OS1/23/12/76

Continued entries/extra info

Bishop's Palace (continued)
state. A very small portion only of the edifice is all that now remains of the structure as it was in the days
"When Norse and danish galleys plied
Their oars within the Firth of Clyde
When floated Haco's banner trim,
Above Norwegian warriors grim
Savage of heart and large of limb."
The principal part now standing was built by Bishop Reid in 1540, and consists of a tower circular without but square within, on the outside of the north wall of which is a stone statue of himself. It is called the Mass Tower, and from the top of it may be had a pretty extensive view of the town and neighbouring Country, but the stair is so much decayed that it is extremely difficult if not dangerous to make the ascent. It is generally supposed that Earl Patrick joined his Palace by a wall to the circular wall of this one, thereby forming the whole into a hollow square.