Colin Crosby Heritage Tours

Beaumaris

Beaumaris is a very pleasant little town on the coast of the Isle of Anglesey, facing across the Menai Strait towards Snowdonia. It was formerly Anglesey's county town.

Edward I, as a part of his 13th century campaign against the Welsh, evicted those who already lived in the area and founded an English town at the gates of the magnificent Beaumaris Castle.

This was one of Edward's ring of castles designed to demonstrate England's supemacy. The other castles were at Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech.

Beaumaris Castle was built on the "beautiful marsh" of its name. It was ultimately unfinished, but the complicated concentric defences were brilliantly designed. It is now in the care of Cadw, and is a World Heritage Site.

Beaumaris Pier points out from the beach towards the coast near Bangor.

St. Mary and St. Nicholas Church contains the coffin of Joan, daughter of King John and wife of Llywelyn the Great.