Page:The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (1887) - Volume 2.djvu/448

FOURTH PERIOD 432 THE PALACE THE PALACE, CULROSS, PERTHSHIRE. This mansion is situated in the town of Culross, in a detached portion of Perthshire, on the Firth of Forth, about eight miles below Alloa. At one time Culross was a flourishing town, and carried on a large trade in the export of coals and salt. It also contained a rich abbey, some parts of which still remain, besides several other ecclesiastical buildings. The town stands on the steep sloping bank above the river, and along the narrow level ground at the bottom. It is now a quiet deserted old place, but contains many remains of its ancient prosperity. Amongst these the most important building is " The Palace," so called from having been occupied by James vi. when on a visit to Culross in 1617. The palace was then the mansion of George Bruce of Culross, whose arms and initials it bears, with the date 1597. FIG. 870. The Palace, Culross. Plan of Ground Floor. ' This house is a good specimen of the town mansion of the period. It has a large courtyard with carriage entrance from the street (Fig. 870). The ground floor is vaulted and is occupied chiefly with the kitchen and dependencies, but has two rooms towards the courtyard, with doors entering directly from the court. One of these rooms has also a door to