CHAPTER VIII.
BEREFORD CASTLE.
In a beautifully remote district, between the celebrated towns of Hastings and Brighton, may be found the quaint old structure known as Bereford Castle.

From the style of architecture it may be dated to the time of Edward the Third, bearing a striking resemblance to the castle re-erected in that monarch's reign by the Earl of Warwick.

The castle of this period had degenerated or become more modernized.

The closed fortress was rapidly assuming a mixture of the castle and mansion.
Instead of the old Norman pile, with its two massive towers and arched gateway, thick walls, _oilets_ and portcullis, Bereford Castle comprised stately and magnificent halls, banqueting rooms, galleries, and chambers.

The keep was detached from the building, a stronghold in itself, surrounded by smaller towers and the important and necessary moat.