It had
been once fortified throughout; the castle, or keep, being four-square,
flanked at the corners with stone towers. The lower part of the walls
was composed of large pebbles mixed with brick, and held together by a
firm cement. Higher up, and continued to the summit, were alternate rows
of brick and freestone. The corners were faced with stone, making a very
formidable appearance when guarded by slingers and throwers of darts,
who were stationed there only in times of great peril.
Passing the vallum, or outer defence, they ascended a narrow staircase
outside the keep, where the cringing serfs were admitted by four of the
lord's Norman bowmen, who ushered them into the audience-chamber. Some
of the Thane's men were habited in coats of mail, made of small pieces
of iron, cut round at the bottom, and set on a leathern garment, so as
to fold over each other like fish-scales, the whole bending with the
greatest ease, and yet affording a sufficient protection to the wearer.
The chamber of audience was situated at the uppermost part of the keep,
and great was the apprehension of the intruders, whilst following their
guides through the winding passages and gloomy staircases leading to the
inner cell occupied by their chief.
Pages:
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88