CASTLE .ASIIBY, in Northamptonshire, was a work of the same architect, begun in 1642. It forms three sides of a square, whereof two sides consist each of three sto ries in height, while the one which unites them is only two stories. The two higher sides, like Longleate, are composed of the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders. The two upper rows of windows are nearly of an equal size, the lower ones are smaller. This singular feature has a good effect. With regard to the interior, the apart ments are too narrow for their lengths, thereby much re sembling- galleries: their being thoroughfares is also very objectionable.
Wt•ros, the scat of the Earl of Pembroke, was be gun by lnigo Jones, in 1640. The garden front extends 194 feet. It consists of one row of large windows, with square attics over them, and small ones in the basement below : these latter have segment tops, and clumsy arch stones. All the other windows have architraves and flat entablature, except those in the turrets, which arc at the extremities, which have pointed pediments over the prin cipal windows. The turrets rise higher than the rest of the building, and have each a circular pediment over a window in this part. Between the turrets, an entablature with modillions passes unbroken. This, with the plain ground, or face of the building, has a good effect. Upon this entablature there is a parapet, with balusters, which hides the roof. The entrance door has coupled Ionic pilasters, with an arch like that over the middle of a Ve netian window. On each side of this is a figure in a re clined posture, holding a small medallion of the family arms betwixt them. The plan, consisting of single apart ments encompassing a court 103 X 95, renders the ac cess inconvenient.
The great dining room is GO x 30 x SO; the ceiling is coved, the coved part plain, but the flat part is thrown into compartments twelve inches in depth, encompassed with enriched mouldings. A modillion cornice, with an enriched frieze,passes round the room; the architrave has only one member enriched ; the whole depth of the en tablature is three feet four inches, or of the upright part of the room. The pamielled dado occupies ano
ther 1, and the remainder is thrown into pannels, which have a full length figure painted in each, and between these pannels ate heavy stucco ornaments. The cove oc cupies:, of the whole height, or ten feet. In the chim ney piece the opening has an architrave round it, an en riched truss on each side, au entablature with a plain slab in the middle. On each side of this stands a full length figure, holding a cornucopia, &c. and behind these figures there are two small Corinthian pilasters ; upon this entablature is an open scroll pediment, and the family arms, which reach to the great modillion cornice. The middle door, at the end, has Corinthian columns, an open pediment, and arms, &c. over it. This descrip tion will convey an idea of the manner adopted by this architect, in finishing a magnificent apartment.
About half a century afterwards, a similar progress was made in Scotland; for Hopeton House, on the bank of the Forth, was begun in 1698, from a design by Sir William Bruce. The main building consists of a low basement, and two stories ; the two principal stories have their windows of nearly an equal height, the low er windows have a level cornice, the upper a narrow ar chitrave only round them ; the colonnade which unites the main building and wings is convex. The hall in the cast front is 31 x 25, that to the west 28 x 25 ; there is one apartment 31 x 21, another 23 x 19 ; one bed-room 2 1 x 18, and an octagonal stair 18 x16.
About the same time house, the scat of the Earl of Leven, was erected by Mr James Smith, viz. in 1692. It consists of two principal stories, a basement, and attic ; the two middle rows of windows arc nearly of the same height, viz. 9 X 3 3 feet ; the whole front is plain, except belts between the windows, rustic quoins, and small IODIC columns, and a circular pediment over the entrance door ; the roof is deep, with tall chimney tops ; the hall or saloon .13 x 24 ; smaller ditto, besides stair, 24.6 X 17.6 ; staircase 26 x 24 ; two apartments 25X 20; and two X 20.