Description

The monument consists of a dovecote built c.1600. The monument lies east of the Penmon church and is associated with the near contemporary Priory House. It is built on a square plan with sides that are 8m long with a masonry dome also square in plan. The profile is French Renaissance in character, so perhaps dates to soon after 1600. The projecting courses of limestone suggest an entablature. The lofty vault is surmounted by an octagonal cupola with open sides that is also vaulted. Inside, the many tiers of nesting holes are built in pairs: in the middle is a round pillar to support a revolving device for gathering eggs. Abutting to it is a slightly later corn barn, now roofless.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval agricultural and settlement organisation. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The structure itself 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.

Source: Cadw