Page:The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (1887) - Volume 2.djvu/87

 GYLEM CASTLE FOURTH PERIOD ruin. In its present state the walls are almost perfect, the roof only being wanting; but one can see that, from its exposed situation and its tottering condition here and there, sure and total ruin will soon over- take it unless something is done for its protection. A little care and attention would preserve it to future generations as one of the most charming little specimens of the architecture of Scotland before the native art was absorbed in the general European style of the Renais- sance. The building occupies the full width of the neck of a mass of rock jutting into the sea, with a small level courtyard beyond, about 12 yards by 8 yards within the walls, bounded by precipitous rocky faces, and screened by a wall, now almost gone. In plan it consists of two square towers (Fig. 537), the larger measuring 21 feet 8 inches by 21 feet Fro. 537. Gylem Castle. Plans. 3 inches, and the smaller, which contains the staircase, being 12 feet 2 inches by 9 feet 7 inches. The main portion of the building is four stories in height. The narrow approach is between high loopholed walls, against one of which are the ruins of offices. The entrance door- way is square-headed, with a round relieving arch and a bar hole inside. Beyond this a vaulted passage leads under the main tower to the court- yard (Fig. 538). The cellar adjoining is also vaulted, and feebly lighted. The staircase which enters from the courtyard leads to the three upper