Scheduled MonumentsScotlandBrechin Cathedral Round Tower

Brechin Cathedral Round Tower

Scotland
HES SM90041
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic Environment Scotland

Overview

History & significance

Brechin Cathedral Round Tower is a Romanesque round tower of twelfth-century date, forming part of the cathedral complex in Brechin, Angus. The tower stands approximately 85 feet high and is distinguished by its round stone construction, a form characteristic of Irish-influenced ecclesiastical architecture of the medieval period. Originally built as a free-standing structure, it is among the finest examples of round tower architecture surviving in Scotland. The tower features a conical cap, decorative string courses, and four small windows positioned at different levels, and its original function encompassed both practical defence and ecclesiastical ceremony within the early Christian settlement.

Brechin Cathedral Round Tower is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90041. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Brechin Cathedral Round Tower?

Brechin Cathedral Round Tower is a Romanesque round tower of twelfth-century date, forming part of the cathedral complex in Brechin, Angus. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90041.

Who is responsible for protecting Brechin Cathedral Round Tower?

Brechin Cathedral Round Tower is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM90041.

What other scheduled monuments are near Brechin Cathedral Round Tower?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Middle Drums,ring ditches 50m NE of (2.5 km), Kinnaird Castle, unenclosed settlement 240m W of Wood Cottage (4 km), Kinnaird Castle,enclosure 300m WNW of (4.5 km).

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