Page:A History of Architecture in All Countries Vol 2.djvu/254

238 238 ARCHITECTURE OF IRELAND. Part II. strange, though often plausible speculations; for though neither tlieir details nor their masonry would excite remark if found at Norba in Latium or at ^niadfe in Acarnania, yet here they stand alone and exceptional to everything around them. Whatever may have been their origin, there can be no doubt as to the uses to which they were applied by the Christians — they were symbols of power and marks of dignity. They were also bell-towers, and lamps were possibly lighted in them in honor of the dead. But perhaps their most important use was that of keeps or fortalices ; to 677. Doorway, Monasterboice. 678. Doorway, Kilculleii, Ivililare. 679. Windows in Round Towers. 680. Window, Glendalough. which, in troubled times, the church plate and other articles of value could be removed and kept in safety till danger was past. As architectural objects these towers are singularly pleasing. Their outline is always graceful, and the simplicity of their form is such as to give the utmost value to their dimensions. Few can believe that they are hardly larger than the pillars of many porticoes, and that it is to their design alone that they owe that appearance of size they all present. No one can see them without admiring them for these qualities, though the peculiar fascination they possess is no doubt in a great measure owing to the mystery which still hangs round their origin, and to the association of locality. In almost every instance the tower stands alone and erect beside the ruins of an