Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 5.djvu/68

50 moulding, supported by slender shafts with sculptured capitals. The chapel is further lighted, (perhaps from a later addition,) by two small quatrefoil lights (MM) in the two sides of the turret, the foliation is thin and on the outside; the interior part, which by reason of the splay is much the largest, being circular. Below these, but not exactly under them, is a trefoil-headed piscina (NN), with a very small nail-headed bead moulding running round it. I own myself rather doubtful as to its date, for although the bead moulding is apparently like Norman work, the trefoil head must be of later date. This elegant little specimen of early architecture reminded me of a very beautiful Norman chapel in Conway castle, only visible from a distance to those who have not a tolerable share of antiquarian enthusiasm.

On the left side as you enter the chapel is a square-headed door, leading from it into a small closet (O), which must I suppose have served for the priest's bed-room, the possession of which must have been an important ecclesiastical honour, at a time when a private bed-room was a luxury almost altogether unknown. It is lighted by a loop-hole, and has at the further extremity a square recessed locker (P), close against the stairs which ascend to the summit of the castle.

On entering the doorway of these stairs, a very narrow door on the left is observed, leading by a crooked passage (Q) to the upper of the two garderobes (R), which is in much the same state as when the castle was occupied, save that the wall above is broken away. It projects over the wall of the castle upon a large arch, which is thrown across the angle, formed by the contiguous turret, for the purpose of carrying it beyond the lower garderobe. On the opposite side of the room is a handsome fire-place (T), smaller than the one below, but decorated in a similar manner with clustered columns and foliaged capitals. The one is immediately over the other, and their flues pass straight up the wall, but do not unite, as will be mentioned presently. Close to the door of ascent to the roof is another stoup or holy water basin (S). The height of the room may be concluded from the number of steps leading to the summit, (twenty-four,) which will give about thirteen feet. These stairs pass through the wall in a contrary direction, and at the top are the remains of a door, by which we arrive upon the walls of the castle. A plan of their present appear-