Editor's Corner

While I was researching some of the Editor’s Corner topics from previous weeks, I searched for photos of castle bulwarks and loopholes. And then I stumbled on this spine-tingling and grotesque term: murder hole.

Okay, that sounds pretty disgusting, but I must admit that for some reason I have always been intrigued by the terrible actions of humans, usually wondering “Why would someone do that?” In this case, I couldn’t let the term murder hole slip by.

A peppy site called The Wonders of Ireland has an animated video showing one example of a murder hole, but I think a quick Wikipedia definition and some pictures will be faster. From Wikipedia:

A murder hole or meurtrière is a hole in the ceiling of a gateway or passageway in a fortification through which the defenders could shoot, throw, or pour harmful substances or objects such as rocks, arrows, scalding water, hot sand, quicklime, or boiling oil, down on attackers.

That’s horrible, but not nearly what I was expecting. You gotta protect your home and hearth, man! And now for some photos of murder holes:

And here are a few more details (these courtesy of AI):

<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Location: Murder holes were typically located in the ceilings of gatehouses, over internal staircases, or above a passageway leading to a specific room.

<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Defensive strategy: They were part of a layered defense, used in conjunction with features like portcullises (grated gates) that could be dropped to trap attackers in a killing zone.

<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Attacking method: Once an enemy was trapped, defenders could attack with projectiles or liquids from a safe, elevated position.

<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Other uses: Some historians suggest that in certain castles, murder holes may have also served other purposes, such as allowing for communication or letting in light.

The second photo above is from Deal Castle. I’ve never been there, but it looks amazing. It isan artillery fort constructed by Henry VIII in Deal, Kent (England), between 1539 and 1540.

On that note, I hope you have an enjoyable day and stay far away from any murder holes, unless it is to get a little sun in your chilly castle!

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | Knowledge Enablement

Pronouns: she/her | Call via Teams | jackhenry.com

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