Machicolation
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In architecture, a machicolation is an opening between the supporting corbels of a battlement through which defenders can target attackers who have reached the base of the defensive wall. A smaller re
15th-century machicolations of Craigmillar Castle in Scotland
Murder hole
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A murder hole or meurtrière is a hole in the ceiling of a gateway or passageway in a fortification through which the defenders could shoot, throw or pour harmful substances or objects such as rocks, a
Machicolation
…wall. A smaller related structure that only protects key points of a fortification is referred to as a bretèche. Machicolation, hoarding, bretèches, and murder holes are all similar defensive features serving the same purpose: to enable defenders atop a defensive structure to target attackers below. The primary…
Murder holes at Bodiam Castle