Menai Bridge in Isle of Anglesey, Wales, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Church Island

Ynys Tysilio

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 15, 2026

1. Church Island Marker

Inscription. The whole of the Anglesey coastline is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and this section of the Menai Strait is one of the highlights. From the island you can see the two bridges and the stretch of water known as the Swillies between them.

Tysilio's Church
St Tysilio was the son of a Welsh king in mid-Wales. He became a monk and reputedly built the first church here in 637, as you can see above the door. The present building dates from the 13th century. Regular services are held in the church during the summer and occasionally during the winter. It is a popular venue for weddings and baptisms. The church is usually open to visitors between April and October.

The earliest gravestones on the island are near the church. They date from the 18th century. There are some older of the four of the church. To the left of this board you will find a path leading up to the War Memorial on the top of the rock. To the right of this path you can find the newer part of the graveyard, where you an also see the bier house where the grave diggery tools use to be kept. There was a cottage on that spot until the 1920s.

You

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accessed the island today across the causeway behind you. It is occasionally flooded at high tides, but to the right you can see, at low tide, the remains of the older causeway. This was regularly submerged, and service times took that account. A local historian described the scene "(During services) a boy was placed on watch in case a strong westerly wind brought the tide in sooner than expected. Then, at the shout of 'Llanw'n dod' (Tide coming) the congregation, often led by the priest with vestments flapping scurried indecorously across the causeway to the safety of mainland of Anglesey" (H. Anthony). The mighty tree above you is a Monterey Cypress from the Pacific coast of California. It was planted over 100 years ago and is now about 25 metres tall.

Nearby Ynys Welltog is home to a colony of grey heron. In the main channel of the Strait at low water look out for cormorant and shag. In summer you can see terns from Africa over the water. In winner Church bland is visited by finches and thrushes.

You find salt-tolerant plants such as samphire below the high-water mark on the seashore and the mud fats behind you. In the graveyard

Causeway and Church Island image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 15, 2026

2. Causeway and Church Island

in spring you will see a stunning display of daffodils and wild primroses. If you are lucky you will find primroses in all four natural colors: yellow, white, dark pink, and pale pink. The primroses are followed by bluebells and grasses galore.

The gravestones on Church Island are mainly made of slate from the quarries of Snowdonia. One of the greatest Welsh poets of the 20th century, Cynan is buried by the perimeter path to your right. For information about Cynan and others who are buried on the island, use the QR code below.

(Welsh text not transcribed)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 637 CE.

Location. 53° 13.391′ N, 4° 10.242′ W. Marker is in Menai Bridge, Wales, in Isle of Anglesey. It can be reached from Beach Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11 Beach Rd, Menai Bridge, Wales LL59 5EA, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Wales.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

on the Atlantic

St Tysilio's Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 15, 2026

3. St Tysilio's Church

Arc,

in Europe,

on the Celtic Fringe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 3 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Porthaethwy Menai Bridge (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Bangor Timeline - every step tells a story... (approx. 2.9 kilometers away).

Menai Straits and Church Island image. Click for full size.

Photographed by John Valentine and Sons, circa 1905

4. Menai Straits and Church Island

Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 18, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. 4. submitted on August 28, 2026. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.