St Seiriol's Well

St Seiriol's Well is a small stone-and-brick well house at Penmon, on the eastern tip of the Isle of Anglesey in Wales. It stands beside the old priory church and is a Grade I listed building. For visitors it is one of the quietest and most atmospheric stops on the island's coast.

Where is St Seiriol's Well?

The well lies in the village of Penmon, a promontory about 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Beaumaris, in the community of Llangoed. The name comes from the Welsh words pen and Môn, the Welsh name for Anglesey. The Anglesey Coastal Path follows the shoreline here, so the well is easy to combine with a coastal walk. On clear days the views stretch south across the Menai Strait to Snowdonia.

Who was St Seiriol?

Tradition links the site with Seiriol, a 6th-century saint and founder of the monastery at Penmon. The well is associated with his name, although the dedication was recorded in writing only much later: the antiquarian Angharad Llwyd called it Seiriol's well in her 1833 history of Anglesey. Earlier it was also known as Ffynnon Fair, St Mary's Well.

What does the well look like?

The present well house is mostly built of brick and dates from the early 18th century. A niche at the back was made to hold a statue, which points to a date before the Reformation. Water collects in a small basin inside the enclosure, and the whole structure is protected by Cadw, the Welsh heritage body.

Why was the well important?

Early Celtic wells were often linked with healing and baptism. This one drew pilgrims, and baptisms were carried out here. Water from the well is still used ceremonially: islanders chose it as a symbol of Anglesey at the launch of the 10th International Island Games.

History of the surrounding monastery

Penmon was home to a monastic community from early times. Vikings attacked it in 971, and the first church was built of wood. In the 12th century the church was rebuilt in stone, under Gruffudd ap Cynan and Owain Gwynedd. In the early 13th century the community adopted the Augustinian Rule and the priory church was enlarged. The 12th-century church still stands next to the well.

What else is there to see at Penmon?

• the historic priory church and monastic remains,
• an award-winning beach,
• the Anglesey Coastal Path along the shore,
• old quarries, whose stone went into Birmingham Town Hall and the two bridges across the Menai Strait.

Frequently asked questions

Is St Seiriol's Well free to visit? The well sits in the churchyard area beside the priory church and can be seen from outside the enclosure; check local information for current access.

How old is it? The standing structure is dated to the 18th century, while the site's religious use is tied to a tradition reaching back to the 6th century.

What is the best time to go? The area is popular for its tranquillity, bracing air and fine views, so a calm, clear day suits it best.

How do I get there from Beaumaris? Penmon is about 3 miles (4.8 km) east of the town, along the eastern coast of Anglesey.