History

Anglesey

Anglesey has for long played a pivotal role in Welsh history. Time and time again the Island has attracted invaders intent on settling in this fertile corner of Wales.

Even the name Anglesey derives from the Norse language - a legacy of Viking influence. All these peoples have left their mark on the Island. Anglesey has many remains of the prehistoric period.

There are superb 'Neolithic' burial chambers such as the famous sites of Bryn Celli Ddu or Barclodiad y Gawres, with its marvellous decorated stones. At Din Lligwy near Moelfre and at Toy Mawr near South Stack you can still see the magnificent remains of 'Celtic villages'.

In the Dark Ages Anglesey became the power base of the rulers of the kingdom of Gwynedd. One of their royal courts, Llys Rhosyr, has recently been discovered near the village of Newborough. At Penmon you can see the beautiful Romanesque architecture of the island's most complete medieval monastery. As the Age of the Princes drew to a close King Edward Ist built a magnificent castle at Beaumaris.

You can also explore the atmospheric interiors of the Victorian Gaol and Courthouse sited at this historic town. The Maritime Museum in Holyhead and the Seawatch Centre at Moelfre recall the close connection of the people of the Island with the sea and, in particular the numerous wrecks that litter its shores. Near the port of Amlwch is the site of Parys Mountain, once the greatest coppermine in the world.

Its 'lunar' landscapes are unforgettable. Other ruins from the industrial period are scattered across the island, such as the atmospheric sites of Porth Llanlleiana and Porth Wen, sites that were once home to a flourishing china clay and brick industry.

Plas Newydd near Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll is one of the finest houses on the island - once home to the 1st Marquess of Anglesey. Every part of the Island is rich in history and heritage. Not for nothing is the Island known as Mon mam Cymru - Anglesey the mother of Wales.

North Wales Borderlands

Historic castles covering a wide historical perspective can be found at Chirk (National Trust), Denbigh, Rhuddlan, Flint, Ewloe, Holt and Dinas Brân (Llangollen). Spiritual and architectural treasures at Valle Crucis Abbey, Rug Chapel, St.Winefride's Well, St.Giles, and many other wonderful church interiors.

Industrial history at Telford's Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, and Chirk Aqueduct/Viaduct. Bersham Heritage Centre and Ironworks, and Minera Lead Mines - sites where transport and industry made their mark. Historic Houses - Erddig (National Trust, near Wrexham), Plas Newyss (Llangollen) - fascinating interiors with wonderful tales to tell.

Enjoy Medieval Denbighshire' is a trail linking a wealth of significant sites, to give a wonderful insight into the history of the area. A full-colour, 64-page brochure is on sale locally. For an overview of fascinating social and industrial history, visit Wrexham County Borough Museum.