Chemise (wall)

In medieval castles the chemise (etym. fr. shirt) was typically a low wall encircling the keep, protecting the base of the tower. An alternate term, more commonly used in English is mantlet wall.In some cases, entry to the keep was only accessible from the chemise (i.e. at the first floor level). Numerous examples exist of highly varied form, including the heavily fortified chemise of Château de Vincennes, or the more modest example at Provins, both in France. Some chemises are suggested to have been developed from earlier motte and bailey defences, though they may not usuallly be referred to as chemise. In later fortification, a chemise is a wall with which a bastion or any other bulwark of earth, is lined; for its greater support and strength.
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