Palisade

Description of the Palisade
The Palisade was a fence of heavy timber pales or stakes forming a defence barrier or fortification. The Palisade dates back to the Hillforts of the Iron and Bronze ages and the Forts which were built by the Romans. The purpose of the palisade was to protect the interior of a fortification. Each Hillfort had a rampart - an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes and many had Palisades - A fence of pales forming a defence barrier or fortification ( A pale was a fence made with a stake or pointed stick which enclosed the area). The Norman Motte and Bailey Castle tower was surrounded by a rampart and palisade. The wooden Palisade was the early forerunner of the massive stone Curtain Walls.

Palisade

• What was the Origin, Meaning or Definition of the Palisade
• Description of a Castle's Palisade
• What was the purpose of the Palisade?
• How did Palisade help with defenses?
• What was a Palisade normlly made of?

Palisade

History of the Palisade
The palisade was one of the most important forms of defence and, as such, its history dates back to the Hillforts of the Iron and Bronze Ages and the Forts of the Roman Empire! Palisades were made of heavy timbers and later became a feature of the Norman Motte and Bailey Castles which were built by the Normans. The wooden wall ( palisade) was subject to rot when built on an earth base and could be destroyed by fire. The wooden walls were therefore replaced by stone curtain walls.

Origin, Meaning of the word 'Palisade'
The Origin and Meaning of the word 'Palisade' derives from the Latin words 'palicea and palis' meaning a stake.

Palisade

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• What were the purpose of the different parts of the Medieval Castle?
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• Identifying parts of a castle - Description, purpose and function of the  Moat, Dungeon and Portcullis
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