Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 5.djvu/76

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56
ON THE NORMAN KEEP TOWERS, &C.

lighted by two loop-holes; adjoining it along the side wall of the castle is a long narrow passage (N); towards the further extremity is a loop-hole (O). The passage being low, passes beneath the loop-hole (L), which lights the central chamber in the same manner that the doorway (P) is beneath one of the opposite loop-holes. At (Q) is a lobby or vestibule conducting to the next staircase (R), and lighted by a loop-hole. The present means of approach to the foot of this stair is by a ladder from below. The staircase is lighted by four loop-holes, the uppermost of which slopes curiously through the wall; having reached the level of the third floor it turns the corner, and ascends by the side wall of the castle to the battlements and turrets. A very narrow door immediately round this corner, communicates with the

Third floor, which must have been remarkably gloomy, having only one (?) loop-hole at the further angle. In the ascent to the summit is another sloping loop-hole, and two others deeply splayed; there is also a loop from the interior, but whether to light the stair or the room is a matter of question. As there is nothing of any consequence to indicate in the plan of the third floor, I have not included it amongst the drawings which illustrate this description. The doorway leading from the staircase to the summit of the tower has a square lintel beneath a semicircular head[1]. As we now arrive at works of a much later era, exhibited in the battlements and turrets, we may conclude our antiquarian researches by a walk round the walls, whence the fine and extensive view of the town and scenery, which our lofty position commands, will amply repay the trouble of the ascent. A. MILWARD.

  1. I believe this to be the door to which my note alludes. I may here mention that I was not able to observe the arrangement of the buttresses on two sides of the keep, and have therefore omitted them.