Lligwy Chapel, also known as Hen Capel Lligwy, is a historic site on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales. Built in the 12th century, it offers a glimpse into medieval life and architecture.
I visited the chapel on 20th April 2022 during a whirlwind tour of the Welsh Coastline before starting work on a campsite in the May of ’22. I stayed on a small certified location campsite on the island for 4 nights and tried to see as much as I could in that time.
What I came to realise is that far more time is required to see all the island has to offer in the way of stunning beaches and seaside villages, castles, ancient sites and beautiful land and seascapes.
I absolutely love learning about history and being able to see and walk through these ancient buildings really does take you back in time, trying to imagine what life would have been like some 900 years prior to me standing in these places.
Origins of Lligwy Chapel
In the 12th century, after Viking raids had ceased, Anglesey experienced a period of stability. During this time, many wooden churches were replaced with stone structures. Lligwy Chapel was likely built on the site of an earlier Celtic church. It served as a ‘chapel of ease’ for the parish of Penrhos-Lligwy, providing a convenient place of worship for those living far from the main church.
Architectural Features of Lligwy Chapel
The chapel’s design reflects changes over the centuries. Originally, it was a simple rectangular building with a nave and chancel. In the 14th century, the upper walls were rebuilt, and a small bellcote was added to the west gable. In the 16th century, a south chapel was added, featuring a vaulted crypt beneath it. This crypt was used for the burial of the Pierce Lloyd family of Lligwy.
The Local Community
The area around Lligwy Chapel was home to a rural community engaged in farming and fishing. Nearby is the Din Lligwy settlement, an ancient site dating back to the Iron Age and later occupied during the Roman period. Archaeological findings from Din Lligwy include remnants of round huts and rectangular buildings, suggesting a community adept in farming and possibly small-scale industry.
By the medieval period, the inhabitants of the Lligwy area would have been part of a feudal system, working the land under the auspices of local lords. The construction of Lligwy Chapel as a chapel of ease indicates a population seeking accessible places of worship, reflecting the community’s devoutness and the practical challenges posed by the rural landscape. The chapel’s proximity to the coast also suggests that fishing may have supplemented the agrarian lifestyle, providing sustenance and trade opportunities.
Decline and Preservation
Lligwy Chapel remained in use until the early 18th century, after which it fell into disrepair. The reasons for its abandonment are not well-documented, but it is likely that changes in population dynamics, the consolidation of parishes, and the construction of more accessible churches contributed to its decline. Despite its ruinous state, the chapel has been preserved as a historical monument, offering insights into medieval ecclesiastical architecture and the spiritual life of the community it once served.
Visiting Lligwy Chapel Today
Today, visitors to Lligwy Chapel can explore its evocative ruins, which include the standing walls of the nave and chancel, the bellcote, and the south chapel with its crypt. The site is managed by Cadw, the historic environment service of the Welsh Government, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The chapel’s serene setting, overlooking Lligwy Bay, provides a tranquil environment for reflection and appreciation of Wales’s rich historical tapestry.
In conclusion, Lligwy Chapel stands as a silent witness to the medieval history of Anglesey, embodying the architectural evolution and spiritual life of its time. Its enduring presence offers a tangible connection to the past, inviting exploration and reflection on the lives of those who once inhabited this storied landscape.
