Page:The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (1887) - Volume 1.djvu/125

 BOTHWELL CASTLE 105 FIRST PERIOD published in 1693, it is shown complete,, and crowned with a corbelled parapet having turrets at the angles. These are in the style ot the fifteenth century, and may have been additions. There is here a unique example of the em- ployment of a drawbridge (Figs. 79 and 80) on the inside door of this tower, which evidently formed part of the original building be- fore the hall and other parts were erected in the court- yard. This illustrates what was pointed out in connec- tion with the French castles, viz., that at this period each tower formed an independ- ent post. The object here clearly was, in case of the Fir - 8i.-Detaiis from enemy obtaining possession of the courtyard, to cut the besiegers off, by raising the drawbridge, from all access to the north-east tower or the FIG. 82. Bothwell Castle. Elevation of Hall. battlements of enceinte, all of which would continue the defence till separately reduced. As above mentioned, this drawbridge shows the later form of these defences, careful provision being made in the masonry for the counterpoise, etc. This specimen is quite unique in Scotland. This important castle also beautifully illustrates the period in castel- lated architecture when the lords, tired of the narrow bounds of their donjons, built themselves spacious halls and residences round the enceinte. We have here a fine example of this change of manners in the great hall