Page:The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (1887) - Volume 1.djvu/99

 LOCHMABEN CASTLE 79 FIRST PERIOD AiRCiH LOCHMABEN CASTLE DUMFRIESSHIRE M 1 1 1 1 1 ,_ an arched opening through which the water flowed (Fig. 56). The moat was here lined with ashlar, some portions of which still remain. It seems probable that a wall ex- tended along the front of the building outside the moat, and joined the two ends of the above wing walls, so as to enclose this portion of the moat. Access to the castle was likely chiefly by means of boats, and this enclosure would form a safe landing- place, and also protect the boats which might be col- lected within it. The recess in the centre under the gate- way is evidently intended for a boat being set back into. The arches in the wing walls would be secured with grated iron gates, and there would be a strongly secured gate in FlG - 55 -~ Lochmaben Castle. Plan. the front wall. The moat would be well defended from the battlements all round this outer court. The remainder of the building is very similar to Kinclaven and other castles of the period, being a parallelogram 126 feet long from north to south, by 108 feet wide from east to west. The walls are of the usual solid description, and have been faced with ashlar. But this has now almost entirely disappeared, having been peeled off and carried away, this castle having been used, as is unfortunately so often the case with our ancient buildings, as a convenient quarry for building materials. The plan shows that there are a few indications of buildings within the walls, but it is difficult to say whether any of these are original. In 1 503-4 James iv. repaired the castle, and built a hall within it, and it may be the scanty remains of his construction which are now visible. The walls were undoubtedly, as may be seen from their ruins, of great height, and were no doubt well provided with parapets and defences on the top ; but they are now reduced to mere shapeless fragments. This castle commanded the entrance to the south-west of Scotland, and was therefore the subject of many contests. It was taken by Edward i. in 1298, and he is said to have strengthened its works. In 1304 Robert Bruce fled to it ? rom England before taking the field for the crown of Scotland. After his success, he bestowed it on Randolph, Earl of Moray. The castle was handed over to Edward in. by Baliol, but it