Last edited 02 Jun 2023

Wythe

Wythe is a word from the 1700's meaning the one unit of a vertical section of a masonry wall. The word most probably relates to tie or band (wiþþe) as a derivation of width. Many older masonry structures were comprised of an outer wythe or layer of stone, and an inner wythe of stone or later brick. They were normally joined with through bricks and infilled with smaller pebbles and lime mortar. Medieval wall construction was primarily solid wall construction with cavity walls not appearing until the late 1800's, although guidance written by Vetruvius on roman wall construction much earlier does mention the use of cavities particularly in damp conditions.

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