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MONUMENT NO. 424617

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Fortifications constructed in circa 1500 near the top of St Michael's Mount. These consist of a curtain wall and a watch tower. The curtain wall is between 2 metres and 2.5 metres high with large splayed embrasures and in two lengths; 10 metres long by 1.8 metres thick and 5 metres long and 1.1 metres thick. The watch tower is oval in plan with a part corbelled roof.

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[SW 5142 2988] Watch Tower [O.E.] (1)

O.N.B. gives siting information only. (2)

Near the top of the mount are fortifications erected C.1500
consisting of a stone watch tower and a rough stone with
openings for cannon. The lintel of one of these openings has a
plain Latin cross in relief, probably the cover of a tomb. (3)

The fortification consists of an angled curtain wall covering
the main approach to the castle. It consists of two lengths of
wall, 10.0m long and 1.8m thick, and 5.0m long and 1.1m thick
respectively. Both are constructed of mortared rubble and are
built upon outcropping rock. The walls are from 2.0m to 2.5m
high with large splayed embrasures and smaller openings. At the
NW extremity is the watch tower, of oval plan. It has four
splayed loops and a partly corbelled roof, finished with two
large slabs. The top of this is 2.5m above the level of the
adjoining curtain wall. The entrance is a square headed opening
on the SW side. See AO/60/299/5 and 6.

The grave slab referred to be Henderson covers the embrasure
immediately adjoining the watch tower.

A 25" survey has been made. The Watch Tower is at SW 5142 2988
and the curtain wall extends from there to SW 5144 2988. (4)

Grade II*. (5)

SOURCE TEXT

( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date)

OS 25" 1908

( 2) Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Object Name Book reference

Revised ONB 1939 MS Gordon 01-JUL-1959 Page(s)22, 29

( 3) General reference

Penwith, Kerrier and Carnmarth, MS (CG Henderson) 1, 1912-6 Page(s)177

( 4) Field Investigators Comments

F1 NVQ 27-SEP-60

(5) List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest

Penwith. Oct 1988 Page(s)42

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