Abernethy Round Tower - Perth & Kinross, Scotland
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creg-ny-baa
N 56° 19.980 W 003° 18.701
30V E 480728 N 6243186
Seventy four foot tall round tower dating from the 11th century in the centre of Abernethy, now in the care of Historic Scotland.
Waymark Code: WM170Z9
Location: Northern Scotland, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 11/17/2022
Views: 0
The Round Tower is situated in the centre of the large village of Abernethy some six miles south-east of the Scottish city of Perth. Work on the tower is thought to have been started by the Culdee monks of Abernethy as early as the 9th century, but it is clear that the tower was completed by the 11th century. The 74 foot tall tower was used primarily as a bell tower and refuge with six floors within connected by ladders.
The tower is constructed of sandstone blocks around three feet thick and is 15 feet in diameter, tapering to 13 feet at the top. Amongst the changes made since the tower was built are a clock being added in 1868, and a spiral staircase replacing the floors in 1982.
The tower lies at the southern entrance of the kirkyard of St Bride's Church and also has a Pictish stone dating from AD600 at its foot. It is now in the care of Historic Scotland, and can be accessed by obtaining a key from either the nearby Culdee's Tearoom or the Museum of Abernethy.