Counterweights for the sliding portcullis

A portcullis 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 defense 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. Pouring hot oil is a myth; it was far too valuable and rare at the time to waste as such.^{[citation needed]} There were often 'arrow slits' in the sides of the walls, enabling archers and crossbowmen to eliminate the trapped group of attackers.

[edit] Heraldry

The portcullis often appears as a device or emblem in heraldry, such as that employed as the symbol for the Palace of Westminster in London. One example of where a portcullis is found is on a UK one penny coin, and another on the crest of the now defunct Customs and Excise. The coat of arms of Canberra features a portcullis on the crest, symbolizing Parliament. Portcullis Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary is also one of the officers of arms at the College of Arms in London.

[edit] See also

• Castle
• Arrow slit
• Machicolation
• Murder-hole
• Hoarding (castles)

[edit] References

This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2009)