History of Anglesey

The Isle of Anglesey, separated from the mainland by the 0.75mi/1.2km wide Menai Strait, is spanned by two imposing bridges: the Menai Suspension Bridge (1818-26) and a two level bridge opened in 1970 which has the roadway above the railroad and which rests on the pillars of a former structure. Along the coast are a series of small seaside resorts which have grown out of fishing villages. Apart from five market towns there are only tiny villages, linked by narrow roads on the island.In addition to its mild climate and fresh sea air, Anglesey is blessed with over a hundred miles of exceedingly attractive coastline. The rugged cliffs are interrupted at intervals by picturesque sandy bays while, inland, hills provide fertile pasture for vast flocks of sheep.There is doubt about the interpretation of Anglesey as the "Island of Angels".

Tourist Attractions in Anglesey

Aberffraw
There is good bathing at Aberffraw and Malltraeth Bay.

Amlwch
Amlwch, a little market town and a seaside resort (pop. 2,910), was of some importance in the early 19th century as the port of shipment for the copper from the Parys mines, which were already being worked in Roman times.

Beaumaris Castle
Beaumaris Castle, a magnificent moated edifice with sturdy walls and defensive towers, is well worth visiting. Begun in 1295 it was the last and largest of the fortresses which Edward I built in Wales (a display in the chapel tower details the story of their construction). Ring walls some 16.5ft/5m thick with solid corner towers enclose the square inner courtyard. A water-filled moat presents an impressive first-line defense outside the ring of walls. The Chapel Tower houses an exhibition on the castles of Edward I.

Bull Bay
Bull Bay offers excellent bathing and fishing.

Carmel Head
The coast is particularly wild at Carmel Head, the northwest tip of Holy Island.

Cemaes Bay
West of Bull Bay the coast becomes higher and more rugged. There are good bathing beaches between the rocks in Cemaes Bay.

Holy Island
Holy Island, which is linked with Anglesey by two bridges, is an increasingly popular holiday resort. Two promenades, one being on the 1.5mi/2.4km-long breakwater, and Salt Island afford interesting views of the rocky coast where large numbers of seabirds nest.

Llanfair PG - Plas Newydd
Plas Newydd, a 15th C mansion standing in spacious parkland just 2mi/3km southwest of Llanfair PG, came into the possession of the Earls of Uxbridge and later the Marquises of Anglesey in 1784. At the end of the 18th C the house was extensively rebuilt by James Wyatt, who also designed the very elaborate fan vaulting in the music room and the.. More Hall. Among several museum pieces in the house are a mural by the English artist Rex Whistler and the patented "Anglesey leg", a wooden leg made for the first Marquis of Anglesey after the Battle of Waterloo. It was one of the earliest artificial limbs.

Lligwy
Lligwy is a small market town which was once a fortified village of the late Roman period.

Moelfre
1mi/1.6km away from Red Wharf Bay is the quiet and unspoiled fishing village of Moelfre.

Newborough Warren
Newborough Warren is an interesting nature reserve with sand dunes and maritime plants in abundance.

Penmon Priory
About 5mi/8km away from Beaumaris is Penmon Priory (Early Norman).

Pentreath
The circular tour of Angelsey passes through Pentreath (pop. 690), with its beautiful sandy beach.

Priestholm (Puffin Island)
The little offshore island of Priestholm (also called Puffin Island) is the nesting-place of countless seabirds.

Red Wharf Bay
In Red Wharf Bay is the little seaside resort of Benllech.

Rhosneigr
The seaside resort of Rhosneigr has sand dunes and rocky bays (boating, fishing, golf). Llangwyfan Old Church can be reached on foot at low tide.

How to reach Anglesey

By rail:
You have a number of choices if you are looking for a train to Anglesey from London. With train travel in the UK now growing in popularity, business as well as leisure travellers consider using a train to Anglesey as the most convenient way of getting to the island. As for international travellers to the Britain who may also want to get over to Ireland, the alternative to flying is the Holyhead Dublin ferry.

By Road:
Anglesey Abbey
Lode
Cambridge
CB5 9EJ
The Abbey is located in the village of Lode, 6 miles North East of Cambridge on the B1102

---