
Postern, Manila. Tomás Sanz. 1783.
SHM
A 'postern' is a secondary
door or
gate, particularly in a
fortification such as a
city wall or
castle curtain wall. Posterns were often located in a concealed location, allowing the occupants to come and go inconspicuously. In the event of a
siege, a postern could act as a
sally port, allowing defenders to make a
sortie on the besiegers.