Page:The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (1887) - Volume 1.djvu/345

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

NIDDRIE CASTLE 325 THIRD PERIOD chamber or dungeon in the wing, measuring 1 1 feet by 9 feet 9 inches. This dungeon is two stories high, and vaulted. The upper floor was of timber, resting on corbels, and entered from the wheel stair. It was JZarmers GROUND FLOOR Fio. 276. Niddrie Castle. Plan. lighted with a long narrow slit, having a shot-hole beneath. The walls are on an average 9 feet thick. A corkscrew stair adjoining the door leads to the top, but the steps are nearly all gone, and the floors, which were all of timber, are wanting. The stone corbels for supporting the floors Fia. 277. Niddrie Castle. Window of Upper Story. still remain. The great hall, on the first floor, had a large fireplace at the west end, but it is entirely gone. When increased accommodation was wanted at Niddrie, security from attack was evidently of greater