| Summary : A Battery at Carlisle Castle built in 1542 for Henry VIII by Stephen von Haschenperg. Constructed of sandstone, the battery is of a single storey in a half moon shape. Around the side, at regular intervals, are square splayed gun ports. When no longer required, the moat was completely filled in 1827 and the upper parapet was removed in 1833, so that there was nothing of these fortifications seen above ground until excavated 1917-19. |
More information : The half-moon battery comprised a double row of guns; at ground level cannon fire would have raked the outer bailey, whilst below a number of square openings allowed defenders to fire on assailants attempting to cross the ditch. (1)
A Battery at Carlisle Castle built in 1542 for Henry VIII by Stephen von Haschenperg. Constructed of sandstone, the battery is of a single storey in a half moon shape. Around the side, at regular intervals, are square splayed gun ports. When no longer required, the moat was completely filled in 1827 and the upper parapet, on the battery and walls, was removed in 1833, so that there was nothing of these fortifications seen above ground until excavated 1917-19. (2)
The battery was partly demolished in the 19th century. An illustration depicting the battery in 1813 shows that the upper section was in a poor state of repair at this time. See the source for further detailed information including the aforementioned illustration and a section and plan of the battery. (3)
Additional information, see source for details. (4)
The purpose of the half-moon battery was to provide extra protection to the approaches to the inner ward. Please see the guidebook for further information including current and historic photographs of the battery as well as an illustration dating to 1813 which can also be seen in source 3. (5)
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