War Memorial, Church of St Tysilio

War Memorial, Church of St Tysilio stands on Church Island, just off the town of Menai Bridge on Anglesey, North Wales. It is a Grade II listed monument and one of the most atmospheric corners of the Menai Strait.

What is the War Memorial at St Tysilio's Church?

The memorial honours local people who died in the two World Wars. It is built as a Celtic-revival cross in granite, a style that suits the Welsh coastal setting and the old Christian site around it. Records describe Harold Hughes, an architect and amateur archaeologist, as its designer. The names of the fallen are carved on the monument, with the First World War names on the plinth and the Second World War names added later.

Where exactly is it?

The memorial is placed on the top of a prominent rocky outcrop inside the churchyard of St Tysilio's Church. From this high point the cross is visible across the small island, and the position gives it a quiet, commanding presence above the graves and the water. The coordinates are roughly 53.2229 N, 4.1717 W.

Why is it listed?

The monument has Grade II status, the category used in Wales for buildings of special interest. Protection recognises both its design and its role as a place of remembrance for the community. The nearby church itself is listed at a higher grade, Grade II*, so the whole churchyard is a place of notable heritage.

What else is on Church Island?

Church Island, known in Welsh as Ynys Tysilio, is a tiny tidal-edge island in the Menai Strait. A causeway links it to the mainland and is crossed on foot. St Tysilio's is a medieval church, with the present building dating from the early fifteenth century, and the island's religious history reaches back much earlier, to the saint it is named for. The setting among trees and water, with the Menai Suspension Bridge not far away, makes the short walk popular with visitors.

Practical tips for visitors

• Reach the island on foot over the causeway from Menai Bridge.
• Take the short path up through the churchyard to the memorial on its outcrop.
• Read the inscriptions quietly and respectfully; it is an active place of remembrance.
• Combine the visit with a stroll along the Strait and a look at the Menai bridges.
• Wear sturdy shoes, as the ground can be uneven and damp.

Frequently asked questions

Is the memorial protected? Yes, it is a Grade II listed structure.

Who is commemorated? People from the area who died in the First and Second World Wars.

Is there an entry fee? The churchyard is an open public place; check locally for church opening times if you want to go inside.

How long does a visit take? Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for the walk, the memorial and the views across the water.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, though the path is uneven and the island is by water, so supervise younger visitors.

When is the best time to visit? Calm mornings and early evenings give soft light over the Strait and few crowds, and early November is a moving time to come when remembrance events are held.