Tower & Remains of Church and Monastic Settlement on Puffin Island

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The scheduled monument itself is the remains of a 12th century church and monastic settlement, with earlier, possible 7th century, origins.
The church consists of a standing tower, which is constructed of two stages, and the foundational remains of a nave and chancel. A modern cottage has been built onto the southern wall of the tower.
The earlier remains consist of a collapsed boundary wall forming a roughly oval enclosure around the church.
The Island, which lies off the coast of Penmon, has SSSI status. There is a wealth of breeding and nesting birds on the Island including some puffins and also seals. There is no public access, which is stated on the small beach landing area with a sign.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of early medieval ecclesiastical monasteries. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The structures themselves may be expected to contain archaeological information concerning chronology and building techniques.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.