How a Castle Drawbridge Works

Components

• Deck: Wood/metal span over moat or ditch.
• Support cables/chains/ropes: Connect deck to lifting mechanism.
• Windlass/winch: Horizontal drum with crank; winds cables to raise bridge.
• Counterweights: Heavy weights offset bridge mass, easing lifting.
• Locking mechanism: Latch or bolt secures bridge in raised position.

Operation

1. Operator turns windlass crank.
2. Cables wind/unwind, raising/lowering deck.
3. Counterweights descend/ascend to balance load.
4. Lock engages when fully raised; disengages for lowering.

Designs varied by era, materials, and defensive needs, but the counterweighted windlass was the classic mechanism.