Perrier

The perrier like its cousin the trebuchet operated on the concept of counterpoint.

The perrier, however, was powered by human muscle power rather than the heavy ballast used by the trebuchet.

Counterpoise engines like the perrier were developed more than 5,000 years ago in ancient China, but their use spread to the west during the Crusader Wars of the 12th century AD.

Siege engine at Caerphilly Castle in South Wales

The perrier had the advantage of being much lighter and thus more easily transported than other stone throwing engines like the trebuchet. It could hurl 5 kg projectiles over a range of 110 metres.

Information board in English and Welsh

The siege engine seen above is a working reproduction which can be viewed by visitors to Caerphilly Castle.

Caerphilly Castle is located between the B4600 and B4623 in central Caerphilly in southern Wales just north of Cardiff. Visitors to Caerphilly Castle may also want to visit the nearby Caerleon Fortress Baths, Caerleon Amphitheatre or Roman Legionary Museum Caerleon.

Caerphilly
Cardiff
CF83 1JD

Tel: 029 2088 3143

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