Full Report for Listed Buildings
Summary Description of a Listed Buildings
Reference Number
14876
Building Number
Grade
II
Status
Designated
Date of Designation
22/10/1952
Date of Amendment
25/05/2001
Name of Property
Mynydd y Garreg Tower
Address
Location
Unitary Authority
Flintshire
Community
Whitford
Town
Holywell
Locality
Garreg
Easting
313362
Northing
378269
Street Side
Location
Located on top of the hill in Coed y Garreg woods at the highest point in the parish. Accessible by footpaths from the S and W.
Description
Broad Class
Industrial
Period
History
Reputed to be a Roman pharos but there is no evidence to support this. Probably early C17 and used for various functions. It was perhaps built as a windmill and is labelled as such on a Mostyn estate map of 1732. The structure is also described as an unlit maritime beacon, shown on Williamson's chart of 1766, and as a watchtower to look out for pirates. The arrangement of small square openings on the N side, overlooking the Dee estuary, might correlate with this latter theory. It was restored and converted to a picturesque folly in 1897 by Baron Mostyn.
Exterior
Ruins of a circular tower of rubble stone which diminishes in girth by stepping in 3 times. The top appears to have been levelled-off to make parapets, with coping stones on edge. Doorway to S side with dressed stone jambs, mainly missing to L. The doorhead is missing but a dressed stone tablet has been inserted above which reads 'This Roman pharos was restored by Llewelyn ... Baron Mostyn in commemoration of the 60th year of the glorious reign of Victoria, Queen and Empress, June 20th 1897'. The 2nd stage has rectangular openings to the N and NE sides. Both have lost their heads but a timber lintel has been inserted above the former. Between these openings to the 3rd stage is a recess. At the top, around the N half, are the remains of 4 small square openings with stone sills and lintels (some lintels missing), possibly look-out holes.
Interior
The doorway has splayed jambs and the walls are very thick. To the E and W sides of the 1st stage are pairs of very deep sockets, but the opposing pairs are not aligned with each other. Further sockets and recesses to upper stages. There was formerly a staircase.
Reason for designation
Listed as an early and unusual structure of unclear function, latterly restored as a Victorian folly.
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