GM473

Medieval Hermitage Site on Burry Holms  

23/11/1994  

Designated  

Swansea  

Llangennith, Llanmadoc and Cheriton  

240103  

192582  

Religious, Ritual and Funerary  

Hermitage  

Early Medieval  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. The monument consists of the remains of a 12th century AD chapel site and associated buildings on a tidal islet (a characteristic setting for an early medieval monastic or eremitic site). Excavation by D B Hague in 1965-68 found the remains of a small chapel with apsidal east end, later replaced by a square chancel, and a series of rectangular buildings including a hall and a possible 14th century school or communal room. An ovoid enclosure wall of two periods, and a square built timber structure, possibly a predecessor of the 12th century stone church, suggests pre-Norman beginnings. Some time before 1153, the lands of Llangennith Church in west Gower, including the 'chapel of the isle' were granted to the monastery of St Taurin of Evreux. The alien priory of Llangennith was dissolved in 1441 and in 1428 the 'Hermitage of St Kenydd at Holme' was granted to William Bernard. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of the organisation and practice of medieval Christianity. The site forms an important element within the wider medieval landscape. The site is well preserved and retains considerable archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of evidence relating to chronology, layout, building techniques and functional detail. The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.