Kilree Round Tower, Ireland 1150

The Kilree Round Tower in Ireland was built by the hands of Romanesque stonemasons between 1000 and 1250 using locally quarried stone. The tower's imposing structure is a testament to the stonemasonry techniques of the time. Each stone was carefully chosen, cut and dressed before being laid in a circular fashion. The tower would have been built in stages, with scaffolding erected to allow the masons to reach new heights, and a mortar mix was used to bind the stones. The skills of the stonemasons were highly valued, and passed down through generations, with laborers enduring harsh conditions to complete such ambitious projects. These towers provided refuge during raids, and also symbolized wealth, safety and stability. Buildings like these reflect the social dynamics of the time, with the elite classes investing in stone structures to protect their assets and families. Considering the materials, the manual skills, and the social context helps us appreciate these monuments as symbols of an era when craft and community were integral to survival and security.