Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1870 edition. Excerpt: ... THE EARLS OF DUNBAR AND MARCH, AND THE TOWN AND CASTLE OF DUNBAR. The magnificent ruin of Dunbar Castle stands on a reef o trap rocks, which project into the sea, and rise in many places like natural bastions for the protection of this stern remnant of feudal grandeur from the power of the waves, --which nevertheless force their way through rugged caverns and fissures, and break thunderingly upon its dark foundations. The chief building measures about 165 feet from east to west; and, in some places, 207 feet from north to south. The south battery--which Grose supposes to have been the citadel or keep--is situated on a detached perpendicular rock, accessible only on one side, 72 feet high, and is connected to the main part of the castle by a passage of masonry measuring 69 feet. The interior of the citadel measures 54 feet by 60, within the walls. Its shape is octagonal. Five of the gun-ports remain, which are called ' the arrow-holes.' They measure 4 feet at the mouth, and only 16 inches at the other end. The buildings are arched, and extend 8 feet from the outer walls, and look into an open court, whence they derive their light. About the middle of the fortress, part of a wall remains, through which there is a gateway surmounted with armorial bearings. This gate seems to have led to the principal apartments. In the centre are the arms of George, 11th Earl of Dunbar, who succeeded his father in 1369; and who, besides the earldom of Dunbar and March, inherited the lordship of Annandale and the isle of Man from his heroic mother. The towers had communication with the sea, and dip low in many places. North-east from the front of the castle is a large natural cavern of black stone, supposed to have formed part of the dungeon, which, Pennant..