Cowl (oast)
A cowl is a device used on a
Construction
The size of cowls is expressed as height from top plate to base by width of kiln opening covered. Cowls varied in size from 7' by 5' (2.13 by 1.52 m) to 24' by 15' (7.32 by 4.57 m).
Description
The cowl always has its back into the wind, with the finger pointing in the direction toward which the wind is blowing. As the wind blows past the cowl, it creates a low pressure area inside the edge boards of the cowl. In the bottom of the kiln are various openings; with these open, a flow of air through the kiln is created, added to which is the heated air when a kiln is in use rising naturally as it is less dense than cold air.[3]
Removal and repair
The building and maintenance of cowls was generally the job of a wheelwright. To remove a cowl, a cowl pole would be bolted to one of the main beams of the kiln, and the top would protrude from the top of the kiln. A rope would be passed over the pulley at the top of the cowl pole and tied around the cowl. The finger would be removed, and the coach bolt securing the centre post to the backboard undone. The cowl could then be lifted off the tenon at the top of the centre post and lowered down the kiln. Ropes were also tied at each end of the tie beam if present. The cowl could either be lowered inverted, or alternatively, a ladder would be placed against the kiln roof and the cowl be carried down by the wheelwright, the weight being mainly taken by those in the kiln working on the rope. It was important to avoid damaging the kiln roof. Replacement was a reversal of the above process. A series of illustrations showing the process can be found here. The modern method involves using a mobile crane.[3]
Local variations
There are variations in style among cowls.
- Kent type
- The standard cowl as described in the construction section.[3]
- Sussex type
- The Sussex type of cowl has an elongated top plate, giving the cowl a hooded appearance. Sussex type cowls could be found on Kent oasts, and Kent type cowls could be found on oasts in Sussex. Some oasts carried both types of cowl.[3]
- West Midlands
- The West Midlands type of cowl is similar to the Kent type, but without the top board. The weather boards meeting in a point.[5]
- Other cowls
- Cowls found outside the main hop growing areas were generally much cruder in construction and very different in looks. Often they were much squatter in appearance than oast cowls.
- The Richard Rogers designed National Assembly Building in Cardiff features a six-metre-high purpose built rotating wind cowl providing ventilation to the debating chamber. The design was inspired by traditional oast houses.[6]
Creaking
Reports in the media have mentioned the cowls can creak and is a 'feature' of oast houses. This is generally true, however the creaking can be eliminated by greasing the bearing. By climbing inside and putting grease at the bottom of the pole and around the top metal ring all noises when the cowl turns are thwarted. Some use a long stick with grease on to reach the very top as it can be as much as 7M above the internal floor.
References
- ^ Letheringsett Brewery
- ^ "Preston Mill". Archived from the original on 2007-12-14. Retrieved 2007-12-22.
- ^ a b c d e Oasts in Kent
- ^ Oasthouses in Kent & Sussex
- ^ A Pocketful of Hops
- ^ "National Welsh Assembly - Architect, Wales". 16 June 2006.
Sources
- Walton, Robin (1984). Oasts in Kent. Maidstone: Christine Swift. ISBN 0-9506977-3-7.
- Jones & Bell (1992). Oasthouses in Sussex and Kent. Chichester: Phillimore. ISBN 0-85033-818-2.
- A Pocketful of Hops. Bromyard: Bromyard Local History Society. 1988. ISBN 0-9502068-4-9.
External links
- Oast Cowl - Zenith Roofing Only makers of both timber and fibreglass cowls in the world
- Gallery of oast cowls
- Gallery of oast cowls
- Dude & Arnette Makers of cowls.
- Castle Mouldings Makers of cowls in fibreglass.