north to south; each of its sides facing one of the cardinal points. All the towers are square, with the exception of the one at the south-west angle, which is round. The keep has been uncommonly strong; I measured the party-wall of one of the chambers, which was fourteen feet in thickness. The lower chambers have been vaulted, two vaults having supported the state apartment, which, like them, runs the whole length of the keep; another vault appears to have had many rooms over it, perhaps ante-chambers, or sitting rooms. Within the area inclosed by the outer walls, appear many divisions, probably for guardchambers, stabling, &c. A small fragment, of a lighter character, attached to the south side, marks the spot where the Chapel stood. keep is considerably higher than the envelope, though similar in shape; it has small turrets at each angle, with two large towers; one on the south; and the other, which is considerably the largest, uniting with the turret at the south-east angle. The principal entrance was beneath a massy tower, on the north-east angle of the outwork, which was defended by double gates, and a portcullis. Hence the way led under the south wall of the keep, to a high flight of steps, conducting to a door-way, still visible, and leading to the upper or state chamber. P The Neither |