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Writer's pictureAndy McIlvain

The Craft of Dry Stone Walling

The Craft of Dry Stone Walling

As I drive around my area of the Northeast I see many stone walls out in the fields.

Many are overgrown and are in disrepair but there are also many that are intact after decades of exposure to the elements.

How were these dry stone walls built and by whom?

Let's take a deep dive and start with dry stone walls in Britain before we come back to the United States.


Yorkshire Crafts: Meet the Drystone Wallers


'This video was filmed in 2004 as part of a DVD, Yorkshire Crafts & Traditions.

Meet the Yorkshire drystone wallers who build and maintain hundreds of miles of farming boundaries.

David Griffiths shares his passion for drystone walling during re-building work at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park." from the video introduction


Dry Stone Walling in America

"Established in southern Vermont in 2010, The Stone Trust’s mission is to preserve and advance the art and craft of dry stone walling. We do this through an expanding program of educational events and outreach projects. The Stone Trust is a multifaceted resource engaged in preserving the natural use of plentiful stone in simple, gratifying ways.

The Stone Trust Center is the only facility in North America that provides year-round educational and DSWA certification opportunities for all levels and abilities. The Stone Trust is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. It relies on contributions from people like you to keep its programs going. Help us continue to preserve and advance the art and craft of Dry Stone Walling!" from the website


Expo on the Road | Dry Stone Walls: History, Assessment, and Construction


Apr 6, 2021

"Stone walls built without mortar, known as dry-laid walls, are a defining element in the New England landscape. They may also be found as foundations, retaining walls, bridge abutments, and more. Learn about the origins and structural principles of dry stone construction, dating dry stone walls, and making assessments about why the walls were built and who constructed them. This presentation shows you how to determine the structural soundness of historic dry stone structures, including retaining walls and building foundations, as well as methods and resources for restoration and repairs.

Brian Post is a stonework teacher and practitioner. He currently works as Education and Training Director at The Stone Trust, a non-profit based in southern Vermont whose mission is to preserve and advance the art and craft of dry stone walling." from the video introduction




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