The tower (Fig. 637) measures 84 feet high to the top of the parapet; it has been operated on at various times. The projecting round staircase-turret is an addition of, perhaps, the fifteenth century; the lower part of the tower, as is evident from the west doorway, is probably of the thirteenth century. It is groin vaulted at the first story, as shown on Plan. This vault, and all above, are of sixteenth century work, with the exception of the upper part above the cornice, which dates from this century. The old finishing of the tower is shown by Slezer to have been carried out with a cape house and bartisan like the pele towers, or as shown at the churches of Torphichen, Dysart, and Dundee. [Illustration: FIG. 637.--Culross Abbey. Tower from North-East.] [Illustration: FIG. 638.--Culross Abbey. View from South-East.] [Illustration: FIG. 639.--Culross Abbey. North Transept.] The doorway from the tower to the east church and the passage leading to the chapel, which stood on the east side of the transept, are late Gothic. The east church, as already stated, is a complete cruciform structure, having choir, transepts, and nave in itself. The north transept (see Fig. 637) was built, in 1640, by George Bruce of Carnock, it is surmised, on older foundations. The south transept is, generally speaking, old; it had an east aisle, opening by two arches from the transept and one arch from the choir. This aisle is now removed, and the arches are built up, but their outlines are visible from the exterior (Fig. 638). This aisle is shown by Slezer with a lean-to roof against the transept. In the corresponding position on the north side there appears to have been a similar aisle; part of its east wall still exists (Fig. 639), with an early two-light window, and the remains of what appears to have been a canopied tomb, although Mr. Beveridge[84] regards it as being the doorway to the north aisle. Built against the wall, in an upright position, is the recumbent figure probably belonging to this tomb. All the original windows of the east church, which were large and important, have been built up during this century, and smaller windows of a debased type inserted, with the exception of the east window (see Fig. 638), which is original, and is of good design; but even this is lost to the interior, being partitioned off in order to allow a gallery stair to pass it.