Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 2.djvu/358

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
332
ON THE ANCIENT PARLIAMENT AND CASTLE

by 47, with engaged square towers at each angle.

Archaeological Journal, Volume 2, 0358a.png

Interior of North west Angle shewing the lower story and one of the Windows of the Hall &c.

Archaeological Journal, Volume 2, 0358b.png

Interior of Window North side marked D on the Plan.

The west front facing the church has a bay deeply projecting. The interior has been much disturbed, and is now so choked up with modern erections, that it is totally impracticable to ascertain the dimensions and uses of the original chambers. It seems, however, that there must have been a spacious hall 50 feet by 24 on the first floor, lighted by three large windows to the south, but beyond this, all the other parts are unintelligible. It is strictly an early embattled mansion, and wants all the characteristics of a castle. The heads of several of the windows exhibit elegant tracery, and they have generally stone seats or bench-tables within, in the thickness of the wall, serving as oriels. The other features of this embattled mansion will be better understood from the annexed illustrations.

The last point deserving consideration, is the more difficult one of the connection of Acton Burnell with