More Crenellations

In the previous post (Crenellations are Not Snack Cakes) we established crenellations as a pattern of openings or indentations, originally found in battlements, or fortified parapets.

The Crenel (or crenelle) is the opening; the Merlons are the solid alternates.

Strongly associated with medieval castles, crenellations also bedeck long stretches of the Great Wall of China.

A decorative device enlisted by nearly all the pre-war styles, as evidenced by Tudor details (top and bottom), and as stubby bay window crown on Craftsman-transitional dwelling (middle image).