FIRST PERIOD 116 DIRLETON CASTLE defines the shape and extent of the fortress. This rock is not high, but stands clear above the general level, while the deep moat sunk around it added considerably to its elevation, and the rocky nature of the foundations rendered the walls safe against the operations of the miner. The original castle evidently had the lofty curtains and round towers which distinguished the thir- teenth century. The south- west towers and -adjoining walls are all of the solid ashlar- work then used, and the rooms were lighted only with narrow loop-holes, the present win- dows in the upper floor having been enlarged at a later period. The apartments in this circular tower (Fig. 91) are multangu- lar internally (like the Keep of Bothwell), and vaulted with a rude multangular dome, with- out ribs in the angles, such as are shown in Billings' view. The fireplaces are enriched, the dog-tooth and other mouldings indicating Early English or thir- teenth-century work (Fig. 92). The battered basement wall of the south-east tower still exists, and has been utilised in the re-erection of the castle (see Plan). The other portions of this castle belong to a later period, and will be referred to hereafter. FIG. 92. Dirleton Castle. Details of Fireplace in South-West Tower. YESTER CASTLE, HADDINGTONSHIRE. The Castle of Yester belonged to the Gifford family, and was erected (according to Cosmo Innes) in 1268. It is now the property of the Mar- quis of Tweeddale. This castle is situated on a high triangular promon- tory at the junction of the Hopes Water and a smaller burn, the banks of which are precipitous, while the site is cut off from the adjoining land on the third side by a great fosse, about 50 feet wide and 20 feet deep. The general plan of the site (Fig. 93) is thus triangular. The walls were lofty, those still remaining being about 40 feet high and 6 feet 6 inches thick (Fig. 94). Of these the only portions now standing are the northern angle and part of the east flank, but the general plan may be traced from the ruins of the foundations.
