the only one existing of eight similar structures. Its present
appearance proves it to be of Norman foundation, and built probably by
Earl Roger de Montgomery for the accommodation of such of his retainers
as resided in the _outer court_ of the castle within which it once stood.
It was subsequently appropriated for the accommodation of the President
and Council of the Marches of Wales. The west end displays a pointed
window divided by a mullion, and in the interior is a massive
semi-circular arch, which separated the nave from a chancel now
destroyed. In lowering the floor in 1825, several human skulls and bones
were discovered. The building is 50 feet long, by 19 wide, and is used
at present as a coach-house and stable.
[Picture: Gateway of Council House]
To the right of this edifice is a handsome timber gateway, erected in
1620, which leads to