Sconce (fortification)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Sconce is a small protective fortification, such as an earthwork often placed on a mound as a defensive work for artillery.^[1] It was used primarily in Northern Europe from the late Middle Ages until the 19th century. This type of fortification was common during the English Civil War, and the remains of one such structure can be see on Fort Royal Hill in Worcester, England.^[2]

The etymology of sconce is from the Latin absconsus, via the French esconce, is a word of many meanings, mostly signifying a covering or protection, or, by extension, that which is covered or protected.^[3] The word is closely related to the medieval Dutch schans and the German word schanze.^[4]

[edit] See also

• List of established military terms
• Redoubt
• Skansen

[edit] References

1. ^ Images of England: Sconce
2. ^ Fort Royal, Worcester
3. ^ This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
4. ^ ensconce The Lexiteria & alphaDictionary