Machicolations and Arrow Slits By Gabrielle Robinson Machicolations

Machicolations and Arrow Slits By: Gabrielle Robinson

Machicolations Definition - an opening in the floor or between the supporting corbels of the battement in which the attacker can drop missiles upon their adversaries.

Background information (Machicolations) • The word “Machicolations” originated from the French word “marcher “ meaning to crush. • Machicolations were known as “murder holes” on account that an enemy was spotted the defender would throw a giant rock to crush them.

Origin of Machicolations “Machicolations” were introduced with Norman and Plantagenet castles during 1066 -1485.

Design of “machicolations” �Machicolations were platforms that spanned across the whole battlement while others stuck out from the wall like balconies. �The purpose of the machicolation was for the soliders to quickly follow the enemies pattern for the battements.

Arrow Slits Definition – a narrow opening in a wall through which defenders inside the castle can fire arrows swiftly to defend against their foe.

Background information (Arrow Slits) �Many Arrow slits are also called loopholes, arrow loops and bow loops. �The arrow slits were designed to accommodate the archers and his bow whether it be a long bow, short bow or crossbow.

Origin (arrow slits) “Arrow slits” were introduced with Plantagenet castles during 1200's.

Design of “arrow slits” �The arrow slit was originally created as a vertical two inch wide slot with the horizontal length ranging from 3 to 9 feet. �For example, the short bow was fired vertically while the crossbow fired horizontally giving the reason for the cross shaped opening called “Oilets”.

The Defense methods Machicolations Arrow slits �To defend the royalties �To defend the wealthy inside the castle by pouring boil water or oil upon the enemy once it reached a certain point under the machicolation. elite by shooting arrows to kill enemies from long rang or short rang.

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