Publication illustration; Carnasserie Castle. Exterior and Interior Elevations, Section and Plan of gun-ports and pistol loops in South wall of East tower.

Description Publication illustration; Carnasserie Castle. Exterior and Interior Elevations, Section and Plan of gun-ports and pistol loops in South wall of East tower.

Collection Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu

Catalogue Number SC 360749

Category On-line Digital Images

Copy of DC 24554

Scope and Content Plans and drawings of diamond-shaped gun-port at first-floor level of north wall of main tower of Carnassarie Castle, overlooking Kilmartin valley, Argyll Carnassarie Castle was built in 1565-72 by John Carswell, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, on the land of his patron, the Earl of Argyll. In 1643, the feudal overlord, the Marquis of Argyll, granted it to the Campbells of Auchenbreck. This diamond-shaped gun-port lights the latrine leading off the bishop's great chamber. It gives a defender as wide a field of fire as possible without exposing him to return-fire from attackers. Though many Argyll castles had gun-ports by the 17th century, these were probably mainly for show since none had matching artillery defences. Castles were now more important as secure homes, administrative centres and military bases, than as fortresses. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

External Reference Inv. fig. 219F

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/360749

File Format (TIF) Tagged Image File Format bitmap