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Originally drawbridges were the heavy wooden gates on castles that were surrounded by moats. The bridge was the only way to cross the moat, and they could be raised in the event of an attack, to prevent enemies from entering the castle.
The next great use was in the age of river trading, when large vessels had to travel upriver to ports. The drawbridge (technically called a bascule bridge) could be raised, either in whole or in two parts, only when necessary to allow tall ships to transit. Bascule bridges continue to be used for both traffic and railroads.
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∙ 9y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoaround the middle ages of the 12th century
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Why did the Romans build castles?
The Romans built spectacular castles. The castles were built for defense and protection from the enemy. Drawbridges kept the enemies from getting across the moat.
What was a drawbridge used for?
Drawbridges on castles were a precaution against enemy attack because they provided the only passage in and out of moat-surrounded castles. They could be raised on chains to prevent access.Bascule bridges, commonly known as drawbridges, can open in the middle to allow passage of ships that are too tall to pass underneath the bridge. There are single-leaf and double-leaf designs depending on the size and location.
Did Bodiam castle have drawbridges?
covering a huge moat that is actually bigger than it needs to be so it reflects the whole castle to make it look bigger there is a drawbridge in short yes there is a drawbridge
What were the medieval drawbridges used for?
Like every other aspect of medieval life, drawbridge technology changed and evolved over time.Gates are always the weakest part of any defensive system. The earliest Norman drawbridges in earth and timber motte-and-bailey castles provided a means of preventing the enemy access to wooden gateways (such castles had walls and towers constructed entirely of timber). A huge timber framework would allow part or all of a bridge in front of it to be raised by means of overhead horizontal beams linked to the bridge with ropes and counterweighted at the back. This type is often called a "lift bridge".In later stone castles the bridge in front of a gate might be raised via chains to windlass winches housed in the tower above the gate. Another system involved a large pit inside the tower (as well as the moat outside); the double-length bridge revolved on pivots each side, so its rear dropped into the pit and its front closed flush against the gateway. Any attacker would therefore have to cross the moat outside, break through the raised bridge and then have to cross the large internal pit.The links below take you to images of some of these methods:
Why do castles have a drawbridge?
A drawbridge was used by the people of a castle or walled city to prevent outsiders from getting in. The design purpose of the drawbridge was for military defense, so enemies could not even get to the gates. Drawbridges were raised in some places during the Black Plague, effectively putting the area within the walls under siege until the plague passed. In a few places where the plague had not already got in, this was an effective way to protect the inhabitants.
Who used drawbridges in the middle ages?
Castles over a moat.
When were the first drawbridges made?
For over 8,000 years ago they have been in use in some form.
Are Drawbridges found on lakes?
Drawbridges are usually found on old castles over the moat.
What materials did the Aztecs build drawbridges with?
The Aztecs used a combination of wood, stone, and ropes to build drawbridges. They would create a framework using wooden beams and stone supports, then use ropes to attach the bridge to a mechanism for raising and lowering it. These drawbridges were commonly used in their cities to span canals and waterways.
How do you use hydraulics in bridges?
Hydraulic systems may be used to open and close drawbridges.
How much do drawbridges cost?
2 dollars
What are drawbridges used for?
A drawbridge (bascule bridge) is utilized where the low clearance of a bridge over a waterway would not allow some ships and boats to pass beneath it. This is most commonly seen on active waterways where a bridge is desirable for traffic, but taller/larger ships and boats MUST pass through. Alternatives to drawbridges include vertical lift bridges, where the middle section can be raised high enough to allow ships beneath it, and swing bridges that can pivot in the center. Counter-weighted drawbridges, however, are more common, because they were usually cheaper and easier to construct. In many cities with high vehicular traffic, or for interstate highways, drawbridges have been replaced by modern high-rise bridges.
Why are there drawbrige in a castle?
Castles had drawbridges to allow some people inside, usually by providing a bridge to get over a moat or ditch. Drawbridges could be brought up to keep other people out, such as enemies, since they could not get over the moat or ditch without it.
Are mechanical bridges over navigable waters that raise or turn to allow marine traffic to go under them?
Drawbridges.
Four things you might do to protect a castel under attack?
swords, knights, guards, moats, drawbridges, attack weapons etc.
Who invented drawbridges?
No-one knows. Forms of the drawbridge were used, albeit rarely, as far back as Ancient Egypt, 3000 BC. They did not become common until the Middle Ages in Europe. Leonardo da Vinci designed some - he is not the inventor though.
What has the author Bernard C Winn written?
Bernard C. Winn has written: 'From \\' -- subject(s): Social life and customs, Childhood and youth, Biography 'San Francisco underfoot' -- subject(s): Pictorial works, Equipment and supplies, Manhole covers, Public utilities 'California drawbridges, 1853-1995' -- subject(s): Drawbridges, History 'Railways revisited' -- subject(s): Railroads
