How To: Make a quill pen

Watch this demonstration of how to make a medieval quill pen by Jennifer Smith of Ferrers Household at an English Heritage Living History event at Kenilworth Castle. In the Medieval era you may have had to make your own ink to write with in addition to making your own pens. To make a quill pen, you will need a big feather. You will need to trim it down with a pen knife. It takes a few precise maneuvers to turn a feather into a working and reliable pen.