Word

Master Builder

Variant

Baumeister · Capomastro

Region

Type

Craftsmen

Definition

The person responsible for overseeing construction works. A master builder coordinated all aspects of building projects from design to execution.

Description

The Master Builder held one of the most important positions in historical construction projects. This role combined architectural knowledge, engineering expertise, and management skills. At York Minster in 1688, the Master Builder was specifically tasked with overseeing works on the northern transept, demonstrating the specialized nature of different construction areas. The position required coordination with architects, masons, carpenters, and laborers.

A master builder overseeing construction at York Minster.

Variations

En

Master BuilderEngland, York

"The Master Builder shall oversee the works on the northern transept"

York Minster, Construction Ledger

box 12, fol. 91, line 12

Date: 1688

Source: Ledger of the fabric works of York Minster, with the articles of charge for the northern transept

Co-occurrence

Architect

52%

Masonry

41%

Nave

28%

Timber

17%

De

BaumeisterGermany, Regensburg

"Der Baumeister trägt die Verantwortung für das Gewölbe der Haupthalle"

Stadtarchiv, Abt. III

fol. 222, linie 87

Date: 1650-1659

Source: Municipal building ordinance of Regensburg, on the responsibility of the master builder for the great hall vault

Co-occurrence

Gewölbe (Vault)

63%

Pfeiler (Pillars)

44%

Stein (Stone)

39%

Fundamente (Foundations)

21%

It

CapomastroItaly, Firenze

"Al capomastro spetta il controllo delle maestranze e delle impalcature"

Archivio dell'Opera del Duomo

registro 48, c. 301, r. 19

Date: 1580-1590

Source: Register of the Opera del Duomo of Florence, on the oversight belonging to the capomastro

Co-occurrence

Muratori (Masons)

55%

Impalcature (Scaffolding)

48%

Cupola (Dome)

37%

Manovali (Labourers)

26%

← Back to Glossary