The Round Towers. 23 



of disasters to these belfries by fire, lightning, and other causes. 

 We also learn that persons took refuge in these towers, and 

 that sometimes the protection of the towers was sought in vain. 

 We can picture to ourselves the attacking party breaking in 

 the narrow door, even though fourteen or fifteen feet from the 

 ground, and introducing fire, which burned up the successive 

 wooden lofts, with the unfortunates who had crowded in for 

 refuge. We also find that the guardians of the church used 

 the tower as the safest place they had for the keeping of their 

 sacred utensils, relics of saints, manuscripts, croziers, and bells. 

 It is evident that the towers have suffered very much from the 

 effects of lightning. The old annalists have told us this, and 

 even in modern times several of the towers have been greatly 

 injured by lightning. This is not surprising. The only won- 

 der is, considering the length of time they have stood stretch- 

 ing towards the clouds, that they have not suffered very much 

 more than they have done. The tall shaft of masonry and 

 pointed roof must offer a very dangerous attraction to the 

 electric current. Probably our moist climate and consequent 

 comparative immunity from severe thunderstorms may have 

 helped to preserve so many of our round towers in a very per- 

 fect condition. Dr. Petrie cites a passage from Colonel Mont- 

 morency's writings showing his idea as to the impregnable 

 nature of the tall circular tower. We have seen by the extracts 

 from our annals that in some cases the tower was not absolutely 

 impregnable. He writes — "The pillar tower as a defensive hold, 

 taking into account the period that produced it, may fairly pass 

 for one of the completest inventions that can well be imagined. 

 Impregnable every way, and proof against fire, it could never 

 be taken by assault. Although the abbey and its dependencies 

 blazed around, the tower disregarded the fury of the flames. 

 Its extreme height, its isolated position, and diminutive door- 

 way, elevated so many feet above the ground, placed it beyond 

 the reach of a destroyer. The signal once made announcing 

 the approach of a foe by those who kept watch at the top, the 

 alarm spread instantaneously, not only among the inmates of 

 the cloister, but the inhabitants were roused to arms in the 



