posted 02-12-2001 04:19 PM         

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What does a portcullis look like. A picture would be a big help. How does it work? Are there any floorplans of a castle that shows a detailed portcullis?

***DragonSlayor***
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posted 02-13-2001 05:26 PM         

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A portcullis was a grate, usually with a spiked bottom, that could be lowered into an entrance passageway to help keep out enemies (or unruly peasants)it was sometimes made of iron, or wood. If made of wood portcullisses (is that the correct plural tense?) were often plated with iron or some other storng metal. There are pictures of portcullisses (portculli?) in many books. The only one I can think of off the top of my head is "Castle" by David Macaulay. Im sure other members can give you more examples.
If an entranceway contained two portcullises a group of enemies could be trapped between them, thus allowing the castle's defenders to rain arrows, rocks, boiling oil, or what have you, down on the helpless men.

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"Those who refuse to serve the Powers,
become the tools of the Powers.
Those who agree to serve the Powers,
Themselves become the Powers.

Beware the Choice! Beware refusing it!"
-Book of Night with Moon Tetrastych XVI: "Fire Over Heaven"

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