Crenellations on buildings
Crenellation is a feature of defensive architecture, most typically found on the battlements of medieval castles. A battlement is a low, defensive parapet.
The act of crenellation is the cutting of crenels into a previously solid and straight parapet wall. Crenels are rectangular gaps or indentations which occur at regular intervals along the parapet, usually measuring 2-3 ft wide. Merlons are the solid widths between the crenels, usually measuring 4-5 ft wide and 3-7 ft high. Arrows and other missiles could be discharged from the parapet through crenels while taking defensive cover behind the merlons.
The presence of crenellations typically indicates that a castle or other building, such as a manor house, was constructed with features intended for defence against a battle or siege. In medieval England, a licence to crenellate had to be granted by the King or other regional authority before a property could be fortified.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
IHBC NewsBlog
Mapping tool for unused construction materials launched
A mapping tool that provides contractors and their suppliers with a central database of local Materials Exchange Platform (MEP) projects to help cut waste by finding a home for unused materials has been launched.
'Unusual' WW2 sites listed and upgraded to mark 80th anniversary of Battle of Britain
An air raid shelter, a pillbox cleverly disguised as a roofless cottage, a rare Chain Home radar defence tower, and a war memorial have been granted protection.
Derby City Council plans to knock down the 43-year old Assembly Rooms
A planning application has been submitted by Derby City Council to knock down the Assembly Rooms – which has played host to the likes of Elton John, Iron Maiden, Take That, etc.
RIBA launches new contracts for the provision of conservation architectural services
Specifically tailored for conservation projects, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched two brand new professional services contracts.
Liverpool Mayor blocks £5m zip wire plan
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson has made a dramatic intervention into the zip wire row which has divided people, politicians and businesses in the city.
Big Ben’s roof is revealed as conservation work continues
The roof of the Elizabeth Tower (also known as Big Ben) is slowly becoming visible again from 28 September 2020, as part of the scaffolding is removed.
Discover webinars, lectures, training, and other events via IHBC's CPD Circular
The IHBC lists quality providers of education and learning in the historic built environment, and emails a monthly recap of their upcoming events.
Denmark’s 300-year-old homes of the future
On Læsø, houses are thatched with thick, heavy bundles of silvery seaweed that have the potential to be a contemporary building material around the world.
Upcoming Heritage Open Days to feature in-person and online events
For the first time in its history, England’s largest festival of heritage and culture will feature online events as well as in-person activities. Heritage Open Days (HODs) returns in September, thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
RSA report ‘Heritage for inclusive growth’ published
The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) shows the scale of the ‘missed opportunity’ if we continue to separate heritage policymaking and economic policymaking.