A hornwork is an element of the trace italienne system of fortification. It consists of a pair of demi-bastions with a curtain wall connecting them and with two long sides directed upon the faces of the bastions, or ravelins of the inner fortifications, so as to be defended by them.[1]
The hornwork was used to extend the fortified area in a particular direction to prevent the enemy occupying an area of high ground or simply strengthen the overall fortifications in the expected direction of attack.[2] A crownwork serves a similar purpose, but unlike a hornwork, it contains full bastion.
Notes[]
- ↑ Griffiths 1862, p. 262.
- ↑ Editor 1830, p. 590.
References[]
- Griffiths, Frederick Augustus (1862). The artillerist's manual, and British soldier's compendium (9 ed.). Parker & Son.
- Editor (1830). "A Popular View of Fortification and Gunnery, No. I. 49, No. II. 316, No. III. 586". London: Henry Colburn and Richard Bentley. http://books.google.com/books?id=nUvzAAAAMAAJ&pg=PR3#v=onepage&q&f=false.
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The original article can be found at Hornwork and the edit history here.