Scheduled MonumentsWalesThe Watchtower
Medieval · Beacon

The Watchtower

Pembrokeshire, Wales
Cadw SAM PE439
Period
Medieval
Site type
Beacon
Broad class
Communications
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

The Watchtower is a medieval beacon structure located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, designated as a scheduled ancient monument under Cadw reference PE439. Built during the medieval period, the tower served as part of a coastal defence and communication network, enabling rapid transmission of warning signals across the landscape through fire or light. The structure exemplifies the practical architecture employed by medieval administrators to monitor maritime activity and provide early alert of potential threats along the Welsh coast. Its physical remains preserve evidence of the watchtower typology characteristic of medieval Welsh and Anglo-Norman fortification strategies in the region.

The Watchtower is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference PE439. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is The Watchtower?

The Watchtower is a medieval beacon structure located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, designated as a scheduled ancient monument under Cadw reference PE439. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference PE439.

What period does The Watchtower date from?

The Watchtower dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a beacon. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting The Watchtower?

The Watchtower is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is PE439.

What other scheduled monuments are near The Watchtower?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including First World War Practice Trenches, Penally Range (1.8 km), Whitewell (2.9 km), Potter`s Cave (3.6 km).

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