Portcullis

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A portcullis in Edinburgh Castle

A portcullis is a 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 furthest away. This was used to trap the enemy and often, burning wood or hot oil would be poured onto them from the roof. Also, archers could shoot arrows at the trapped enemies.

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 Canada Customs crest. Portcullis Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary is also one of the officers of arms at the College of Arms in London.

Gallery

Image:Portcullis Bucharest.jpg|A portcullis in Bucharest, Romania Image:Stirling Castle portcullis dsc06571.jpg|A portcullis in Stirling Castle, Scotland Image:Palazzo Comunale03.jpg|Gate with portcullis in the Palazzo d'Accursio, Bologna, Italy Image:Hm-customs-ensign.PNG|Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs Image:Arms-westminster-lb.jpg|City of Westminster Image:Canberra coat of arms.jpg|Coat of Arms of Australian Capital Territory Image:Somerset Herald Badge.jpg|The badge of Somerset Herald of Arms in Ordinary

See also

• Portcullis House

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