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The Gun
The First Gun - Mortars and howitzers


Mediaeval Gunners were also aware of the damage a heavy stone shot could do to buildings etc within a fortress when lobbed over the wall at high angle. In addition the first incendiary shells were produced in 1460. Both mortars and howitzers of large bore and short barrel were therefore made at the same time as the heavy bombards designed for battering purposes.

15th century mortar on mobile carriage
15th century howitzer, aka perrier (stone thrower)

Like the heavier bombards, mortars and howitzers were muzzle-loading.

WL Ruffell
Issue 77
March 1993

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Page last updated: December 7, 1998