Anglesey

Anglesey
Name	Anglesey
Native name	Ynys Môn
Population demonym	Môn

Anglesey. An island and county in northwest Wales, separated from the Welsh mainland by the narrow Menai Strait. Historically known as **Môn**, it is referred to as the "Mother of Wales" for its fertile lands. The island is governed as the Isle of Anglesey County Council and forms part of the Senedd constituency of Ynys Môn.

Geography

The island's landscape is predominantly low-lying, with the highest point being Holyhead Mountain near the major port town of Holyhead. Its coastline features several notable sites including the South Stack Lighthouse on its western tip and the expansive sands of Llanddwyn Island within Newborough Warren. The Menai Strait is crossed by two historic bridges: Thomas Telford's Menai Suspension Bridge and Robert Stephenson's Britannia Bridge, connecting it to the mainland city of Bangor. Key inland settlements include Llangefni, the administrative centre, and Amlwch, historically significant for the Parys Mountain copper mines.

History

Anglesey was a final stronghold of the Druids and was invaded by the Roman Empire under Gaius Suetonius Paulinus in 60 AD. Following the Roman departure from Britain, it became part of the Kingdom of Gwynedd. The island was a target during the Edwardian conquest of Wales, leading to the construction of Beaumaris Castle, a masterpiece by James of St George. During the Industrial Revolution, the Parys Mountain mines became one of the world's largest copper sources, and Holyhead grew as a vital port for Irish Sea traffic to Dublin. In the 20th century, it was home to the RAF Valley training base and saw the development of the Wylfa nuclear power station.

Economy

Historically dominated by agriculture and mining, the modern economy has diversified. Holyhead remains a major ferry terminal for Stena Line and Irish Ferries services to the Republic of Ireland. Tourism is significant, centred on attractions like Beaumaris Castle, the Anglesey Sea Zoo, and the Anglesey Coastal Path. The energy sector has been prominent, with the now-decommissioned Wylfa nuclear power station and ongoing developments in renewable energy, including offshore wind farms. Key employers include the Isle of Anglesey County Council, RAF Valley, and manufacturing at the Anglesey Aluminium site.

Culture and language

The island is a heartland of the Welsh language, with a high proportion of speakers, and is part of the Welsh language stronghold of Y Fro Gymraeg. Cultural events include the National Eisteddfod, held on the island in 2017, and the Môn Mam Cymru ("Mother of Wales") festivals. Notable cultural figures associated with the area include the poet and antiquarian Goronwy Owen and the painter Kyffin Williams, whose work is displayed at the Oriel Ynys Môn gallery in Llangefni. The Urdd Gobaith Cymru also maintains a strong presence.

Transport

The island is connected to the mainland via the A55 expressway across the Britannia Bridge and the A5 road across the Menai Suspension Bridge. Holyhead railway station is the terminus of the North Wales Coast Line from London Euston, operated by Avanti West Coast and Transport for Wales Rail. Holyhead Port is a major hub for roll-on/roll-off ferries to Dublin Port. Internal public transport is primarily served by bus routes operated by Arriva Buses Wales. Anglesey Airport is located at RAF Valley.

Government

Local government is administered by the Isle of Anglesey County Council, based in Llangefni. The island constitutes the UK Parliament constituency of Ynys Môn, represented by Virginia Crosbie, and the Senedd constituency of Ynys Môn, represented by Rhun ap Iorwerth of Plaid Cymru. It is part of the North Wales police force area and the Welsh Ambulance Service trust region. For European purposes, it was within the Wales constituency.

Category:Islands of Wales Category:Counties of Wales