194 Essa'j on CaerpliHly Caatle. 



It appears, however, that tlie curtain connecting the north-west bastion 

 tower with the west gate-lionse, was originally as low as the northern 

 curtain, but that the triforial gallery and its snperincumbeut ranvpart, and 

 some exterior buildings, have been added. A cluster of buildings has also 

 been added on the outside of the south curtain, at the angle formed by its 

 junction with the south-west tower. 



It is very possible that the gate-houses of the middle ballium are of later 

 date than the interior works. That on the east is too mutilated to admit 

 of any inference at all, as to its age. But on the west the false machico- 

 lations, the holes for tlie portcullis chains, the chimnies rising above 

 the parapet, and the less durable character of the masonry, seem to be de- 

 cisive. The walls, moreover, by means of which this gate-house is con- 

 nected with the curtain of the inner ballium, though of the same age with 

 the former, are not bonded into, and are separated by fissures from, the 

 latter, — a tolerably sure indication of difference of age. 



To the same date, perhaps during the reign of Edward the second, we 

 should be disposed to refer the whole exterior line of defence on the east, 

 and the horn-work on the west. Neither are much later, for the general 

 appearance of the former is decisive, and the revetement of the latter is too 

 nearly perpendicular and too slight to resist even the rudest kind of artillery. 



With respect to the redoubt, it is perfectly evident from its appearance^ 

 that it was thrown up, not only when gunpowder was in general use, but 

 when the science of fortification was pretty well understood. It seems, 

 with the eartli-works at Donnington and other castles, to be fairly refer- 

 able to the period of Charles the first. 



The injuries received by this castle are similar to others at Corfe and 

 elsewhere, known to be referable to the same period, in the international 

 struggles, of which the battle of St. Pagans and the occupation of Cardiff 

 prove the men of Glamorgan to have taken an active part. Nothing 

 therefore seems more probable, than that the redoubt should have been 

 thrown up hastily by one party for the defence of the castle, and that the 

 dismantling of the whole should have been perpetrated by the other, to 

 prevent such a defence being practicable in future. History, however, 

 has afforded no clue as to which of the contending parties either pro- 

 ceeding is to be referred. 



It seems to us a mistake to consider that the works of Caerphilly were 

 never completed. The flanking towers on either wing rest upon the lake, 

 and the horn-work is surely a sufiicient defence in the opposite direction. 



In concluding this Essay, its author is desirous of acknowledging the 

 kindness of the noble owner of the castle, in placing a copy of a very ex- 

 cellent plan, lately constructed by Mr. Turnbull, at his disposal. 



The traveller who visits Caerphilly, will find there an excellent inn ; and 

 if he be fortunate enough to meet with Mr. Evans, he will find a guide who 

 will render of but little use the information contained in this essay. 



