What is a shield wall?
The Dutch term schildmuur has two meanings in building.
1. Defensive wall
A shield wall (German: Schildmauer) is an exceptionally high and thick wall of a castle or town that served as an extra barrier against attackers. It was usually built on the most vulnerable side, often where the ground was level and an enemy could get closest. Behind the shield wall stood the lighter walls and the buildings of the castle.
Such massive walls became necessary to withstand heavy siege engines such as the trebuchet. Like other castle walls, a shield wall is often crowned with battlements and a wall walk. Shield walls are especially typical of medieval castles in the German-speaking lands, particularly spur castles built on a ridge.
2. Wall area under a vault
In vaulting, schildmuur also refers to the wall surface enclosed by the wall rib (formeret): the arch along which a vault meets a wall. In drawings of church vaults it is distinguished from the vault web, the transverse arch, the wall rib and the boss. Windows are often placed in this area. In English this semicircular or pointed wall field is usually called a lunette.
Application
- Building history: for castles and churches, the term helps name parts unambiguously in descriptions, surveys and restoration plans.
- Restoration: the wall area under a vault is often less heavily loaded than the piers and buttresses, but it can still contribute to stability. Never cut openings in it without advice from a structural engineer experienced in historic structures.
- Cracking: cracks along the wall rib can indicate movement in the vault. Have them assessed before repair.
Related Terms
- Wall rib
- Transverse arch
- Vault
- Buttress
- Groin vault
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