castles historical down

It is square in plan, but has an L-shaped addition to guard the entrance. Access is gained directly to the ground floor, and a stairway leads up immediately to the main first-floor chamber, which is defended by a murder hole in the vault above. Access to the upper floors was gained by a spiral staircase within the walls. The tower was probably built by a member of the Savage family in the 16th century, and in 1635 Patrick Savage's brother-in-law, Sir James Montgomery of Rosemount, repaired t...

With Portaferry, the town of Strangford has a stranglehold on the entrance to the lough which bears the same name, and the castle in the town was built to control traffic in and out of, as well as across, the lough. It is a comparatively simple three-storey 16th century tower incorporating an earlier fortification which had the entrance at first-floor level. The original floors - like their modern replacements - were made of wood....

Anglo-Norman motte-and-bailey earthwork castle with added stone tower. Fine views from top of the mound. Free access always. Clough village, at junction of A24 and A25....