Mark wins his mark – in the Battle to Preserve Ancient Stone Skills

26th March 2006

West-based national stonemasons sustain medieval tradition by awarding a stonemason’s mark.

Mark Pate is the latest apprentice at Wells Cathedral Stonemasons to earn his own personal mason’s-mark – a tradition that dates from medieval times as one of the world’s earliest quality-marks.

Cheddar-based Wells Cathedral Stonemasons is one of the few remaining companies determined to preserve the stonemason’s craft and provide apprenticeships.

Mark now joins three other senior apprentices to win their own marks in recent months at Wells Cathedral Stonemasons, which they carve into important pieces they produce for new-build or restoration projects – from private homes to ancient churches and cathedrals.

According to Ryan Brunt, Operations Director and Master Mason at Wells Cathedral Stonemasons: “Since Norman times, stonemasons have won their own marks when they achieve a level of proficiency which enables their work to be included in major projects.

“When we are working on the restoration of historic buildings - from churches and cathedrals to royal palaces and early castles – it is fascinating to discover the personal marks of the medieval masons who crafted the stones and carvings we withdraw for repair or replacement”, said Mr Brunt.

The origin of masons marks remains shrouded in mystery, even though it has been the subject of many books and studies.

“We believe that a mason earns the right to his own personal mark, to be carved into important pieces, once he or she has mastered the skills which enable them to produce work for inclusion in major projects”, said Mr Brunt.

While Mark joins three other apprentices at Wells Cathedral Stonemasons to earn their own marks in the past year, the company plans to recruit three more apprentices in 2006.

“Masons are very proud of earning their personal mark, which is never visible, but will be discovered by other masons, in centuries to come, when a piece of stone needs attention”, said Mr Brunt, who has his own mark, as a Master Mason, tattooed on his arm.