To create Medieval manuscripts, scribes had to learn first how to make a quill pen and that is what we are doing today. Also, you may like my post Medieval History for Homeschool.
Before printing machines were invented every copy of a book had to be written by hand.
Scribes would copy and meticulously write every word using ink and a quill pen.
Fortunately, many medieval-era documents, including manuscripts, have survived the many centuries since the Middle Ages.
These important artifacts give scholars and historians information about life, laws, culture, and society of the Middle Ages,
Not only that but they also provide us with evidence of how they created many different colors of ink by using natural materials.
We are going to recreate the earlier used black carbon ink using a little bit more modern method that will give us roughly the same effect.
These amazing writers and artists paved the way for the books that you and I enjoy today and made it much easier for us to develop amazing technologies.
Books About the Middle Ages for Kids
9 Medieval History Books & Resources For Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To
Add a few of these books to your Middle Ages or Medieval unit study.
King Arthur is one of the greatest legends of all time. From the magical moment when Arthur releases the sword in the stone to the quest for the Holy Grail and the final tragedy of the Last Battle, Roger Lancelyn Green brings the enchanting world of King Arthur stunningly to life. One of the greatest legends of all time, with an inspiring introduction by David Almond, award-winning author of Clay, Skellig, Kit's Wilderness and The Fire-Eaters.
This covers people and events and covers a larger period of time.
Kids can re-create a long-ago world of kings, castles, jousts, jesters, damsels, magic fairies, and Robin Hood—all they need are their imaginations, materials they can find at home, and the activities in this book. Dressing up in a coat of armor made from plastic milk jugs, whipping up a batch of curds and whey, writing secret messages in invisible ink, and telling time with a sand glass made from soda bottles are just some of the fun projects. Every activity is illustrated, and sidebars highlight colorful facts about life hundreds of years ago.
This newly updated book will introduce you to world history, from prehistoric times to the start of the 21st century. Find out about dinosaurs, the first humans, Ancient Egypt, the Aztec Empire, Medieval Europe, the First World War and many more fascinating subjects.
Set in the fourteenth century, the classic story of one boy's personal heroism when he loses the use of his legs.
The Knights of the Round Table were in their glory. When an unknown stranger visits the castle and asks Kin Arthur's favor, he is allowed to serve in the kitchen for his meat and bread. Little does anyone suspect that he is of noble blood and will soon be knighted by the famous Sir Lancelot. Lush illustrations bring the reader into the book, as Sir Gareth meets adventures and battles to free a princess from the fearsome Red Knight of the Plain.
In this 1978 Caldecott Honor Book, award-winning author and illustrator David Macaulay explores the history and construction of castles in a richly illustrated resource for curious young readers. The word itself conjures up mystery, romance, intrigue, and grandeur. What could be more perfect for an author/illustrator who has continually stripped away the mystique of architectural structures that have long fascinated modern man? With typical zest and wry sense of humor punctuating his drawings, David Macaulay traces the step-by-step planning and construction of both castle and town.
I like to incorporate a wonderful and informational book to support our topic while making it fun and engaging. The Middle Ages, choose your own adventure style book is fantastic for middle elementary.
The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood was written and illustrated by Howard Pyle and published in 1883. It is the best known version of the story of Robin Hood which had been popular throughout the previous century. Pyle popularized Robin Hood, his adventures, and his band of merry men in a way that influenced most later depictions in writing, drawing, and film. The book consists of a series of episodes pitting the outlaw Robin Hood, Little John, Friar Tuck and the rest of his band against corrupt authorities epitomized by the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.
Medieval Manuscripts 101
The word “manuscript” is derived from the Latin words manus (hand).
And from scriptus (writing) literally means “written by hand.”
Manuscripts were decorated with small painted scenes.
They were called miniatures.
And ornately decorated letters began a chapter. They had very intricate borders, and sometimes full-page painted illustrations.
These photos meant that the many people during medieval times that could not read scrolls still own and enjoy the manuscripts.
Making and using quills was central to a scribes profession.
During this time period they were generally taken from geese and swans.
Quills were used to write the Magna Carta and the Declaration of Independence.
Besides the important quill they would of course also need ink.
During the medieval period there were two kinds of ink.
From around 2500 BCE black carbon ink was used. It was a mixture of carbon, water, and gum.
Later in the period, between the 5th and 19th centuries they used brown iron-gall ink.
It was made using iron salts and tannic acids from vegetable sources.
Other Medieval Projects to Try With How to Make a Quill Pen
- Learn How to Make a Knight Templar Helmet for Fun Medieval Times Crafts from cardboard for a DIY that is fun for dramatic play or medieval presentations that need a little more pizazz.
- For younger learners this Art History – Medieval Art lesson is a great way to practice identifying and making letters while learning about this old art form.
- Jump into Hands-On History: Make a Coat of Arms Activity (Middle Ages History).
- Medieval Coronets are the perfect topper for Marquesses and Marchionesses, Earls and Countesses, Barons and Baroness.
- This Geronimo Stilton Time Travel How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft is a fun way to create some middle ages decor.
- Medieval Chemistry and Homeschool History – Fun Hands-On Activity.
Finally, look how to make a quill pen fun activity.
How To Make A Quill Pen
While you can crush your own charcoal from charcoal briquettes for the grill, purchasing ready to use powder is a much easier and less messy way to go.
You will need:
- Good sized feather
- Sharp knife
- Charcoal
- Honey
- Small jar
- Scissors
First, wipe your feather tip down with alcohol to clean and sanitize it.
You can cut off the bottom ½” to 1” of feathers from the shaft to make a larger gripping surface if you want.
Then use the side of the edge of the knife to scrape the membrane off the shaft, it will come off as waxy scraps.
Use scissors to cut a quill point for the barrel, you want your quill to curve downward, with the cut side being underneath.
You can use the knife but I find it is a little bit too difficult to cut with a knife on the curved shaft.
To create your ink mix the charcoal powder with a little water until it is a watery paste. Add a few drops of honey to act as a binder.
When ready to write, dip the quill into the ink pot (in my case a 4 oz mason jar with lid).
Practice writing on your paper by making circles, straight lines, and then letters. You will need to re-dip the quill frequently.
Once you are more comfortable with the quill and ink you can try more complicated words and fancier letters like in manuscripts.
