Oxwich Tower

Has been described as a Questionable Masonry Castle, and also as a Questionable Tower House

There are masonry footings remains

NameOxwich Tower
Alternative NamesOxwick
Historic CountryGlamorgan
Modern AuthoritySwansea
1974 AuthorityWest Glamorgan
CommunityPenrice

Remains of the lower parts of a rectangular structure, 13.2m N-S by 8.2m, thought to have been a first-floor hall/tower, set on a rocky knoll, c.80m NE of Oxwich Castle.

It has also been suggested that this structure was associated with the park/gardens of the castle, rather than representing a precursor.

Comparison and contrast might be made with the prospect towers associated with early medieval parks at St Donat's. (Coflein)

Ruin of a large rectangular building measuring 11.4m x 7.2m overall. At the N end, the 1m thick stone walls stand up to 3m high, while only vestiges survive at the S end. Probably represents an early C17 coastal watch tower, when piracy was prevalent. (Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust HER)

The monument consists of the remains of a stone tower probably dating to the medieval period. It is situated north-east of Oxwich Castle on a rock outcrop. It is rectangular in plan, made of limestone rubble, and measures 11m by 8m overall with walls about 1.5m thick. There is a ruined opening in the north wall, but little detail survives. Research suggests that the tower fits in with other rectangular keeps or dominant towers in other lesser castles of Glamorgan. The tower may well be what survives of the probable predecessor of the 16th century castle at Oxwich (GM043). (Scheduling Report)

Gatehouse Comments

There was no time, from before the Roman conquest till the C18, when piracy was not prevalent in this area. Suggested as castle tower by Spurgeon.

- Philip Davis

This site is a scheduled monument protected by law

Not Listed

The National Monument Record (Coflein) number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSS498863
Latitude51.5560913085938
Longitude-4.16712999343872
Eastings249850
Northings186370
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink
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Copyright Janelle Shepherd All Rights ReservedView full Sized Image
Copyright Janelle Shepherd All Rights ReservedView full Sized Image

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Journals

  • Spurgeon, Jack, 1987, 'The Castles of Glamorgan' Château Gaillard Vol. 13 p. 209n, 222
  • Vyner, B.E. and Wrathmell, S., 1977, Archaeology in Wales Vol. 17 p. 48 no. 95