The Barbican reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Barbican

Helping orphans the way you would do it

Barbican (from mediaeval Latin barbecana) - a fortified outpost or gateway, such as an outer defence to a city or castle and any tower situated over a gate or bridge which was used for defence purposes. Usually barbicans were situated outside of the main line of defences and connected to the city walls with a walled road called the neck.

Barbican of WarsawEnlarge

Barbican of Warsaw

In 15th century, with the improvement in siege tactics and artillery, barbicans lost their significance. However, several barbicans were built even in 16th century.

There are barbicans still preserved in:

There is also the Barbican Estate and Barbican Arts Centre, both in London.

See also: