Gray tower

Joint task of civil protection

The Grey Tower is the middle tower between the Red Tower [Standort 05] and the “Prison Tower” [Standort 13]. As the forest here in the western section of the wall reached close to the town, elaborate fortification measures were necessary in this area to ensure proper civil protection. Accordingly, the Grey Tower has a height of more than 12 m up to the eaves.

The Grey Tower is therefore a striking expression of urban security in the Middle Ages. In order to guarantee it, the town community was needed. Only in this way could the construction and maintenance of the city wall be made possible.

Wall and tower maintenance were also a joint municipal task.

There was also the task of ensuring internal security. This was the responsibility of the “town servant” and the “night watchman”. Both had a lantern and a pique or an efficient spike with them at all times and were supposed to watch out for all disorder, noise, quarrels and the danger of fire and, especially after 10 o’clock, not tolerate any company in taverns other than those staying there, and also arrest all contrarians.