Survey Data

Reg No

40903201


Rating

Regional


Categories of Special Interest

Architectural, Social


Original Use

Watch tower


Date

1820 - 1850


Coordinates

180526, 423795


Date Recorded

22/04/2014


Date Updated

--/--/--


Description

Freestanding single-bay single-storey coastguard watch tower, built c.1835, on square plan with chamfered corners. Now disused and roofless. Rendered copings to crenellated parapets. Coursed rubble granite stone walls. Pointed-arch window and door openings with dressed voussoirs, and having stone sills to windows. Fireplace to southwest corner. Located on remote site overlooking Gweedore Bay. Former coastguard station nearby.

Appraisal

This curious, folly-like structure was possibly erected by Lord George Hill, an improving but controversial landlord. It probably served a dual purpose, primarily to combat smuggling, but also for maritime safety. It is marked, but not named, on the first edition of the Ordnance Survey map.