What is a tower window?
A tower window is an opening in the wall of a tower. Tower windows are found in church towers, castles, water towers, town halls and turrets on houses and commercial buildings. They can be open, without glass, or closed with glazing or a shutter.
Types
- Open openings: such as narrow slits or arrow loops in defensive towers, and sound openings in bell towers.
- Belfry openings with louvres: angled boards or slats that direct the sound of the bells downwards and keep out the rain.
- Glazed windows: to let light into a stair or tower room, often narrow and tall so as not to weaken the wall too much.
- Round windows (oculi): small round or oval openings, for example in a tower lantern.
- Shuttered windows: timber shutters that can be closed in storms or cold weather.
Function
- Light and air inside the tower.
- Letting the sound of the bells out.
- Views and defence in older fortified towers.
- Architectural articulation: the windows often mark the different stages (storeys) of the tower and sometimes become larger or more richly decorated towards the top.
Maintenance points
- Water: tower windows sit high up and catch a lot of wind and driving rain. Check sills, weatherboards and joints regularly.
- Birds: open windows are often fitted with mesh against pigeons. Bear in mind that protected species such as swifts and barn owls sometimes nest in towers.
- Structure: cracks can develop in the masonry around large openings. Have them assessed by a specialist in historic masonry.
- Heritage: many towers are listed. Consult the local authority before repairing or replacing windows.
Related terms
- Belfry louvre
- Campanile
- Donjon
- Lantern in architecture
- Lancet window
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