Turret (architecture)

Turret (architecture)

A turret is a small tower that projects vertically from the wall of a building such as a medieval castle. Turrets were used to provide a projecting defensive position allowing covering fire to the adjacent wall in the days of military fortification. As their military use faded, turrets were used for decorative purposes, as in the Scottish Baronial Style.

History

Turrets in architectural history have evolved from their initial military defensive application to a much more decorative function. The term is derived from the Italian word torretta, which means little tower, and the French word tourette, also meaning little tower.

Design and Function

In fortification, a turret is a defensive tower that is added to the walls of a castle. Turrets provided a projecting defensive position during siege warfare. Turrets were usually situated at the corners of the walls, allowing defensive fire along the wall from both sides.

In the Scottish Baronial Style, turrets were used for decorative purposes and were often capped with a conical roof. The size and shape of the turret were often varied, ranging from cylindrical to polygonal.

Examples

Notable examples of turret architecture can be found in the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle, and Neuschwanstein Castle. In these examples, the turrets serve both a decorative and defensive purpose.

See also

• Bartizan
• Bastion
• Castle
• Fortification
• Tower