Observations on English Castles. 227 



nearest at hand ; though the angles and battlements are often capped with 

 oolite or mountain limestone, brought from a distance. The mortar em- 

 ployed is usually good ; but the peculiar qualities of ancient mortars is a 

 subject still open to inquiry. 



At present little is known concerning the uses of particular apartments 

 in castles, or of tlie domestic life of their inhabitants. It seems probable, 

 however, that a good deal both of new and very entertaining matter upon 

 these and similar points, might be gleaned from the English, and more 

 especially from the French chronicles and fabliaux. The following ex- 

 tract, quoted at second-hand through the medium of the "Child's History 

 of Switzerland," from " Les Chateaux Suisses, par Madame Montolieu," 

 appears to us worth transcription. " The description of a [Swiss] castle, 

 such as formed the residence of most of the nobles, though some few were 

 on a more magnificent scale, will convey an idea of their manner of living 

 about the eighth or ninth centuries. 



" It consisted generally of a simple square tower of stone, built on a steep 

 rock, and surrounded by a deep trench. There was no entrance from 

 without to the ground-floor, which contained a dungeon for criminals, a 

 well, and cellars, amply stored with provisions, but scantily provided with 

 wine, a luxury rare in Helvetia, till a much later period. The entrance to 

 the castle was into the first story, at the height of fifteen feet from the 

 ground, by wooden steps which could be drawn up in times of war. This 

 contained the kitchen, through which it was necessary to pass to the other 

 apartments : the female servants had beds inclosed in closets round its 

 sides. A spiral staircase from this led to the second btory, which was the 

 apartment of the family ; and near the entrance was a large stove of hewn 

 stone, with steps round it, that served as seats. On the other side of the 

 entrance was the state bed of the lord and his lady, richly decorated with 

 carved armorial bearings and needle-work, surrounded by a massy railing 

 of carved wood ; it was considerably raised from the floor, and a truckle 

 bed for the younger children stood under its feet. In the opposite corners 

 of this hall, two beds, each large enough to contain several persons, were 

 screened off" by curtains ; in one of which slept the sons, in the other the 

 daughters of the family. Round the sides of the room, the wainscoting of 

 polished wood inclosed cupboards, where their clothes and other effects 

 were kept ; vvitii the liousehold linen, spun by the ladies and their maid- 

 servants : a strong iron chest, let into the thickness of the wall, guarded 

 the money, the jewels, and writings of importance. The light of the win- 

 dows was obscured by the great thickness of the walls j within the recesses 

 formed by them, the ladies assembled with their embroidery and other 

 occupations. In the centre was a large table, which served for the family 

 meals, when there were no guests present. Two arm-chairs of gilt leather, 

 and some high stools, were generally the only portable seats. A few 

 shelves contained the library of the castle, usually consisting of a legend 



