This model of a window and yett – an iron grill used for extra security and protection of valuable items within – was created from a laser scan of the Royal Palace at Stirling Castle. The Stirling Castle yett dates back to around 1540, when the Palace was built for James V.
It is one of only 40 remaining yetts in Scotland. The Exchequer Rolls of 1377 record the purchase of an iron yett for Edinburgh Castle, revealing this security feature has been part of Scotland’s architecture for over 600 years.
Researchers Christison and Irving found that the interlaced form of yetts may have been influenced by construction methods developed in Venice. The secure structure was achieved by installing two independently intersected ‘L’ shapes which can’t be taken apart once installed to the masonry.
For more information on visiting Stirling Castle, see our website. Discover more history in the HES Archive.
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