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With remains spanning over 1,000 years, Penmon is one of Anglesey's most historic sites.
After the expulsion of Irish invaders from Anglesey in the 6th century AD, it is believed that the new King, Maelwyn Gwynedd, a strong Christian ruler, set up a number of monasteries in northern Wales. One was given to St.Cybi, on the old site of a Roman fort at Holyhead, another was given to St.Seiriol at Penmon.
St.Seiriol like many saints of his time came from a royal background. According to legend, Seiriol's brothers, King Cynlas of Rhos and King Einion of Llyn, re-built the cell in which Seiriol lived as they did not consider it good enough for him. The remains of the cell are still evident today adjoined to St.Tysilio's well (Ffynnon Seiriol) where it is believed Christian converts were baptised. St.Seiriol lived at the monastery for most of his adult life. In later years he moved to nearby Puffin Island (Ynys Seiriol), where he set up another monastic settlement. It was here that he stayed until his death, and it is believed that both St.Seiriol and King Maelwyn Gwynedd were buried on the island.
In 971, both Puffin Island and Penmon were attacked by Vikings. Both monasteries were destroyed, the only remaining artifacts being the font, and two crosses which were positioned at the monastery gates (both of which are now situated in Penmon church).
During the 12th century, under the orders of the Welsh Prince's Gruffydd ap Cynan and Owain Gwynedd, a new stone church was built on the site. After surviving the Norman invasion of Wales, the church continued to practice the Christian faith until the 13th century, when under the rule of another Welsh prince, Llywelyn the Great, the church became an Augustian priory, and a number of new buildings were constructed along with the expansion of the church itself. The church and priory survived the Edwardian conquest, but in 1538 during the reign of Henry VIII, the monastery, along with many others was disolved and ownership was passed to local landowners the Bulkleys.
The land was subsequently used as a deer park, and a dovecot was built to supply the family with game. The church continued to be used for worship and was partially re-built in 1855.
In 2004 the church was awarded a grant by the Welsh Assembly for restoration works to be carried out, and is in use today as the local parish church.The church, priory remains, St.Seiriols well, 17th century dovecot and nearby Penmon lighthouse are all open to the public.
Nearby places of interest are Beaumaris castle and the Menai suspension bridge.
Visiting Penmon? Click here for a map.