Page:The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (1887) - Volume 2.djvu/583

 SUMMARY. WE have now completed our survey of Scottish Castellated and Domestic Architecture up to the time when Scotland, like the other countries of Europe, yielded up her native style and adopted that of the Revival of Classic Art. The following are the prominent conclusions we have arrived at from this investigation : First, That Scotland possesses a series of castles and mansions dating from the thirteenth to the seventeenth century, the architecture of which forms a complete and independent chapter in the general history of the art ; Second, That the style of these buildings is marked by a native and national character, possessing many remarkable and characteristic features, and is quite distinct from that of any other country ; and Third, That these bnildings are therefore valuable not only in connec- tion with the history of Architecture, but also as presenting a series of contemporary illustrations of the national and domestic life and manners of the Scottish people. In conclusion we shall briefly recapitulate the leading facts connected with these three propositions. FIRST PERIOD (thirteenth century). Up to the beginning of this period no Norman keeps indicating, like those of England and Northern France, that the strong hand of that powerful race was laid. upon the land, had been erected in Scotland. The country was still independent, and retained its primitive system of fortification. In the thirteenth century the castles of Scotland were constructed after the extended system of the contemporary fortresses in France and England, consisting mainly of strong and lofty walls of enceinte, built with stone and mortar. These walls are generally of the plainest description, and are strengthened with towers at the angles, which served to defend the curtains. Examples have been given of a complete series of these castles, com- prising all varieties from the simple oblong enclosure with towers at one or two of the angles, such as Castle Roy and Kinclaven, to the elabor- ately fortified and decorated castle of the Early English or Early French type, represented by Bothwell and Kildrummie. We are not aware that a similar series of structures exists elsewhere. The ornament of this period, when there is any, resembles that of the Ecclesiastical Architecture of the time, and is similar to that of the corresponding date in England.