Snuffers, scrapers and murder-holes

From medieval portcullises to the Regency craze for "Wellington" knockers, the evolution of the front door offers a unique entry point to British history. Rachel Hurdley looks at six ways in which doors reflect our desire to avert danger, and impress our neighbours

- Rachel Hurdley

1 No-go areas

From plague houses to Number 10, doors have long been used to keep threats out - and in

To most of us today, front doors are mere portals between the outside world and the privacy of our own homes, worthy of little more than a clean and perhaps a new lick of paint every now and then. But if you were charged with the defence of a castle in the Middle Ages, they could be the difference between life and death.

Doors were the weak spot in even the best medieval fortifications, and by the 12th century, great efforts were being made to ensure entry was difficult for attackers. Before they even reached the door, assailants might have to negotiate the drawbridge across the moat and quickly get through before the "quick release" portcullis was lowered, a security system that allowed castle defenders vital time to prepare.

Even more effective was the tactic of trapping attackers between two portcullises, and then hurling down rocks from "murder holes" in the roof. Herefordshire's Goodrich Castle, among others, had arrow slits opening into the gatehouse, allowing defenders to shoot those unfortunate enough to be trapped inside. If you were brave enough to attempt to breach King's Gate at Caernarfon Castle, you'd have to negotiate two drawbridges, five doors, and six portcullises.