Build your own fully working model trebuchet and see how far you can get your projectile to travel. We’ll provide all the parts for you to assemble.
Then visit the RAMM Garden to use our larger model catapults to attack the castle. How much damage can you inflict on the sturdy walls and battlements?
Catapults have been used by armies since ancient times. The Greeks invented the ‘ballista’ which, like a crossbow, generated force from the tension of the bow arms. The Romans used an ‘onager’ which got its power from torsion created by twisted animal hair or sinew.
By the medieval period, they were using ’trebuchets’ to launch large projectiles, mostly rocks or lead balls, at castle fortifications and were very successful at breaking down the walls. They used a counterweight to swing the long arm up, releasing the projectile and trebuchets were, perhaps, the most terrifying weapon defenders faced.
Cost: £3.50, Drop-in
Accessibility Statement: Entrance to RAMM is via Queen Street or the Garden Entrance.
You can reach the Garden Entrance via two accessible routes via Castle Street, past Exeter Library, or via Little Queen Street and Musgrave Row, which is level.
Wheelchair users and people with mobility scooters, pushchairs and buggies can access the Garden Entrance using the ramp from the blue-badge parking area, or may use our lift at the Queen Street entrance. Small vehicles, including minibuses, can also use the parking area to drop passengers. To book blue-badge parking, please email museum.reception@exeter.gov.uk or call 01392 265960 during opening hours – 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays and bank holidays).
The 16 galleries on 2 floors are fully accessible to wheelchair users. There are two lifts in the museum. There is level access on each floor with ample space to manoeuvre between displays. Some doors open automatically. Large print, hearing loops, wheelchairs, free WiFi and online BSL and subtitled videos are all available.
Our Accessibility Guide provides accurate measurements, descriptions and images of RAMM’s accessible features, helping you plan your visit with ease. This can be viewed online or downloaded as a word document. It is useful for visitors with a variety of access requirements.
The RAMM Visual Story (2MB PDF file), with pictures and words, shows how to find the museum and the facilities available. It will be particularly useful for visitors with autism and their carers.
Assistance dogs are welcome at the museum. Our staff will be happy to provide drinking water for your dog.
There are accessible toilets on both levels of the museum, and baby changing facilities on both floors. The closest accessible Changing Place toilet is located in Princesshay shopping centre on the ground floor of St Stephen’s House at the back of Nationwide in Catherine Square, adjacent to Lloyd’s Lounge.
If a visitor requires an accompanying carer, the carer will be admitted to paying exhibitions and events free of charge.
Full information at https://rammuseum.org.uk/visit/access/