Page:The ecclesiastical architecture of Scotland ( Volume 3).djvu/328

 The upper part of the tower is gone, but it was doubtless finished with a cape-house and parapet walk, after the manner of termination so

—Carmelite Friars' Monastery.

North Window in Tower.

frequent in Scotland in the castles of the fifteenth century, which were contemporaneous with the monastery. The similar tower at Torphichen Church, about eight miles distant, that of Dysart on the opposite shore, and various other examples throughout the country are finished in the same way. In the rocks on the shore adjoining there has been cut out a haven for small boats, which is traditionally believed to have been the work of the friars.

This monastery and church were founded and endowed by the family of Dundas of Dundas, it is believed, about the year 1330. The earliest notice of it is about a century later, in a charter of confirmation dated 1st October 1457, granted by Lord Seton, Baron of Winchburgh, of a charter granted by James Dundas of Dundas, dated 6th March 1440, the terms of which have already been quoted. The

—Carmelite Friars Monastery.

Piscina.

monastery existed for about two hundred and fifty years, and in 1585 James disponed to Sir Walter Dundas the whole revenue of the establishment, "together with the kirk of the said place, and whole bounds, with the steeple and houses above the same." The place has ever since remained in the possession of the same family.

The present structure is evidently, from its style, of a late date. The construction of the vaulting, with its low arches at the crossing, and pointed vault covered with stone roof over the choir; the plain outline of the tower and walls, without buttress or break of any kind;