ridge is nearly 150 feet in extent, and the Castle
stands just across it on the south west part of the hill; the extent of
the Castle from east to west, including a small tower through which was
the principal entrance, is 110 feet 3 inches, and from north to south, 92
feet 10 inches; and the height to the top of the battlements, 69 feet 6
inches; the height of the basement story is about 24 feet, which is faced
with rough flint; the upper part is ornamented with small arches and
decorated so as to appear something like Mosaic work; the small tower
before-mentioned on the east side, was of a richer kind of architecture,
called, Bigod's Tower, which is now chiefly inclosed, defaced or pulled
down, as in the year 1793 the county thought it necessary to erect a new
goal, and it was resolved to attach it to the eastern side of the old
Castle. Mr. Wilkins expresses himself justly indignant at the addition,
which he calls an heterogeneous and discordant mass.--This venerable pile
has been a castle of defence to British, Saxon, and Norman kings; it has
been the boast and pride of the province for ages past, yet by this
recent change it is bereaved of its ancient beauty; but, surely, whatever
alterations were necessary, they might have preserved the same character
and apparent date of architecture with the mutilated parts of this
stately pile. The interior is also now an unroofed area, although
formerly covered and divided by floors. The entrance to the top of the
Castle is on the west side, at the south corner by a flight of 99 steps.

The Castle precinct contains upwards of six acres, and the summit of the
hill is in circumference 360 yards, the whole of which is enclosed with
iron palisadoes, as is also the ditch around it; which, within the last
20 years, have been occupied for gardens, many of which are tastefully
laid out; and the summit of the hill on all sides commands a most
delightful view of the city and surrounding country. The Castle with the
hill and ditch surrounding it, may be considered a _chef d'oeuvre_, and
the prospect therefrom superior to any thing of the kind in England.

A panoramic view of the city and surrounding country has been lately
published by Messrs. Stevenson, Matchett, and Stevenson, taken from
several stations on the hill.

The shirehouse which joins the Castle, has lately undergone complete
internal repair, and considerable alteration whereby the courts are
enlarged and rendered much mor