The Ports, Harbours, Watering-places and Picturesque Scenery of Great Britain Vol. 2Finden, W. (William)
History
The Ports, Harbours, Watering-places and Picturesque Scenery of Great Britain Vol. 2
Finden, W. (William)
Coasts -- Great Britain -- Pictorial works; Great Britain -- Pictorial works
The Southstack, as already mentioned, is cut off from the promontory by
a deep chasm thirty yards in width, through which the sea roars and
boils with great force and impetuosity. To cross this formidable ravine
an oriental rope-bridge was formerly employed, that is--a sliding basket
was attached to the cable, which was secured at either side of the
abyss; the passenger entered the basket, and by the ingenious working of
lateral pulleys it was sent off or hauled in, according to the arrival
or departure of visitors. This hempen apparatus was replaced in 1827 by
a handsome suspension-bridge, on the same principles as that over the
Menai. It was suggested by the intelligent veteran already mentioned,
Captain Evans, and has answered every purpose contemplated in its
erection. The roadway is five feet in width, and its height above
high-water mark is about seventy feet. The airy span of this bridge is
highly graceful and picturesque, and adds greatly to the interest of the
picture. On the rock, close under the walls of the lighthouse, are
several cottages for the use of the Superintendent and those under his
command. The different points of view which it comprises are all deeply
interesting to a stranger, particularly from the lighthouse, where the
sphere of vision is greatly enlarged.
[Illustration: THE EAGLE TOWER, CARNARVON CASTLE.]
EAGLE TOWER,
CAERNARVON CASTLE.
Caernarvon Castle, of which the Engraving annexed presents so faithful
and striking a resemblance, is a subject of no ordinary interest: it
generally engrosses the attention of all strangers in these parts, and
is, in every sense, one of the noblest specimens of castellated
architecture in existence. Like so many others of similar design and
execution, this fortress owes its origin to the policy of Edward the
First, who built it, according to contemporary history, by appropriating
the revenues of the See of York, then vacant, to the purposes of warlike
enterprise and ambition. The town is understood to have arisen under the
same auspices. The Castle defends it on the south by means of a narrow,
deep moat in front. In its west wall are three circular towers, with two
others on either side, and a narrow gate or entrance, over which is
placed a bare-headed figure with flowing locks,--the statue of the
founder,--holding in his left hand a sword, which he draws with his
right hand,--or rather, perhaps, is returning to its scabbard, in
allusion to the subjugation of the Welsh,--and a defaced shield under
his feet. This gate leads to a narrow, oblong court. At the west end is
a polygon, or many-sided tower, with three others of hexagonal form
above, and eagles sculptured on the battlements, from which it received
the name, preserved in the Engraving, of the "Eagle Tower." It is a
noble structure, having ten sides, and a staircase of three hundred
steps to the battlements. In this tower is the birth-chamber of Edward
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