The gatehouse view makes the practical mechanics of castle defense visible. The drawbridge line, arrow slits, and several levels for archers gave defenders overlapping positions from which to resist an assault. Beaumaris could accommodate reinforcements, but its normal defensive plan did not depend on an enormous permanent garrison. Its layers multiplied the effect of a small force, making an assault slow and uncertain while help was summoned.
Notable Point · 16:33-17:12
Few defenders against many
The gatehouse view explains how Beaumaris used height, arrow slits, and layered firing positions to let a small garrison delay a larger force.