Page:The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (1887) - Volume 2.djvu/336

 FOURTH PERIOD - 320 - CAWDOR CASTLE does, the centre of the east side, giving access to a small courtyard shut off from the northern and southern courtyards by walls of defence, and commanded by the keep and the battlements of the above division walls. The general disposition of courtyards, which is still retained, would thus be determined. FIG. 773. Cawdor Castle. Plan of Basement. Such were probably the arrangements of the castle up to the second half of the seven- teenth century, when it was largely remodelled and enlarged. The estate passed in the six- teenth century, by the marriage of Sir John Campbell, third son of the second Earl of Argyll, to the Campbells of Calder, who are now represented by the Earl of Cawdor. About 1 660-70 great additions were made by Sir Hugh Campbell, the then proprietor. A central building, abutting on the keep, and connecting it with the northern and western sides of the courtyard, was then erected (Fig. 765). This block contained the wide square stair- case so frequently introduced about that time (as at Ruthven Castle, Crichton Castle, Neidpath, Drum, etc.), which united the whole of the edifices into one mansion, with one central entrance doorway and main staircase, from which access could be obtained to every part of the dwelling. The whole edifice was remodelled and restored at the same epoch, but evidently on the lines of the previous works. The lower portions of the walls of the northern and western sides of the quadrangle seem to have been preserved, and heightened so as to give the enlarged accommodation required. As already mentioned, the lower portions of these walls appear to be old (Fig. 773). An iron-grated doorway enters to the basement near the north-east angle. This may possibly have been a postern giving access to the moat. Near the north end of the east side there has been a wide arched entrance to the cellars (Fig. 771), which is now built up. In carrying out the works of the central block, a part of the western wall of the keep has been thinned off so as to give room for a passage and staircase. A panel inserted over the entrance doorway of the central block (Fig. 769), contains the Campbell arms, with the initials of Sir Hugh Campbell and Lady Henrietta Stewart, together with the date 1672.