 History & Heritage
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Penmon - St. Seiriol
St. Seiriol founded the priory in the 6th century. Parts of the ruins, the holy well, cell and monks'
fishpond are still visible. Penmon was attacked by the Vikings in the 10th century and the present church
was constructed later. This Norman or Romaneque architecture is the finest example in the region.
Several early Christian crosses from the 9th - 11th centuries have now been moved
into the church. St. Seiriol also founded a church on Puffin Island, just off Anglesey but unfortunately there are very
few remains.
Llanfair yng Nghornwy - St. Mary
This Norman Romanesque church is situated in a tranquil woodland setting. The 15th century south chapel and 17th century tower
were later added to the original 12th century chancel. The church is associated with a famous family of bone-setters - the Thomases
who pioneered the field of orthopaedic surgery. There is an impressive memorial to Own Thomas of Maes who is buried in the
churchyard.
Llanbabo - St. Pabo
According to legend, St Pabo was one of the three warrior defenders of Ancient Wales from the Picts in the 5th century.
An impressive carving of him, now inside the church, was unearthed in the graveyard in the 18th century. The church has maintains
its celtic character and contains two carved heads, one sometimes called the 'Llanbabo devil'.
LLanbadrig - St. Patrick
Located on a cliff-edge near Cemaes, the site was founded by St. Patrick in the 5th century after he was shipwrecked on the nearby
island named after him. It is said to be the oldest monastic site on Anglesey. The present church dates from the 15th
century although a Norman font and 9th century grave slab survive. The church has been restored several times over the years,
but a parish fund-raising campaign was responsible for it's present condition following a fire in the 1980s.
Llanfigael - St. Figel
Originally the chapel of ease to Llanfachrreath church, the church fell into ruin in the 18th century and was rebuilt in
1835. The seating arrangements inside the church make a statement about 18th century society with the original box-pews
for the gentry, plains benches for the ordinary congregation and standing room for the poor.
Holyhead - St. Cybi
Founded by St. Cybi in the 6th century within the walls of a 4th century Roman fort, the church became a Welsh 'clas' or collegiate
motherchurch in the Middle Ages. The 13th century chancel was enlarged in the 16th century and the tower was typically added
in the 17th century. A vestry room was added in 1817 and the church was fully refurbished in 1877 by Sir Gilbert Scott
who was also responsible for the restoration of Bangor Cathedral.
Rhoscolyn - St. Gwenfaen
Legend says that St Gwenfaen had her cell here in the 6th century. A Holy Well dedicated to her can be found half a mile
away on the coast. The church was once important with nearby chapels of ease and was rebuilt under Sir Gilbert Scott in
1875. The churchyard contains a memorial to five local lifeboatmen who died in service.
SEE MORE HISTORIC CHURCHES >
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