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Medieval Hermitage Site on Burry Holms

A Scheduled Monument in Llangennith, Llanmadoc and Cheriton (Llangynydd, Llanmadog a Cheriton), Swansea (Abertawe)

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Coordinates

Latitude: 51.6093 / 51°36'33"N

Longitude: -4.3106 / 4°18'37"W

OS Eastings: 240103

OS Northings: 192582

OS Grid: SS401925

Mapcode National: GBR GP.LK1X

Mapcode Global: VH3MN.7TJ5

Entry Name: Medieval Hermitage Site on Burry Holms

Scheduled Date: 23 November 1994

Source: Cadw

Source ID: 4358

Cadw Legacy ID: GM473

Schedule Class: Religious, Ritual and Funerary

Category: Hermitage

Period: Early Medieval

County: Swansea (Abertawe)

Community: Llangennith, Llanmadoc and Cheriton (Llangynydd, Llanmadog a Cheriton)

Traditional County: Glamorgan

Description

The monument consists of the remains of a 12th century AD chapel site and associated buildings on a tidal islet (a characteristic setting for an early medieval monastic or eremitic site). Excavation by D B Hague in 1965-68 found the remains of a small chapel with apsidal east end, later replaced by a square chancel, and a series of rectangular buildings including a hall and a possible 14th century school or communal room. An ovoid enclosure wall of two periods, and a square built timber structure, possibly a predecessor of the 12th century stone church, suggests pre-Norman beginnings. Some time before 1153, the lands of Llangennith Church in west Gower, including the 'chapel of the isle' were granted to the monastery of St Taurin of Evreux. The alien priory of Llangennith was dissolved in 1441 and in 1428 the 'Hermitage of St Kenydd at Holme' was granted to William Bernard.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of the organisation and practice of medieval Christianity. The site forms an important element within the wider medieval landscape. The site is well preserved and retains considerable archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of evidence relating to chronology, layout, building techniques and functional detail.

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

Source: Cadw

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