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Glossary

Barbican

A passage to the entrance of a castle that projects forward of the main curtain wall, with walls to either side. This will force an attacking force into a small space and in an intended direction. The attackers can then be attacked from above and the sides. Examples are at Prudhoe and Alnwick castles, (both Northumberland), of the 14th century. They may also include a drawbridge.

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