Page:The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (1887) - Volume 2.djvu/256

 FOURTH PERIOD 240 FORDELL CASTLE prise the stocks for two prisoners, with a seat 7 feet long by 18 inches broad. The stocks are 1 foot 1 1 inches in front of the seat, with four holes for the ankles, 4 inches in diameter, and 9 inches apart from the centres. Opposite the stocks, and suspended from the stone roof, is a scold's bridle, or branks, and at the principal entrance door there still hangs the rogue's collar or jougs. In connection with instruments of punishment, we have been informed by the Honourable Mrs. Henderson, the present proprietrix, that a few years since a tree, locally known as the " Gallows- tree," was blown down, the lairds of Fordell having the power of " pit and gallows." On the battlements, as will be seen from the sketches, FIG. 693. Fordell Castle. View from the South-West. there is a brazier for a signal fire. We understand that the top of the staircase turret attached to the tower, and seen in the views, is modern, and that it was originally finished with a battlemented top in stone-work, somewhat in the style of the tower itself. But of all the minor details at Fordell, the most remarkable is a fine and unique gargoyle at the eaves, seen in the north-east view, and of which an enlarged sketch is given (Fig. 695). It is of lead, and represents a winged four-footed monster, with open mouth and defiant attitude, designed and executed with great spirit. The castle was at one time enclosed with walls, having a portcullised