Barrier

A barrier in fortifications was a gate or other movable obstacle used to close a sally port or postern. Complexity and solidity of a barrier depended largely on the amount of time and labor available to construct and refine the work. Sally ports of enclosed field works intended for relatively brief occupation could be closed by chevaux-de-frise which could be dragged into position at night or when an attack threaten or by very roughly made swinging gates. Barriers constructed for semi-permanent field works and permanent fortifications that could be developed over time were generally very solid, somewhat complex, structures made to resist attempts to break through them during an assault.

Basic Components of a Barrier for Semi-Permanent Field Fortifications
a: Main Post (2, 12 x 12)
b: Post Leaf Stile (2, 8 x 8)
c: Leaf Rail (4, 8 x 8)
d: Meeting Stile (2, 8 x 8)
e: Diagonal Leaf Brace (2, 6 x 4)
f: Hinge, Iron (4)
g: Closing Bar (1, 6 x 6)
h: Closing Bar Socket (4)
k: Post Brace Strut (6, 6 x 6)
m: Post Tie Sill (1, 12 x 12)
n: Sleeper (1, 12 x 12)
o: Sleeper Brace (2, 12 x 12)
Panel Planks or Palisades Not Shown

January, 2003

August, 2005