decadentvoidprincess:

This is a humble post on some castle and fortification architectural terms – specifically, walls.  When writing, sometimes I cannot find the right word for a… *flails hands* thing, and I like to be accurate, when possible.  This is not The Definitive Post on Castle Architecture.  I’m sure someone else has made such a thing and they deserve applause.   

A balustrade is a railing piece along a bridge, stair or balcony.  It is supported by balusters, which are short, typically decorative columns.  Balustrade may also refer to the entire column/railing construction.  Balusters along a stairway are often called bannisters.

A parapet is a short, protective barrier, usually no more than head-height, along a terrace, balcony or roof.  When a parapet is crenellated, meaning it has indentations at regular intervals, it is called a battlement.  The gaps in a battlement are called crenels or embrasures; the solid upright sections (the not-gaps) of a battlement are called merlons.  

A bulwark is any kind of defensive wall or embankment.  A bastion is a structure projected outward from a castle or fortification.  The connecting wall between bastions or towers is a curtain wall.  

A rampart is a thick defensive wall with a broad top, which is often crowned with a parapet or battlement.  A chemin de ronde is a protected walkway atop a rampart and behind a battlement, sometimes called a wall-walk if you don’t want to sound too fancy.    

There are many more parts to castles and other fortifications.  Explore them and enjoy.  But if this helps anyone just a little, I will be pleased.