chaseway

A chaseway is a narrow passage or corridor, often found in older buildings or fortifications. It is typically designed for movement, defense, or to provide access to hidden areas. The term can refer to a variety of architectural features, including narrow hallways, concealed passages, or even drainage channels.

In the context of castles and fortresses, chaseways served important tactical purposes. They could be used by defenders to move troops unseen, to flank attacking forces, or to escape to safety. Some chaseways were designed with murder holes or other defensive features, allowing defenders to attack enemies who were trapped within the passage.

In domestic architecture, chaseways might have been used to connect different parts of a house, provide access to cellars or attics, or to discreetly move servants through the property. The term can also be used more metaphorically to describe any narrow, enclosing space that directs movement. The exact form and function of a chaseway would depend heavily on its historical context and intended use.