Berwick
Ramparts are a huge complex of 16th century town fortifications, founded by Queen
Mary. Built inside the medieval town wall, which
was then abandoned, they gave defence against the development of artillery and
are unique in Britain. One and a half miles in length, the stone-faced ramparts
are strengthened by immense arrowhead-shape bastions, which flanked huge wet ditches.
The open ground of Magdalen Fields, is protected by the Bell
Tower and an earthwork traverse line, which ends with the Great Bulwark Redoubt.
Cowport is the only Elizabethan gateway remaining, its vaulted tunnel through
the rampart was defended by a portcullis and still has a massive 18th century
wooden gate. In the 17th century, the ramparts were given an earthwork parapet
and all the bastions except King's, were heighten with earthwork cavaliers. Nearby
is the Lord's Mount and Berwick
Castle.
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