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Anglesey is an island and county at the north-western extremity of North Wales. It is separated from the mainland by a narrow stretch of water known as the Menai Strait. It is connected to the mainland by two bridges, the original Menai Suspension Bridge (Pont Borth) carrying the A5 and built by Thomas Telford in 1826 as a road link, and the newer, rail and road bridge carrying the A55.
Anglesey was once known as the "Granary of Wales" because of the large quantities of barley and oats grown here - more than in any other region of Wales.
The Victorian Gaol at Beaumaris was built by Hansom (famous for the Hansom Cab) in 1829. The gaol features the only working tread wheel in Britain and a gibbet is still fixed to the wall. Opposite Beaumaris Castle is the Courthouse, constructed in 1614, and renovated in the 19th century. Here, visitors can walk through the large rectangular courtroom, stand in the original dock and view the splendour of the grand jury room.
Holyhead developed as a port around an ancient Roman settlement, and Beaumaris, with its 13th century castle, developed into a Victorian resort town and was also the municipal, administrative centre of Anglesey into the 19th century.
Plas Newydd, home of the Marquis of Anglesey and his wife is set amidst breathtakingly beautiful scenery on the banks of the Menai Strait. A military museum contains campaign relics of the 1st Marquess of Anglesey, who commanded the cavalry at the Battle of Waterloo.
Here are more of Anglesey's beautiful and interesting locations which you may want to include in your Family History Tour
Penmon Priory
Possibly the finest example of a medieval Welsh Monastery in North Wales, Penmon offers exquisite architecture based in a tranquil setting. It is a pivotal site in the medieval history of Anglesey.
Aberlleiniog Castle
Built in the late eleventh century, Aberlleiniog is an impressive but little known Motte and Bailey Castle. A later stone Castle was built on the summit. The history of the Castle, and particularly the colourful connection with the Cheadle family, make this a fascinating site.
Hafoty
Hafoty is the finest medieval Hall on Anglesey, and was recently refurbished by Cadw.
Din Lligwy
Din Lligwy is perhaps the most atmospheric Celtic settlement in the area, its massive stone construction and setting lending it an air of mystery. The site was first excavated in the 1920s.
Parys Mountain
Featured in the Dr Who series and many other television programmes, the moonscape of Parys Mountain is an unforgettable and surreal sight. Once the largest Copper Mine in the world, it includes the great Open Cast and the Parys Windmill.
Bryn Celli Ddu
One of the island’s best known burial mounds, Bryn Celli Ddu is a Neolithic Passage Grave, similar to others discovered in Ireland.
Llys Rhosyr
A former home of the 13th century princes of Gwynedd, this site was discovered in the early 1990’s and is possibly the only site of it’s kind so far excavated. Visit the site with a member of the Excavating team, and learn more about medieval Anglesey.
Barclodiad y Gawres
Another fine example of a Neolithic Passage Grave, this site has an almost unique collection of Neolithic art.
For more information on Anglesey Island of Choice visit www.angleseyheritage.org/heritage.asp
For more information on Anglesey, it's History, Geography, ecology,conservation,geology and culture visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglesey
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