St Tysilio's Church, Menai Bridge

St Tysilio’s Church stands on Church Island in the Menai Strait near the village of Menai Bridge on Anglesey. The present building dates from the early 15th century, though parts were restored in the 19th century. It holds Grade II* listed status, awarded in 1967 for its historical importance. The churchyard contains graves from the First World War and the resting place of Sir Albert Evans-Jones, a notable Welsh poet and dramatist who wrote under the name Cynan. The site also recalls Saint Tysilio, who founded a sanctuary on a nearby island long before the church was built. The church is worth visiting for its medieval fabric and the layers of history it preserves. Its Grade II* listing recognises the building’s special architectural or historic interest. The graves in the churchyard add a quiet dignity, including those of local people who served in the Great War. Sir Albert Evans-Jones’s grave connects the site to 20th-century Welsh literature and culture. The church’s dedication to Saint Tysilio links it to an early medieval tradition of sanctuary and learning. Inside, the church offers a simple nave with restored features from the 19th-century renovations. The exterior walls show the 15th-century stonework, weathered by centuries of storms from the strait. The churchyard path leads past the war graves, each marked with a white headstone. From the island, views open across the Menai Strait to the mainland hills and the suspension bridge. The quiet atmosphere invites reflection on the centuries of prayer and remembrance gathered here.