Page:The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (1887) - Volume 2.djvu/534

 FOURTH PERIOD 518 DUNTARVIE CASTLE to bedrooms at the east and west ends, and in the towers, while a third spiral stair leads from the hall, over the entrance door, to the central bedroom, a separate access being thus provided to each chamber, as in the older castles, such as Elcho. There is as yet no main staircase, with corridor of communication. It has been intended to carry a wing southwards from the west end, which would have increased the symmetrical effect of the south front. Fio. 944. Duntarvie Castle. Plans and South Elevation. The surroundings of Duntarvie are interesting. On all sides there are remains of carefully arranged pleasure-gardens, with fine trees and shady walks, but they are now entirely abandoned, and the house, having passed through the stage of occupation by farm servants, is fast falling into decay. Dr. Robert Chambers, in his Domestic Annals of Scotland, vol. ii. p. 26, mentions that in 1628 the Marchioness of Abercorn was confined in the Tolbooth of Edinburgh for nonconformity. This loathsome prison " pro- cured her many heavy diseases," to remedy which licence was granted her ladyship to visit the baths of Bristol. After being there cured, she had to submit to six months' further restraint in the Canongate Jail, but was subsequently permitted to reside at Duntarvie, on condition that " she sail contein herself therein so warily and respectively as she sail not fall under the break of any of his Majesty's laws." The Marchioness thereafter resided at Duntarvie for a considerable time.