that is that they be embattelid on booth, so that if the area of the castelle were won by cumming in at either of the two greate gates of the castelle, yet the kepers of the waulles might defende the castelle. I marked that there is a stronge tower in the area of the castelle, and from it over the dungeon dike is a drawbridge to the dungeon toure[1]."
After the frequent reference that has been made to repairs carried on through several succeeding reigns, the reader will naturally enquire about its present state. Viewed in the distance, the building exhibits an appearance rather remarkable for solidity and extent, than for a bold and varied outline. Yet on a closer approach, after having wound through a rugged defile partially overgrown with furze and ancient timber, the entrance gate, with its long extending curtain walls on either side, stands prominently forward in all the severe simplicity of form that characterizes an Early English castle. It is more than probable that one of the preceding extracts has relation to this barbican, at all events the profile of the mouldings authorizes us in referring its erection to the time of Edward I. Hence passing onward we reach what was originally the outer bailey, but which at present, as the drawing (p. 357) will better explain, forms the immediate entrance to that portion of the castle, partly of the 13th and partly of the 16th centuries, which is still inhabited. The equilateral-headed arch, with its deep mouldings, (see fig. 3, p. 358), the opposite door communicating with a second quadrangle, and the exterior mouldings yet visible, where a huge chimney is buttressed out from the present hall, (which was probably also the ancient one,) indicate that the whole of this portion of the building is of the same age. Though they be but mere fragments, there are always some unerring marks to be met with, which will clearly reveal the history of a place, and which, amid all subsequent alterations or embellishments, carry us back to an earlier date. There is an instance of this kind here: and though the inexperienced or wandering eye may for a moment be detained from pursuing the search after truth, by stopping to examine the two royal coffers which adorn the hall, (see p. 359,) or on passing onwards through the spacious room adjacent, be again arrested to admire the curiously sculptured armorial bearings that mark the succession of noble possessors who have lived and acted within its walls; yet once more breaking away from the memorials
- ↑ Itin., vol. i. p. 14.
