Glossary & Related Notes

Bailey

A bailey is the flat defended area at the foot of mottes, for the protection of soldiers and livestock.

Bastion

A bastion is an outward projecting structure on a fortification which facilitates active defence against an attack. It offers a fortification under siege a broader range on which to attack oncoming troops.

Capstone

A capstone is a large stone forming a roof over the chamber of a megalithic tomb (e.g. a dolmen).

Chancel

A chancel is usually the eastern end of a church, or choir, where the altar stands and is often reserved for the clergy.

Frescoes

Frescoes are watercolour paintings applied to wet plaster on a wall, and then let to dry.

Garth

A garth is an open space, often grassed, surrounded by cloisters.

Mottes

Mottes are earthen mounds shaped like a plum pudding, and used as a fortification by the Normans, who placed a long-vanished wooden tower on top.

Nave

A nave is usually the western part of a church, for the laity.

Promontories

Promontories are (usually high) headlands jutting out into the sea.

Transepts

In a cross-shaped church, a transept is either of the two parts forming the arms of the cross shape.


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