Crownwork

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The printable version is no longer supported and may have rendering errors. Please update your browser bookmarks and please use the default browser print function instead.
A crownwork outside a bastion
Feature 'l' is a crownwork.[1]

A crownwork is an element of the trace italienne system of fortification and is effectively an expanded hornwork (a type of outwork). It consists of a full bastion with the walls on either side ending in half bastions from which longer flank walls run back towards the main fortress.[2]

The crownwork was used to extend the fortified area in a particular direction, often in order to defend a bridge, prevent the enemy occupying an area of high ground, or simply strengthen the overall fortifications in the expected direction of attack.[3]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ From the Cyclopaedia
  2. ^ Griffiths 1862, p. 262.
  3. ^ Editor 1830, p. 590.

References

  • Griffiths, Frederick Augustus (1862). The Artillerist's Manual, and British Soldier's Compendium (9th ed.). Parker & Son.
  • "A Popular View of Fortification and Gunnery, No. I. 49, No. II. 316, No. III. 586". The United Service Journal and Naval and Military Magazine. London: Henry Colburn and Richard Bentley. 1830.