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Built in the early 15th century, along the fast flowing waters of the Menai Straits, on a small island known locally as Church Island, stands the ancient Church of St. Tysillio.
Tysilio was born the younger son of Brochwel Ysgirthog, King of Powys during the mid-sixth century. At a time when fighting was a way of life, defending the country from invading Irish forces, Tysilio rejected the future that had been set out for him, and instead turned to a life of religion, moving to remote places to meditate and commune with God. During his travels Tysilio met an anchorite by the name of Gwyddfarch, who it is beleived joined him for instruction. Between them, a settlement at Meifod was established which became the main church for a wide area as well as becoming the mother church of Powys. While this was taking place, Tysilio's older brother Cynan, had succeeded his father as King of Powys. He soon became known as a fearsome warrior waging succesful wars against the men of Dyfed, Gwent, Cornwall, Brycheiniog and Anglesey. The seeds of hatred that Cynan had sown with his fellow Britons came to fruition in c.615, when his son, Selyf ap Cynan was forced to fight against Saxon forces at Chester. No native King came to his aid, and he was killed leaving a very young heir to lead Powys. It was at this time that Tysilio decided to leave his homeland of Powys, and settled on the small island in the Menai Straits.
The church which now stands on Church Island is believed to have been built in the 15th century. It is a simple rectangular shape (approx. 34ft x 15ft), with an unusual shaped door, being rectangular in an arched frame, the timber for which was probably used as part of a porch on the church entrance before being set in it's present position. The roof is made up of three mediaeval trusses with curved collar beams which have all been chamfered. The windows are a mixture of old and new, with the north and south windows being modern replacements, whilst the east window(pictured) was rebuilt in 1896 by Jones and Wallis of London to reproduce the original 15th century version. The other noteable features of the church are the original 15th century coping and remains of the cross socket on the east end, and the font, which has been dated to the fourteenth century.
The island's graveyard is a fascinating insight into the history of the area, with headstones dating to the 18th century, and the parishes War Memorial situated in a stunning location. The nearby Belgium Promenade, built during the First World War by Belgian refugees, offers some magnificent views of the Menai Straits and its wildlife.
Nearby places of interest are the Britannia bridge and the Menai suspension bridge.
Visiting Church Island? Click here for a map.