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. Dating to the medieval period, it functioned as part of the coastal communication and warning system, enabling the rapid transmission of signals across the landscape through fire or other visible means. The structure reflects the strategic importance of Pembrokeshire's coastline during the medieval era, when such installations served to alert settlements and military forces to approaching threats, particularly from maritime raiders or hostile forces. Its physical remains contribute to our understanding of medieval defensive infrastructure and the sophisticated networks of communication that operated across Wales during this period.

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 Britain.

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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