NUNNEY CASTLE. 125 
the castle, and being lighted by four large windows, 
which however cannot be earlier than the reign of 
Richard II. In the south-east tower on the second 
floor, there is a very perfect example of a domestic 
chapel of the period ; the entrance door is on the 
western side, opening in a very picturesque and 
curious manner through the jamb of a deeply re- 
cessed window; an arrangement apparently de- 
signed to secure the proper orientation of the chapel, 
which could only be effected by these means. The 
other window opens eastward; its sill, bracketted out, 
forms the altar, and is still remaining; a piscina 
also remains. The difficulty of access at such a height 
from the ground has prevented this almost unique 
chapel, as well as other interesting portions of 
the castle from being properly investigated. It 
would be certain to repay amply the little time 
and trouble necessary for a full examination. 
The turrets were probably covered with conical roofs, 
and the machicolations are very bold and elegant ; 
the height of the walls to the turrets is 63 feet. 
In the civil war it was garrisoned for king 
Charles I, and had in it a large magazine. Colonel 
Rainsborough, with his own and colonel Hammond’s 
regiments and two pieces of ordnance, was sent by 
general Fairfax to take it. On August the 20th, 
1645, (on September 8th, according to Collinson)) 
it surrendered on condition of the garrison 
returning to their homes. It was bumt to 
prevent its being of any further use to the king. 
