Anglesey

Located on the west coast of Wales, human habitation on the island of Anglesey dates back to 7000 BC and the Mesolithic Period. Anglesey was one of the last Celtic strongholds to fall to the Romans during their invasion of Wales in the first century, and many historic sites from this period still exist today. Religious sites on Anglesey include St Cybi’s Monastery at Holyhead, and St Seiriol’s Monastery at Penmon that date back to the medieval period and suffered badly at the hands of Viking invaders. As testament to the island’s rich history, Anglesey is home to many other historic structures including the Marquess of Anglesey’s Column, Plas Newydd and the splendid Beaumaris Castle that was built – although never fully completed – by King Edward I as a sign of his power over the Welsh. Archaeologists have uncoverd many sites over the years including burial chambers, standing stones and hill forts, and many are in good condition and are open to visitors. Anglesey is also renowned for its natural beauty and is characterised by cliffs, estuaries, dunes, heaths, wetlands, lakes, parks and stunning sandy beaches. The island also lays claim to the first Women’s Institute in Britain which was founded in Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerchwyrndrobwllllandysilliogogogoch, the Isle of Anglesey village with the longest name in the world.