In these trying times, I’d thought I’d share some ‘useless’ information with readers of the South Coast Herald.
Did you know that:
1. Spiral staircases in castles were designed with the spiral to the right, ie clockwise when ascending, so that defenders of the castle had the advantage of being able to defend using a sword/dagger/axe in their right hands and being able to hug the wall which would be on their left. Attackers would be therefore be at a distinct disadvantage fighting ‘uphill’ and not able to slash/stab with their right hands.
2. Driving on the road in UK dates from days of old, knights etc as, if on horse back, their swords would be on their left side by convention. Therefore, should a foe approach, they would be able to easily draw their swords to defend themselves.
3. The military salute dates from when soldiers/knights wore full armour and had steel helmets with hinges visors. Identification of the other fellow could only really be done if the visors were lifted. Therefore, the right hand was used to raise the visor to expose the face. Over time it became a method of greeting or acknowledgment of the other party.
TREVOR BARNES
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