Ancient island of Anglesey

This morning we went along to an Evangelical church at Bangor. The service was very encouraging and the sermon was challenging. The people were very friendly and welcoming.

After this we made our way over the Menai Straits to Angelsey. We had a nice 'toastie' for lunch and then it was to Beaumaris Castle which was built as part of Edward I's campaign to conquer the north of Wales after 1282. Beaumaris Castle was taken by Welsh forces in 1403 during the Owain Glyndŵr rebellion, but recaptured by royal forces in 1405. Following the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, the castle was held by forces loyal to Charles I, holding out until 1646 when it surrendered to the Parliamentary armies. It fell into ruin around 1660.

This was a particularly attractive castle as it is stil surrounded by water. Plus the blue sky really made it look great.

The chapel was in good condition.

Beautiful setting.

Next we searched out Penmon Priory. Some things I think are supposed to remain hidden if you go on the lack of signs to find it. But eventually we did.

According to tradition, a monastic community was established on this site near the tip of Penmon in the 6th century AD. There was a growth in the Christian Church in Celtic Britain around that time. This simple monastery was founded by St Seirol. The scattered medieval township grew up around it. The monastery prospered and two crosses were set up at its gate. But in 971 Vikings destroyed much of Penmon. The two crosses and the decorated font remain from this time and are in the part if the church which is very old.

They certainly knew where to build a monastery!

The lighthouse right at the most northern part of Anglesey.

Telford bridge which connects Anglesey to the mainland.

The new bridge

Last stop of the day was Bryn Celli Ddu burial chamber which has been built over a henge monument. The henge was built 3000 BC and the burial chamber around 2000 BC

Bryn Celli Ddu is one of many ancient sites on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey and is one of Wales' most famous ancient monuments. The entrance to the burial chamber is through a 20 foot long passageway you can walk along. Once again there were recent offerings in this ancient chamber.

There were so many ancient monuments on Anglesey plus sites where the Romans are thought to have wiped out the Druids but we ran out of time. Maybe next time! Called into a pub for a baked dinner and back to the hotel for some TV.