Portcullis
Portcullises were vital defense mechanisms in medieval castles, originating from Roman times. They trapped enemies, aided in rapid deployment, and featured spiked ends to injure attackers, enhancing castle defense strategies.
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The portcullis in a medieval castle was a crucial defense mechanism made of metal and strong wood, designed to quickly slide up or down grooves to secure the entrance during attacks. Originating from Roman times, it became a common feature in European castles from the 12th century onwards. Castles typically had two portcullises strategically placed to trap enemies and allow defenders to attack from above. The winching mechanism enabled rapid deployment, aiding in trapping intruders. Castles with multiple portcullises could strategically stop and deal with enemies by luring them inside and dropping the gates simultaneously. The portcullis played a vital role in castle defense, allowing for organized responses to ambushes and sieges. Its spiked ends could injure attackers when dropped, adding to its effectiveness as a defensive structure.
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7 commentsThe Santa Barbara County Courthouse, despite having been constructed in 1926, incorporates such holes and slits. I don't think opposing counsel has ever had boiling oil dumped upon them, but at least the architects (and tradies?) had a bit of fun putting these in.
How do you "ambush" a castle? Perhaps TFA meant "siege"?
The 3rd part specifically goes into castles.
https://acoup.blog/2021/10/29/collections-fortification-part...
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