Portcullis (Paperback)

High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles A portcullis (from the French "porte coulissante" or gliding door) is a latticed grille or gate made of wood, metal or a combination of the two. Portcullises fortified the entrances to many medieval castles, acting as a last line of defence during time of attack or siege. Each portcullis was mounted in vertical grooves in castle walls and could be raised or lowered quickly by means of chains or ropes attached to an internal winch. There would often be two portcullises to the main entrance. The one closest to the inside would be closed first and then the one farthest away. This was used to trap the enemy and often, burning wood or fire-heated sand would be dropped onto them from the roof. Hot oil, however, was not used in this manner, contrary to popular belief; it was far too valuable and rare at the time to waste in this way. There were often arrowslits in the sides of the walls, enabling archers and crossbowmen to eliminate the trapped group of attackers.