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and towers, rising up to an immense square tower occupying
the centre. The north front is four hundred and twenty feet
in length, having before it a rampart, forming a
semi-polygon, flanked by circular bastions at the angles;
below there is a large area enclosed by a parapet wall, with
a covered way, and bastions at the corners. At the entrance
is a porter's lodge, with a double gate and postern, and in
the centre a large gateway, guarded by two strong octagonal
towers. The south front forms a remarkable contrast to this,
being built in the decorated style, with pointed windows
enriched with tracery and niches; the cloisters also give
additional interest and effect to this side. A lawn of
velvet smoothness and emerald green, shut in by trees of the
loftiest growth, stretches along this front. The interior of
the Castle is fitted up with correspondent taste, oak being
very plentifully used. The staircase, which ascends in the
central tower, is magnificent. A beautiful flower-garden is
separated from the park by a sunk fence, and from the south
front several walks wind away to Lowther Terrace, through
groves of forest trees. Below, the river Lowther pursues
with gentle stream its devious course, through flowery meads
and beneath the leafy foliage, sometimes betraying itself by
its glittering stream, sometimes by its noisy babblings. The
view from the great central tower is extensive, being shut
in by Skiddaw, Helvellyn, St. Sunday Crag, and other distant
mountains.
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