52 LIFE, TIMES, AND SCIENTIFIC LABOURS [1642. 



arched entrances. The grand entrance between two 

 hexagonal towers leads to the paved court, with the 

 closet tower or library to the right, a withdrawing or ball 

 room over head, and the banqueting or stately hall to 

 the left, which last attracts much notice from its size, 

 nobleness, and state of preservation. It had a magni 

 ficent oak roof lighted by a lantern or cupola window at 

 the top ; at one end is a large stone carving of the arms 

 of the Beaufort family, with their celebrated motto, 

 Mutare vel timere, sperno ; at the opposite end rose the 

 minstrels gallery. One entire side is occupied with an 

 ample fire-place, having large windows above, and on 

 the right hand side a magnificent bay window ; the 

 opposite side of this great apartment is a mere lofty 

 blank wall. Eeturning to the court we see the kitchen- 

 tower, larders, and other domestic offices. Passing to 

 the second, or Fountain Court, we observe a small 

 chapel, marked only by its foundation stones. Above 

 it, on the same level and of no greater width, ran the 

 picture gallery, which may have been 126 feet long by 

 13 feet wide. In it were, among others, many family 

 portraits, particularly one of Charles, the first Earl, 

 and another of Henry, the second Earl of Worcester. 93 

 The Marquis s private chamber was probably over the 

 gate 5 but here, the outer walls excepted and the grand 

 staircase, few remains of the ruin rise above the ground 

 to distinguish their character. 



The vaults and cellars are numerous, but not so 

 large as is generally supposed, although sufficiently 

 capacious. Some were undoubtedly used as cells for 

 prisoners, others for various stores, while certain vaults 

 are even reputed to have served the purpose of under 

 ground stables. 



The Fountain Court, derives its name from formerly 



93 Svmonds 



