CHAPTER III
GATES AND BRIDGES
Though confining ourselves to a brief historical abstract of the so-called Gothic period in architecture, without reference to Roman examples, we have said enough in the foregoing studies on castles and keeps, and the circumvallation of towns, to give some idea of the importance attached by architects to the gates which secured the enceintes, and the bridges which afforded an approach.
Gates.—Following the example of those Frankish architects whose works in Syria after the first Crusade seem to have exercised such far-reaching influence, French builders of the reigns of Philip Augustus and St. Louis reduced the entrances of fortresses and fortified enceintes to the smallest number practicable. Their construction was based upon a system calculated to repulse any ordinary attempt to carry the place by direct attack; as a rule, fortresses were taken rather by ruse, surprise, or treason than by regular siege.
186. CITY OF CARCASSONNE. GATE-HOUSE OF THE CASTLE
During the twelfth, and more especially the thirteenth century, the gates were the points most strongly fortified. They were approached over a bridge, by raising a movable portion of which, however, entrance might be barred on the very threshold. The narrow gateway passage was defended by two projecting towers pierced with loopholes, and connected by a curtain. The whole structure formed a fortified gate-house, known as a châtelet, which had to be carried before an assailant could penetrate to the fortress beyond. The passage was further defended by a single or double portcullis, a grated timber framework like a harrow, cased with iron, the uprights of which were spiked at the bottom. The passage was also defended by machicolations or holes in the roof, through which the garrison could hurl down missiles on the heads of their enemies, should the latter have forced the gate.
The castle-gate of Carcassonne which was built about 1120 still exists, and is a good example of such arrangements.
The minute precautions adopted by architects to guard against surprise are very manifest in this example. A sudden attempt was often successful, especially if favoured by traitors among the defenders themselves.
The difficulties of passage were increased by the multiplication of portcullises, the windlasses of which were worked from different stories of the tower, so as to prevent collusion between different parties of the garrison, which was often composed largely of mercenaries. In the gate-house of Carcassonne the first portcullis was raised or lowered by means of chains and counter-weights worked from a windlass on the second floor; the second portcullis was worked in like manner from the first floor, in a place entirely cut off from communication with that above, to which access could only be obtained by a wooden staircase in the castle courtyard.