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THE NORTH WEST TOWER AND THE RIVER CURTAIN WALL.
In about 1300 the original riverside curtain wall was dismantled and a new wall built closer to the river. Two types of stone were used to give a multi-coloured effect, made popular by king Edward I at royal castles such as Caernarvon. At the same time as the new riverside wall was built two new towers were added. Both the north west tower and the central tower are multi-sided, again following a fashion set by Edward I. The river protected this face of the castle from attack and meant that windows could be large and impressive. Next to the north west tower you can see two magnificent bay windows put in by bishop Rotherham in the 1470s to light the end of the bishops hall where his dining table would have been. Transport by water was widely used in Medieval times. Supplies would have been delivered to the Watergate, which you can see in the base of the curtain wall. Steps up from the Watergate lead to an undercroft, a large cell under the bishops hall which was used for storage.
Bearing in mind back in those days the river would be right up to the walls, the Watergate is in the centre of the photo ( where the modern steps are ). Above the Watergate is one of the bay windows.
Remember in those days the river went right up to these arches. I have no idea what they originally was used for. Standing at the base of the arch way you can look straight up to the top of the castle walls. So having a guess at there usage I would say they where maybe used for toilets, disposing of rubbish or more sinister throwing down dead or even alive bodies, straight into the river.
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This place really has some history to it. Wow! This castle is another testimony to the fact that they knew how to build them back then. After all, for the most part it is still standing. And, they were quite talented in the arch building. I love arches. Great photos, Les! Danged if they just ain't good.
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