Penmon Priory, Penmon (Anglesey)

Remains of the priory dating from the thirteenth century.

Summary 13th century buildings (or older)

Introduction

Remains of the priory dating from the thirteenth century, when the house became part of the Augustinian order. The origins of the site are traditionally associated with St Seiriol in the sixth century. 

History to the present day

Penmon Priory is situated on the eastern tip of Anglesey, close to the banks of the Menai Strait and near St Seiriol's Church, the Dovecote, and the ancient Holy Well of St Seiriol. The monastery was founded by the 6th Century celtic Saint, Seiriol, however Viking raids destroyed the remnants of the original structure. The church and the conical tower date back to the middle of the 12th Century and were built under the stewardship of Gruffudd ap Cynan and Owain Gwynedd. A new chancel with luxuriously embellished arches and pillars was added during the 13th Century.

Penmon became an Augustinian Priory during the reign of Prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth. The roofless three storey stone buildings to the south of the church contained the monks' dining hall and dormitory and although dilapidated, the building is still striking and impressive today. Adjacent to the doorway lies a 12th Century gravestone that was used as the door lintel for many years.

The priory survived the Edwardian conquest of Wales before eventually falling victim to the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538. At that point it passed into the ownership of the Bulkeleys of Beaumaris who constructed the Dovecote and enclosed much of the land as a deer park. Further renovations were carried out to the priory in the 19th Century but the atmosphere of early Christianity still pervades the interior.
 

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Penmon Priory, Anglesey, , United Kingdom

Opening times:

 

Open site all year round.

 

Open sites are unstaffed and open to the public with no admission charge at all reasonable times, usually between 10.00 and 16.00 daily.

 

 

Photographs courtesy of CADW photographic library.