Kirby is freer in its treatment than Longleat, in Wiltshire, which has to submit to a more severe symmetry (Fig. 78). The windows here are rather overpowering, but the whole effect is restful, owing to the strong horizontal lines, while the projecting bays entirely relieve it from monotony. There are no gables, and apparently never were, which is a somewhat unusual circumstance, considering the date of its erection, 1567. Wollaton, near Nottingham (Plate XXVII.) bears some resemblance to Longleat in its detail, but it is far more fantastic in its treatment, and its plan places it in a category almost by itself. It cannot be called a typical house either in its arrangement or its design, although from its striking appearance and excellent state of preservation it is frequently quoted as such. Its plan shows a central hall, surrounded by a range of rooms, with a projecting pavilion or tower at each of the four corners (Fig. 79). The general effect is undoubtedly impressive, but the ornament is overloaded, and shows a too careful study of extravagant Dutch models. The work, however, and the design are those of well-instructed masons, familiar with the features they were handling. Wollaton is another instance of combining a central hall with a central doorway. The present flight of steps inside the front door, together with the doors in the long sides of the hall immediately opposite, is comparatively modern. The original approach, after entering the front door, was up a flight of steps to the right, at the top of which, by turning to the left (as at Fountains Hall), the screens were gained, and the hall was entered in the usual way. At Burghley House we revert to a simpler treatment. The main walls are of plain masonry pierced with windows, and divided by the usual horizontal cornices (Plate XXVIII.). Diversity is obtained by projecting turrets, lofty bay windows, and the boldly-curved entrance porch on the north front. There are no gables, the skyline being broken by the turrets, the chimneys, and the ornamental parapet. It is, perhaps, an exaggeration to say there are no gables, but there are none in the later part built between 1575 and 1587. The great hall has gables, but that was built some years earlier. [Illustration: 80.--CHARLTON HOUSE, WILTSHIRE (1607).] [Illustration: PLATE XXVIII. BURGHLEY HOUSE, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. GENERAL VIEW.]