ROCHESTER CASTLE. west, whilst its south, east, and north sides were environed by a deep ditch. The outward walls, which formed an irregular parellelogram of about 300 feet in length, were strengthened by several square and round towers, embrasured, and provided with loop-holes and machicolations; but these, with the walls themselves, are now in a state of utter ruin. On the north-east was the principal entrance: this was defended by a tower gateway, with outworks at the sides. The keep, or Great Tower, erected by bishop Gundulph, is still nearly perfect, as to its outward figure, which is quadrangular. This is one of the most interesting and curious specimens of Norman military architecture now remaining in England. It stands at the south-east corner of the enclosed area, and rises to the height of 104 feet: the walls spread outwards, with a slope from the level of the ground floor; but above that they rise perpendicularly, and form a square of seventy feet; their thickness, on the east, north, and west sides, is eleven feet, but on the south it is increased to thirteen feet. Near the middle, on the east side, is a pilaster, ascending from the base to the roof; and at the angles are projecting towers, three of which are square, the fourth circular: these rise twelve feet above the summit of the tower: they are provided with parapets, and are embrasured together with the rest of the building. The entrance to the interior opened upon the first floor, from a small tower that was attached to the keep, on the north side, |