Gwynedd Archaeological
Trust Regional Historic Environment Record
Penmon Priory, Remains of, Llangoed
Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 2538 Trust : Gwynedd Community : Llangoed Unitary authority : Ynys Mon NGR : SH6304580708 Site Type (preferred type first) : EARLY MEDIEVAL MONASTERY Status : National Trust
Summary : The original monastery of Penmon was reputedly founded in the 6th century AD by St Seiriol, the preacher and friend of St Cybi. The site prospered, and in the 10th century crosses were erected at the gates, although Viking raids have destroyed all other evidence from this early period. In the 12th century, during the revival led by Owain Gwynedd and Gruffydd ap Cynan, the abbey church (which is on the northern side of the site) was rebuilt. What is visible today is the most complete example of a church of this period in Gwynedd. By 1414 Penmon had become an Augustian priory and had survived the Edwardian conquest, but was eventually dissolved in 1538 when the site passed to the Bulkeleys of Beaumaris.
The monastic buildings date from the 13th century and are found on the south and west sides of the cloister-court, although excavations in 1923 revealed what was probably the remains of the enclosing eastern wall of the cloister walk. The southern range was built in the 13th century and consists of a first floor refectory which was reached by an external stairway. It has a dormitory above and a cellar below. A two-storey warming house and kitchen building was added to the eastern end of this in the 16th century. The Prior's lodging forms the western side of the cloister-court, and is thought to have been originally constructed in the 16th or 17th centuries, although it was modified by the Bulkeley family in the 18th century when it became a private house.
Description : Celtic early regular monastery founded C6th, re-founded after 1237 but before 1414 as a Priory of Augustinian cannons. plan is the usual regular pattern of C13th. Penmon appears to have soon become the main settlement and Puffin Island (SH68SE 1) a small dependency. Dissolved 1536. <1><2><3><4>
Existing remains of monastic buildings C13th and later to S. (Plan) (RCAHMW, 1937)
The portions in the guardianship of the Commissioners of HM Works include the S range and the remains of the S end of the E range of the monastic buildings attached to St. Seriol's church. The church is said to have been founded in the first half of the C6th by Cynlas, who placed it in charge of his brother Seriol. <7>
The brothers Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (fl . 1730–79) illustrated seventeen monastic sites in Wales in their main series of ‘Antiquities’ including Penmon (Moore, 2005).
Reference to Penmon Priory, Ynys Mon in connection to Viking raids on church sites (Cross, 2010).
“Called on Sir Robert Williams, who shewed us his Barn, which was formerly the Priory Church. The West end exhibits 3 lancet Windows like those at Salisbury; one fine pointed Arch on South side, and an Arch at the East end stopped up, which in all probability led to the Chancel.” (Fenton, 1810).
Placed in the guardianship of the Ministry of Works, Ancient Monuments Branch in 1940. (“South Range of Priory Buildings”) (Photograph on p. 58-59 of conservation work in 1948) (Arch Cam Vol. C, 1949).
“The conservation of the ruined medieval building to the south of the church has been completed. In the added sixteenth century portion at the east end of the main range a modern opening in the east wall has been filled in and the blocking removed from the original door in the south wall. An early incised slab re-used as a lintel over the main doorway was found to be fractured, and has been taken out. The two halves of the stone have been dowelled together and set up in a secure position within the building. The nearby dovecote has also been carefully and thoroughly repaired. It was found necessary to take down and re-set much of the external vaulting owing to damage by roots [Year Ending June 1950].” (The Inspector, 1951).
Description and history of Penmon Priory, including historical documents (Jones, 1849).
Description and illustrations of Penmon Priory (Jones, 1849). Description, history , illustrations and floor plans of Penmon Priory Church (Jones, 1855).
An account of Cambrian Archaeological Association excursion to the site in August 1937 with detailed description. (Lloyd Jones 1937).
A descriptive account, with interpretation, of the site as seen when visited by Cambrian Archaeological Association in August 1860 (Arch Cam, 1860).
