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by lifting arms (called "gaffs") above and parallel to the bridge deck whose ends were linked by chains to the lifting part of the bridge. In the raised position, the gaffs would fit into slots in the gatehouse wall ("rainures") which can often still be seen in places like Herstmonceux Castle. Inside the castle, the gaffs were extended to bear counterweights, or might form the side-timbers of a stout gate which would be against the roof of the gate-passage when the drawbridge was down, but would close

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