Roses.  Edward IV brought several hundred with him when he returned to regain his throne in 1471.  In order to keep as much money to themselves as possible, many Burgundian gun companies would use the whole family to maintain and protect the guns.  Women and children were expected to help protect the main gun with handguns or crossbows.

The DeCobham Household is part of the Medieval Siege Society who representing military life in the Wars of the Roses period (1455-1487).

Ron Chant was there with his video camera and has captured the following Video of the DeCobham Men at Arms during training.

This event was held at Ruislip Castle.

This weekend the Medieval Siege Society had an event at Ruislip Castle, in the west end of London.

This event had a large turn out; as well as the main battle there was a Men at Arms demonstration, Trebchuet demonstration and a Gunpowder demonstration.

Ron Chant was there with his video camera and caught the events of the day on film.

This video is the main battle; and shows you what is displayed in the main arena at an MSS event.

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