Illustrated Dictionary of British Churches - Battlement Definition

History and Architecture

Battlement

A form of indented parapet, generaly associated with military architecture, but in the late medieval period also commonly used in churches, particularly to decorate towers. The indentations are called embrasures, or crenelles, leading to the term 'crenellation' to refer to the use of parapets with battlements. The raised sections between embrasures are called merlons or cops. Both merlons and embrasures are topped with coping to prevent water damage.

Uffington, Oxfordshire

Uffington, Oxfordshire




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This Celtic saint began his career as a simple shepherd boy. He entred the monastery of Melrose in 651 and in 664 became prior of Lindisfarne



22 May, 1455

1st Battle of St Albans

Yorkists defeat a royal army and capture Henry VI. The Duke of York becomes Constable of England.

This king lost the throne, and his life, at the Battle of Bosworth



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