Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 3.djvu/78

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I was told that the total height of this tower is 50 feet; but from the size and number of courses I think it can hardly be so much. The tower is perfectly detached from other buildings. Its top has a parapet of later date. There is no staircase in the inside.

The present dilapidated state of these interesting and picturesque ruins demands attention. The western arch of the tower is evidently in a precarious condition. A judicious application of mortar or cement might preserve much of the rough masonry, which has probably been covered with a coat of plaster. A stone, on which is a Runic inscription, might also be extracted from among the rough stonework which blocks up one of the arches of the nave; it would perhaps be found to contain some good ancient sculpture.

I confess it was with no pleasure that I heard a report of the intended restoration of Peel castle and cathedral. Without doubt, if it had remained in a perfect state, it would have more beauty and interest than at present; yet I fear that even a judicious restoration would destroy many characteristic features, which in a building that stands in a manner alone, are the more valuable. I cannot judge what may be the importance of the spot in a military point of view, but its inconvenience of access renders it the least suitable position in which to build or restore a church for the use of the neighbouring population. The main land with which the causeway connects it, is a mere pasture. The ruins of the cathedral can be approached from Peel town only by crossing the mouth of the harbour, often a concern of some difficulty, if not of danger, or else by a bridge at a considerable distance from the town. There can be little doubt that this difficulty of access was the cause of the desertion and ruin of the church.

I conclude by heartily recommending the archæologist to study these remains well, and examine them closely, before they are swept away cither by decay or restoration.