. 24 



then a boy two years of age, heir to the EarlJom. This 

 boy was eutrusted to the guardianship of the king's new 

 favourite, Hugh Despencer, and it was during his minority 

 that the castle became desolate, and whatever works were 

 begun for the defence of the town were suspended. At the 

 age of 17 the young Earl was admitted to his heritage, and 

 one of his first acts was to obtain a new patent for seven 

 years to complete the work begun by his father. We have 

 in the East gate an example of his work and doubtless the 

 same military architect and masons were employed on re- 

 building the Castle. Thomas and his brother John were 

 great soldiers and commanders. Military architecture was 

 the great art feature of the time. It was the golden era of 

 the decorated style of Gothic architecture, and the florid 

 features of the one re-acted on the other. No one who 

 looks on Caesar's tower can fail to be struck with its grace, 

 lightness, and symmetry, combined with perfect strength 

 and adaptability to the purposes of which it was erected. 

 Its trefoil section, bold machicolations and inert strength 

 form the perfection of a military outwork before vile gun- 

 powder was brought to bear. Sows, berefrois, petraries» 

 and mangonels were useless here. The gate-house has a 

 permanent barbican with portcullis and gates, which show 

 two distinct fortresses combined with marvellous skill and 

 foresight for one object. Towers were connected by bridges, 

 and every art and appliance are brought to bear to make 

 this gate-house impregnable. We must remember that for 

 nearly forty years this stout Earl was a practical warrior, 

 engaged in the attack and defence of fortified towns and 

 castles, and we may find the influence of this large experience 

 in the castle of Warwick. Guy's Tower was built by his 

 eon and successor at a cost of £395 os. 2d. 



