Ancient Scottish Castles

To the construction of castles in Scotland, the following plans are usually adopted :—Beyond the ditch of the
castle was the barbican, or watch tower. The ditch was made broad and deep, and when it could be kept filled with water, the castle was more secure.

From the barbican to the outer gate was either a
standing bridge, or, still better, a draw bridge, which was let down or raised up by a portcullis. The entrance of the outer wall was by a strong embattled gate, with a tower on each side; the warden resided over the gate, and a guard was in each tower. The outer wall was embattled with a parapet, with chinks, called oillets, from which arrows might he discharged.

Flights of steps, at convenient distances, enabled the soldiers of the garrison to ascend on the wall. Within the yard were the houses for the soldiers and artificers, the wells to supply water, and a chapel for divine worship.

In the centre of the yard was a dungeon or keep, the residence of the governor or chief. It was usually
surrounded with a ditch, with a drawbridge, and had embattled gates.. The staircases were narrow, for the facility of defence, when reduced to the last peril.

The wall was of vast thickness, aod within it were places for beds. At a considerable height from the ground was the stateroom of the governor or chief. Other apartments were higher up. The floors of the different stories were vaulted and fire-proof. The top of the keep was flat, and from it there was a view of the surrounding country, as well as of all the works of the castle immediately below.

The parapet wall, at the top, was embattled. Many of
the habitations of the baronial proprietors were, however, merely a solitary tower of very thick strong walls and
narrow windows. The cattle were secured in the lower storey, or in a small yard adjoining tlse castle, and protected by its vicinity.

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