Putlog hole

A historically common type of scaffolding, putlog holes date from ancient Roman buildings.

[4] Putlogs may be supported on the outer ends by vertical poles (standards), cantilevered by one end being firmly embedded in the wall, or cantilevered by penetrating the wall to provide scaffolds on both sides.

Putlogs may be sawn off flush with the wall if they cannot be removed,[5] but exterior putlog holes are typically filled in as the scaffold is removed to prevent water from entering the walls.

Interior putlog holes may be left open, particularly if not in a finished space.

The inconsequential size and the spacing of the holes meant that they did not affect the solidity of the walls, and in well-preserved castles, like Beaumaris, the ancient putlog holes can be seen to this day.