On Folio 3r of Diebold Schilling's Lucerne Chronicle, a treadwheel crane is depicted in the construction of the first monastery church at Hof in the 8th century.
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| Diebold Schilling Chronicle, Folio 3r |
The Scene
At the top of the image, an angel holding a lantern provides light—a reference to the mistaken derivation of "Lucerne" from Lucerna (Latin for "lamp", "the light"). In the lower-left portion, Abbot Wichard oversees the construction. Below him, two workers mix mortar, while a monk, lifting his robe, carries stones. On the far right, a stonemason works in an open hut. At the center, the new monastery church is being built around the former St. Nicholas Chapel.
At the heart of the image, a treadwheel crane is visible. What appears to be a gallows is actually the crane’s frame. Beneath it, the large wheel functions as a treadmill, powered by human effort—similar to a hamster wheel. The crane rope runs from the treadmill over the frame to a corner pillar. Attached to the rope is a stone clamp (also called Wolf or Wolf’s Tongs), which grasps a stone block. A worker, dressed like a town servant, ensures the block is positioned correctly.
The Stone Clamp
When the crane rope is pulled up, the clamp tightens around the stone, allowing it to be lifted securely. Small indentations are carved into the sides of the block to prevent slipping. By utilizing its own weight, even the heaviest stones can be raised efficiently.
A Historic Treadwheel in Lucerne
Lucerne still preserves a historic treadmill, located in the attic of the Hofkirche. To this day, it is used during the Ascension Day service to lift an image of Christ.
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| Treadwheel Crane in the Church of St. Leodegar |
