St Cadwaladr's Church

St Cadwaladr’s Church stands in Llangadwaladr on Anglesey. It began in the 7th century as a royal monastery founded by the kings of Gwynedd. The present building shows layers from different centuries: the nave dates from the 12th to early 13th, the chancel from the 14th. Later additions include the north chapel built around 1640 and the south Bodowen Chapel finished in 1661. A thorough restoration in 1856 added the south porch and renewed older features. The church is worth visiting for its royal and saintly connections. King Cadfan ap Iago was buried here and his tombstone, carved about 634, still stands inside. The church is named after his grandson, Saint Cadwaladr, who became a monk here before dying in Rome and being brought back for burial. A 15th-century stained glass window, a gift from the Meyrick family after the Battle of Bosworth, shows portraits of saints and family members. The Catamanus stone calls Cadfan the wisest and most renowned of all kings. Inside, visitors find the nave and chancel with their medieval fabric, the 14th-century east window restored in the 19th century, and the two 17th-century chapels. The Meyrick Chapel holds memorials to the Owen and Meyrick families, including a vault for Owen Meyrick from 1730. Outside, the churchyard contains war graves of five airmen from the Second World War.