Round Towers of Ireland. 359 
ther seen or heard of, does there exist any 
appearance of stairs; neither should we think 
it probable, that in those early times archi- 
tects could have been found in Ireland, capa- 
ble of constructing circular stairs, and those 
too in so narrow a building. 
The bell was probably not rung, but struck 
with a hammer, as was formerly the case 
with most, and is still with very large bells. 
In placing the door so high above the 
ground, security could have been the only 
object, whether the thing to be secured was 
a feudal chief, a penitent, or a bell. Bells 
in those times were scarce, and perhaps locks 
no less so, and for safety, or, still more, to 
prevent unauthorised persons from ringing 
them, the door was placed at such a height 
as to be accessible only by aJadder. There are 
only one or two instances of the door being 
sufficiently low to enter without such assist- 
ance. 
We are not aware of any other particulars 
which require explanation, or which are of 
sufficient importance to merit observation. 
We have now stated at some length our opi- 
nion respecting the origin and use of these 
Round Towers, and given the principal rea- 
sons which have led us to the conclusion, that 
they were erected and used for Belfries. 
