Penmon Priory

Penmon Priory is the remains of a medieval monastery on the eastern tip of the Isle of Anglesey in north Wales. It sits on the Penmon promontory, about 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Beaumaris. The site is traditionally linked to St Seiriol, a holy man of the 6th century, and today combines monastic remains, a 12th-century church, a holy well and a former dovecote.

What is Penmon Priory?

The name Penmon comes from Welsh: "pen" means end or head, and "Môn" is the Welsh name for Anglesey. By the 10th century the community had grown and had a wooden church, which was destroyed in 971. Accounts differ on who was responsible; one says the Danes looted and burned it. A stone church was built in the 12th century, and its oldest parts are dated to between 1120 and 1140.

In the 13th century the old Celtic community was re-founded in the Augustinian style. In 1536, during Henry VIII's Dissolution of the monasteries, the priory was suppressed and its lands passed to the influential Bulkeley family. The church survived and still serves as the parish church.

What is there to see?

• The priory church, from the 12th century and still in use.
• The holy well near the church. The wellhead structure is a later addition from the early 18th century. Tradition holds that walls beside the well may be part of the oldest surviving Christian building in Wales, though this is not confirmed.
• The dovecote, dating from around 1600. One source says it was built by Sir Richard Bulkeley of Beaumaris, who owned the monastery lands after the Dissolution. Inside were about 1,000 nesting boxes.

What is the surrounding area like?

Penmon is known for its tranquillity, bracing air and views. To the south, across the Menai Strait, you can see the mountains of Snowdonia. There is an award-winning beach nearby, and the Anglesey Coastal Path follows the shoreline. Local quarries supplied stone for important buildings, including Birmingham Town Hall and both bridges across the Menai Strait.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Penmon Priory?

On the eastern tip of Anglesey, about 4.8 km from Beaumaris, in the community of Llangoed.

Is the church still in use?

Yes, the medieval priory church serves as the parish church.

When was the priory closed?

In 1536, during Henry VIII's Dissolution of the monasteries.

Can visitors enter the dovecote?

One visitor reported it open and free, and it is cared for by Cadw. Check Cadw directly for current opening details.

What else is nearby?

A beach, the Anglesey Coastal Path and views of Snowdonia.