This is a view of the oriel window in the north wall of Gylen Castle. Its floor could be lifted and hot oil dumped on unwelcome visitors. Inset
in the window is a carving of a woman’s head; her long hair spreading down and
out in both directions to become a cable moulding that runs along the bottom of
the window. One braid of her hair winds around to the carving of a man in a
skull-cap, who is pulling on this rope of hair (left side of photo). Her other
braid winds around to the carving of what looks to be a man wearing a helmet
or, as was reported by a visitor in 1800, a bagpipe player, who is also pulling
on the rope of hair. It would be interesting to know the story behind this
tug-of-war for the lady’s attention. Which course in life do you think she chose?
Life with a musician, or life as a religious?
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| Oriel Window - Gylen Castle |
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| Close up of the carvings |
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