Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 5.djvu/76

56 lighted by two loop-holes; adjoining it along the side wall of the castle is a long narrow passage (N); towards the further extremity is a loop-hole (O). The passage being low, passes beneath the loop-hole (L), which lights the central chamber in the same manner that the doorway (P) is beneath one of the opposite loop-holes. At (Q) is a lobby or vestibule conducting to the next staircase (R), and lighted by a loop-hole. The present means of approach to the foot of this stair is by a ladder from below. The staircase is lighted by four loop-holes, the uppermost of which slopes curiously through the wall; having reached the level of the third floor it turns the corner, and ascends by the side wall of the castle to the battlements and turrets. A very narrow door immediately round this corner, communicates with the

Third floor, which must have been remarkably gloomy, having only one (?) loop-hole at the further angle. In the ascent to the summit is another sloping loop-hole, and two others deeply splayed; there is also a loop from the interior, but whether to light the stair or the room is a matter of question. As there is nothing of any consequence to indicate in the plan of the third floor, I have not included it amongst the drawings which illustrate this description. The doorway leading from the staircase to the summit of the tower has a square lintel beneath a semicircular head. As we now arrive at works of a much later era, exhibited in the battlements and turrets, we may conclude our antiquarian researches by a walk round the walls, whence the fine and extensive view of the town and scenery, which our lofty position commands, will amply repay the trouble of the ascent.