Machicolation
In medieval fortifications, machicolations (derivation French: machicoulis) are openings in the upper sections of castles or other fortifications through which missiles, boiling oil and other objects could be thrown down onto attackers. The openings could be in either the vertical plane or in the floor.
In Italy they are known as ‘piombatoio’, in France ‘meurtriers’, and in England ‘murder holes’ and ‘drop boxes'.
They originated in Syria but the idea was transplanted to Europe by returning Crusaders. One of the earliest examples dates from the 13th century and can still be seen at Chateau de Farcheville, near Paris. Since the Medieval period they have been mostly restricted to decorative purposes.
The openings, usually as narrow as possible to minimise the chances of arrows hitting defenders, usually occur where a parapet extends outwards on corbels so as to project from the face of the wall; this gave the defenders a better top view of assailants and allowed more accuracy in dropping rocks and boiling liquids down onto their heads. Either to deceive the enemy or for aesthetics – or both – a parapet might have been extended outwards on corbels even if there were no machicolations behind.
Machicolations were best located above critical points, such as gateways and entrances but could also form a continuous line extending around a castle. They were common in French castles but in their UK counterparts were usually restricted to the areas above gateways, eg Conwy Castle, Wales, built 1283-1289.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Archaeology.
- Britain's historic paving.
- British Museum.
- Building a Crossing Tower: a design for Rouen Cathedral of 1516.
- Cathedral of Brasilia.
- Cologne Cathedral.
- Conservation.
- IHBC articles.
- Palace of Westminster.
- St Pauls Cathedral.
- St. Basil's Cathedral.
- The Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
IHBC NewsBlog
Methodology for Moisture Investigations in Traditional Buildings agreed
A ‘Methodology for Moisture Investigations in Traditional Buildings ‘ has been agreed between RICS, Historic England and the service provider PCA, a trade body, which should help raise professional standards and consumer confidence.
Drinkers toast the future after historic Leeds pub granted GII listed heritage status
The Templar Hotel on Vicar Lane has been listed at Grade II by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.
Housing Minister announces new champion for modern ‘MMC’ housebuilding
Government has announced a new Champion for Modern Methods of Construction as part of the government’s drive to make the UK the global leader in housing standards.
RTPI on ‘Why planning needs better outcome measurement’
Planning is about so much more than the number of applications approved and the speed of processing them so the RTPI is commissioning research aimed at producing a toolkit that can demonstrate a wider range of outcomes.
The rise of ‘facadism’ in London, from the BBC and ‘The Gentle Author’
London blogger The Gentle Author has been photographing the changing face of London, focusing on what is known as ‘facadism’, the practice of destroying everything apart from the front wall and constructing a new building behind it.
Great Yarmouth Winter Gardens Facing Off Dilapidation
Urgent repairs have been ordered to save one of the country’s most endangered buildings from dilapidation while Great Yarmouth Borough Council seeks an investor.
Construction urged to do more for butterflies and bees, via SNH
SNH has published new guidance on how best to fit pollinators into urban design and construction with a series of easy steps to suit all project budgets and sizes.
Applications now open for the Sustainability Scholarship for 2020: Closing 29/11
Applications are invited for the Sustainability Scholarship 2020, with successful applicants to receive £3000, support and mentoring from experts, and closing 29 November.
Government asked to save plans for Queensbury tunnel cycle
It was hoped the 1.4 mile (2.3km) Victorian Queensbury Tunnel could be used by cyclists travelling between Bradford and Halifax, but plans have been threatened.
Case Study in Durham Cathedral: Project Managment and Building Services Challenges
Completing works that widened public access to the hidden architectural spaces and collections of Durham Cathedral showcases exceptional project management.
Autumn clamp down on dust by HSE – site visits planned
This month HSE is carrying out its latest construction inspection initiative with a focus in particular on measures in place to protect workers from occupational lung disease caused by asbestos, silica, wood and other dusts when carrying out common construction tasks.