Castles and Fortifications

A look at Castles and Fortifications throughout History.

Embrasure

https://www.stronghold-nation.com/history/ref/embrasure 31st Jul 2021 - An Embrasure is an opening in a crenellation or battlement positioned between two solid raised positions. An outward window splay (or space) for an ar …

Chemise

https://www.stronghold-nation.com/history/ref/chemise 31st Jul 2021 - Developed as a low wall that surrounded a Keep - which protected it's base. Sometimes called an Apron Wall or Mantlet. The Chemise system's initial de …

Breteche

https://www.stronghold-nation.com/history/ref/breteche 31st Jul 2021 - These were small balconies with openings in the floor, from which Archers or other missile men could shoot downward onto an approaching enemy without …

Yett Gate

https://www.stronghold-nation.com/history/ref/yett-gate 31st Jul 2021 - These were heavy, vertically opening gates - most typically found in medieval fortresses. They were made of either wood or metal (or a combination of …

Tilbury Fort

https://www.stronghold-nation.com/history/ref/tilbury-fort 31st Jul 2021 - Originally built as a defensive position near The Thames River (and to London), Tilbury can trace it's usage as a fortification to around the 14th Cen …

Gabion

https://www.stronghold-nation.com/history/ref/gabion 31st Jul 2021 - In The Middle Ages, a Gabion was a rounded wooden or wicker-type basket or cage. They featured open tops and sealed bottoms. In terms of fortifying a …

Archer Stakes

https://www.stronghold-nation.com/history/ref/archer-stakes 31st Jul 2021 - These devices were anti-cavalry weapons - deployed by Archers as a form of protection. Devised in the 14th/15th Centuries, they were an obvious nod to …

Flanking Tower

https://www.stronghold-nation.com/history/ref/flanking-tower 31st Jul 2021 - Flanking Towers (as seen in the 11th/12th Centuries), were fortified Towers built on the outside of a defensive perimeter wall system or fortified str …

Barmkin

https://www.stronghold-nation.com/history/ref/barmkin 31st Jul 2021 - A defensive structure indicative to Scotland (and parts of Northern England)  the Barmkin possibly started out as a simple corral for cattle (whi …

Bawns

https://www.stronghold-nation.com/history/ref/bawns 31st Jul 2021 - Indicative to Ireland, Bawns were defensive walls which were built to protect a central Tower. The Towers were designed to allow persons to protect ca …

Peel Tower

https://www.stronghold-nation.com/history/ref/peel-tower 31st Jul 2021 - These were small fortified Keeps with attached Towers. They were built along the Scotland-England border. They were designed to serve as both Watch an …

Ringfort

https://www.stronghold-nation.com/history/ref/ringfort 31st Jul 2021 - An early Middle Ages fortified settlement, they developed up to 1000 A.D. - when Castle development began in earnest. Primarily a large, circular (con …