Page:The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (1887) - Volume 2.djvu/17

 THE CASTELLATED AND DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE OF SCOTLAND FROM THE TWELFTH TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. FOURTH PERIOD 1542-1700. WITH the death of James v., in 1542, the Third Period of Scottish Architecture came to a close. There occurs at this period a distinct break in the continuity of our Architectural History. The long minority and the troubled reign of Queen Mary were very unfavourable for the development of Architec- ture, and comparatively few buildings can be identified as having been erected at that time, or indeed until the more peaceful reign of her son. Besides, at this epoch in the history of Scotland many circumstances combined to produce an entire change in the architectural style of the country. I. The Introduction of the Renaissance Style. In treating of the pre- vious period it was pointed out that there were indications in the archi- tecture of Stirling and Falkland Palaces of the approach of the Renaissance style. But these, as above explained, were exceptional cases, and during the following half-century the encroachments of that style on the native art of the country were not very considerable. But towards the end of the sixteenth century the Renaissance art began to exercise a very marked and decided influence, especially on the details and internal finishings of the buildings of the time of James vi. This influence went on steadily increasing until, during the course of the seventeenth century (as we shall have many opportunities of observing), it gradually but completely superseded the Scottish Architecture. II. The Use of Artillery in Sieges. During the previous period, as we have above pointed out, the employment of artillery was not unknown. But about this time the gradual improvement in ordnance, and the fuller introduction of the use of gunpowder, had the effect of producing an entire revolution in the art of fortification and in the style of castle- building. In Scotland, as elsewhere, it was now recognised that the VOL. II. A