136 A CONTRIBUTION TO THE HISTORY OF DORCHESTER. 



belonged to the Crown, appears to have been disused, and in the 

 possession of the Franciscans about this time. It is far from 

 improbable that the Castle would be handed over to the Friars 

 on the condition that they dismantled it, for, after the experiences 

 of the Sovereign in Stephen's and other reigns, it is not likely 

 that the king would have handed over a strong and serviceable 

 fortress, which commanded the town, to any private individual ; 

 or even to any religious body, without making it a condition that 

 it should be rendered unserviceable. 



