Page:The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (1887) - Volume 2.djvu/493

ABERDOUR CASTLE 477 FOURTH PERIOD capitals of half engaged columns. The chancel floor is raised one step. The nave has a two-light west window, with flowing tracery. The west gable., with crow r -steps, is surmounted with a quaint belfry, erected in 1588 (Fig. 901). After the Reformation the church seems to have been adapted to Presbyterian worship, and considerable changes were again effected on the structure. A vault has been constructed across the nave and aisle at the west end, the roof of which forms the floor of a gallery at about 6 feet above the church floor, and was reached by an outside stair. A porch at the south-west end of the church gave access to this tomb, by descending a few steps. Another tomb has been built against the north wall of the church, closing up an arched opening in that wall 13 feet wide, which probably marks the position of a porch or aisle. The Norman portion of these walls is undoubtedly part of " the church of Aberdour" referred to in a Bull of Pope Alexander in., of date 1178 wherein Aberdour, along with other possessions, is confirmed as belonging to the priory of St. Colme's Inch (see Aberdour and Inchcolme). Aberdour Castle is a charming specimen of an old Scottish re- sidence, with quaint crow-stepped gables, and corner sun-dial (Fig. 909) overlooking its fine terraced walks. Such a house, without sacrificing any of its characteristic features, might be inhabited to this day. But instead of being kept in the order which such a fine example deserves, the most complete and heartless neglect reigns over the whole place. The greater portion of the buildings, including those erected by the great Regent, are used as cow-byres and piggeries, while the church, one of the most complete Norman structures in Scotland, is in a similar state of heedless neglect. From Wood's History of Cramond we learn that Aberdour was last inhabited by Robert Watson of Muirhouse, who died there in 1791- FIG. 907. Aberdour Castle. Details of Second Additions.