Sconce (fortification)



A sconce is a small protective fortification, such as an earthwork often placed on a mound as a defensive work for artillery. It was used primarily in Northern Europe from the late Middle Ages until the 19th century. This type of fortification was common during the English Civil War, and the remains of one such structure can be see on Fort Royal Hill in Worcester, England. During the Eighty Years' War for Dutch independence, sconces were often used to defend strategic places, but were used also during sieges and in circumvallations. Several more or less intact sconces remain in the Netherlands. Sconces played a major part in the Serbian Revolution, countering the numerical superiority of the Turkish army.

Etymology
The etymology of sconce is from the Latin absconsus, via the French esconce, is a word of many meanings, mostly signifying a covering or protection, or, by extension, that which is covered or protected. The word is closely related to the medieval Dutch schans and the German word Schanze, as used for example in the name of Hitler's military headquarters, the Wolfsschanze.