Anglesey: The Crown of Wales

Anglesey: The Crown of Wales 

I remember crossing over the bridge into Anglesey looking curiously at the landscape from the passenger seat, comparing it to mainland Wales beyond the rear view mirror. It was green, like most of Wales, but flatter than the peaks of Snowdonia with miles and miles of rural farmland and hedgerows. 

When I look at Anglesey on a map it sits very close to the northwestern edge of Wales - it resembles more of a hat shape than a crown, but there’s a reason why a crown is a lot more fitting for Wales’ largest island... 

Up until recently my knowledge of Anglesey wasn’t extensive, I knew you could catch a ferry to Dublin from Holyhead, and that it was home to a village with the longest name in Europe - more on that later. 

The Royal Connections to Anglesey 

I’m intrigued by Tudor history, I’ve read books and watched many documentaries about this period, so I was surprised to discover that the Tudor family has a connection to the island. That’s right, part of the family who produced two of Britain’s most famous monarchs, King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, lived on Anglesey at Penmynydd. 

More Royal history was made here only a few years ago when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge came to live on Anglesey for a couple of years. I imagine they must’ve felt very relaxed there as I recall online articles of Catherine shopping in the local supermarkets, something I can’t envision them being able to do so easily in central London. 

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Twr Mawr Lighthouse 

A photo spot that inspired me to revisit Anglesey is Twr Mawr Lighthouse. You may have seen it on Instagram too, in the foreground is a Holy Cross with a winding path leading to a lighthouse. What I didn’t realise is that we could only drive as far as the beachside car park, so I’m saving it for another trip. I did however have some time to capture a beautiful view of Snowdonia across the waters from the sandy beach. 

Historic Beaumaris 

My most recent trip to Anglesey finished in Beaumaris where I watched the boats bobbing away in the water from the pier. Beaumaris Castle was built by Edward I, one of several he built in North Wales, including Caernarfon which is not far from Anglesey on the mainland. I recall a sunny September day sitting beside Caernarfon Castle with a drink from The Anglesey Arms pub and looking over to the island. I don’t think we visited the island on that trip, but it was a nice way to end a day in this corner of Wales. 

The longest place name in Europe 

What place takes the crown for having the longest place name in Europe? Well, it is in fact a village in Anglesey village called Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantisiliogogogoch. I had to stop there for an obligatory photo of one of the village signs, and I’ve pretty much mastered the pronunciation. 

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Beaumaris Castle

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Take My Breath Away

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