Robin Hood Coracles for the Ridley Scott Robin Hood Film

How to build and construct a Coracle with a Cowhide Skin These Coracles were built and used in the Ridley Scott Robin Hood Film Released on 14 May 2010

The Coracle Workshop on the Robin Hood Film Set at Shepperton Studios

The earliest record of Coracle use is Julius Caesar who while fighting in Spain in 49bc he ordered his troops to make wickerwork boats covered in hides of a type he had seen in Britain some years previously. Later in medieval times Gerald de barry visited Wales in 1188 and described coracles in his journal. In the year 1360 in the rule of Edward the 3rd it was written by Froissart a description of the army from England to France that carried on its baggage carts small boats covered in boiled leather. It was also said that three men per boat fished from them. Later in the time of King henry the 5th, Holinshead records in his chronicle of plans for an expedition to France (invasion) in the year 1414 of the provision of "boats to pass over rivers covered with leather...). The coracles used in Sir Ridley Scotts Robin Hood (2010) are also covered in cowskins that are of cured rawhide and were made by specialist coraclemakers. A medieval coracle workshop was one of many buildings built at Shepperton studios adjacent the moated castle set with all the other props working and could if required have made a coracle for real. The film is released by Universal pictures on the 14th of May 2010. The city of Nottingham has many Robin Hood themed events throughout the month of May in celebration of the films connection to the Nottingham folk hero who is played by Russell Crowe.

Royal Standard on the King's ship Robin Hood Film Set 2009	Actor next to a Coracle on the Robin Hood Film Set

Robin Hood Coraclemen Actors on the Film Set at Shepperton Studios

Coraclemen paddle on the Robin Hood Film Set	The Coracle Makers Workshop on the Robin Hood Film Set

Authentic Hide Coracle used in the Robin Hood Film - Shepperton Studios

The Coracle Makers Workshop on the Robin Hood Film Set	Authentic Hide Coracle used in the Robin Hood Film

Rope Making and Spinning Hair at the Coracle Makers Workshop - Shepperton Studios - Robin Hood Film

Coracleman at the Coracle Makers Workshop on the Robin Hood Film Set at Shepperton Studios	The Coracle Makers Workshop on the Robin Hood Film Set at Shepperton Studios



Coracle Construction How to build an authentic Hide covered Coracle for use in Film Sets

The Coracle below was one of twelve used in the new Robin Hood feature film directed by Sir Ridley Scott with Russell Crowe as Robin Hood. Six different coracle designs were used and this hide covered coracle was featured on the moated castle set at the backlot of Shepperton studios. Others were used at the medieval coracle workshop set and on the location at Virginia water.


Coracle Construction - Lathes interlaced	Coracle Construction Seat & Bulkhead positioned for size


Coracle Construction Jig Attached (Free Standing)	Coracle Construction Steam Assisted Bending


Coracle Construction Lathes Clamped to Jig	Coracle Construction Jig Removed & Replaced by Seat


Coracle Construction Finished Frame	Coracle Construction Bulkhead Detail


Coracle Construction Additional Seat Support	Coracle Construction Cowhide in Preparation


Coracle Construction Cowhide Left on Coracle Frame to Dry	Coracle Construction Completed Coracle


Coracle Construction - This Coracle was used in the Robin Hood motion picture during the summer of 2009
Link to Coracle Nets and Associated Coracle Film Props