Page:The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (1887) - Volume 1.djvu/523

FALKLAND PALACE 503 THIRD PERIOD stood for long in a ruinous state ; but it has now, so far as it remains, been put into good order by the proprietor, Mr. Bruce, and is partly occupied as a residence by his factor. When complete, the palace is said to have comprised buildings on the south, east, and north sides of the quadrangle, the west side being enclosed with a high wall. The only portions remaining (Fig. 431) consist of the south side of the square and some remnants of the east side. At the west end of the southern side between two round towers is situated the archway to the courtyard. It is 9 feet wide, and has a stone seat on each side. There is no portcullis, showing that this palace was regarded rather as a pleasant country residence than as a castle. On either side, how- ever, there is a guard-room, and in the western tower a dungeon, with the usual trap and stone cover. From the apartment on the east side of the entrance a staircase is carried up in the east tower to the upper floors and the roof. The WVy r w*~ Kpfr- mA mwfw- Fio. 431. Falkland Palace. Ground Plan. plan of this gateway has some resemblance to the gatehouse of Stirling Castle, and the elevation is also very like that of Stirling, as shown in Slezer's views. The basement of the main building contains the usual vaulted cellars. The ground floor is now divided as a modern house, but the first floor