The main passageway through a fortification's parapet,
rampart, or masonry wall. Sally ports were generally made just wide enough
for the passage of artillery or wagons in one direction. In field fortifications
sally port slopes (where the port cut through the parapet) were revetted
and retained at near vertical slopes. The passage was generally closed using
a movable obstacle, such as chevaux-de-frise, or a swinging barrier gate.
Sally ports in permanent fortifications were usually closed with heavy wooden
gates designed to either swing open on a horizontal plane or drop down to
serve as a draw bridge.
The main passageway through a fortification's parapet,
rampart, or masonry wall. Sally ports were generally made just wide enough
for the passage of artillery or wagons in one direction. In field fortifications
sally port slopes (where the port cut through the parapet) were revetted
and retained at near vertical slopes. The passage was generally closed using
a movable obstacle, such as chevaux-de-frise, or a swinging barrier gate.
Sally ports in permanent fortifications were usually closed with heavy wooden
gates designed to either swing open on a horizontal plane or drop down to
serve as a draw bridge.
