ST MARY'S ABBEY, BARDSEY ISLAND

Site Details

NPRN
93544
Map Reference
SH12SW
Grid Reference
SH1200722171
Unitary (Local) Authority
Gwynedd
Old County
Caernarfonshire
Community
Aberdaron
Type of Site
ABBEY
Broad Class
Religious, Ritual and Funerary
Period
Medieval

Site Description

The ruins of a tower mark the site of St Mary's Abbey. This was an early medieval monastery, reputedly founded in the fifth century, but is first mentioned in 1011 AD. In about 1200 it was reformed or refounded as a priory of Augustianian canons. Up until the dissolution this was an important pilgrimage centre for Wales.
The two stage tower is about 5.8m square internally with 1.1m wide walls, and stands up to 8.0m high. It may have stood at the angle of ranges to the south and west.

Source: RCAHMW Caernarvonshire Inventory III (1964), 17-20

John Wiles 14.02.08