The winding lane to Mynydd Mechell
Isle of Anglesey
Llanfechell
Llanfechell
Bodewryd
Bodewryd
Rhosbeirio
Rhosbeirio
Mynydd Mechell
Mynydd Mechell
Carreglefn
Carreglefn
Map of Anglesey Community boundaries, showing the main settlements within Mechell Community.

Mechell is a community in the north of the Isle of Anglesey, Wales. Llanfechell is the largest village within the community area. Tregele, Llanfflewyn, Mynydd Mechell, Bodewryd, Rhosbeirio and Carreglefn have a more dispersed settlement pattern. The antiquity of these settlements is shown by the presence of 6 medieval (or older) churches and some 16 more ancient sites dating back into prehistory.

The population of the community in 2011 was 1,293.

Situation

Mechell's settlements are all on inland situations, although a narrow strip of land reaches up as far as the north coast of the island, east of Cemaes Bay, in Llanbadrig Community. To the east is Cylch-y-Garn Community, and to the south is Tref Alaw and Rhosybol.

There are three wards within the Mechell community council area, with a total of 10 councillors representing Llanfechell, Mynydd Mechell and Carreglefn, plus a chairperson.[1]

Prior to the 2012 Anglesey electoral boundary changes Mechell was an electoral ward for the county council. It is now part of a new Talybolion ward.[2]

History

🌍
Settlements within the local government Community of Mechell, Anglesey.

The oldest of the settlements appears to be Llanfechell, named, as is the larger community, after the 6th century saint Mechell, reputedly a Breton missionary. Tradition has it that he is buried in Llanfechell.[3] The large number of prehistoric sites attest to human habitation across the Community since well before that.

There is a very detailed account of daily life in the Mechell area during the 18th century, within the diaries of William Bulkeley, (1691-1760). He lived at Brynddu, a house on the edge of Llanfechell, and kept a daily record of Anglesey life from 1734 to 1760.[4]

Economy

The land of Mechell Community is a settled agricultural landscape, with a network of small farms. The longstanding importance of arable agriculture is shown by the remains of four watermills and three windmills in the Mechell area: Meddanen Water Mill and Melin Mechell Windmill (also known as Minffordd Mill and Melin Maen Arthur) are close together so could have been worked by the same miller, utilising water and wind as available. Further south is Pant y Gŵydd, the second windmill. To the west, along the Afon Cafnan, was a series of mills, including the Cefn Coch Water Mill and Windmill, the Pandy Cefn Coch (a fulling mill), and Cafnan Water Mill at the mouth of the river.[5][6][7][8]

Wylfa Nuclear Power Station, close to the Community boundary's northern tip, was the only substantial employer in the immediate neighbourhood, on the coast, 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) northwest of Llanfechell. It was the only Nuclear Power Station in Wales after Trawsfynedd shut down. The site produced electricity from 1971, and ceased at the end of 2015.[9] Proposals from Horizon Nuclear Power to build 'Wylfa Newydd' are under consideration.[10]

Mechel Churches: Church in Wales

Mechell Community has 4 Church in Wales buildings in the Bangor Diocese and Bro Padrig Deanery,[11]

Llanfechell Parish Church
Llanfechell Parish Church
St Mechell's Church, Llanfechell
(Grade II* listed). 12th century church with 19th century rebuild.[3] SH369913 53°23′35″N 4°27′13″W / 53.3930°N 4.4536°W / 53.3930; -4.4536 (St Mechell Church).[12]
St Fflewin Church, Mynydd Mechell
St Fflewin Church, Mynydd Mechell
St Fflewin's Church, Llanfflewin
(Grade II listed) in Mynydd Mechell. Documentary records from 1254, but the oldest extant fabric appears to be 18th century, extensively restored in the 1930s. SH350890 53°22′21″N 4°28′56″W / 53.3724°N 4.4822°W / 53.3724; -4.4822 (St Fflewin's Church).[13]
St Mary's Church, Bodewryd
St Mary's Church, Bodewryd
St Mary's Church, Bodewryd
(Grade II listed). The present structure is from the 16th century or earlier, and on a much earlier site. The original dedication was to St Gewryd. SH400906, 53°23′16″N 4°24′26″W / 53.3878°N 4.4071°W / 53.3878; -4.4071 (St Mary's Church, Bodewryd).[14]
St. Peirio's Church
St. Peirio's Church
St Peirio's Church, Rhosbeirio
Grade II listed, now disused. SH391917. 53°23′53″N 4°25′17″W / 53.3980°N 4.4213°W / 53.3980; -4.4213 (St Peirio's Church, Rhosbeirio).[15]
Capel Anhunedd-y-Pran
There is a redundant (or decayed) medieval chapel at Clegyrog. By 1796 it was in use as a cowhouse.[16] SH388903, Coordinates:53°23′06″N 4°25′31″W / 53.3849°N 4.4252°W / 53.3849; -4.4252 (Capel Anhunedd-Y-Pran, Clegyrog).[17]
Cappel Newsaint
An unlocated medieval chapel stood somewhere in Mynydd Mechell. SH3590. 53°22′52″N 4°28′56″W / 53.381°N 4.4821°W / 53.381; -4.4821 (Cappel Newsaint).[18]

Mechell non-conformist Chapels

There have been least nine non=conformist Chapels in the Mechell area, dating to the nineteenth and early 20th centuries:-

Libanus Chapel, Llanfechell
Libanus Chapel, Llanfechell
Libanus Chapel, Llanfechell
Methodistiaid Calfinaidd, Welsh Calvanistic Methodist Chapel on the village square. Founded in 1832, rebuilt in 1903.[19] SH369912. 53°23′34″N 4°27′15″W / 53.3927°N 4.4542°W / 53.3927; -4.4542 (Libanus Chapel, Llanfechell)
Ebenezer Chapel, Llanfechell
Ebenezer Chapel, Llanfechell
Ebenezer Chapel, Llanfechell
Welsh Independent chapel near the School, on Mountain Road. Built 1862, replacing a Chapel built soon after 1800.[20] SH365909, 53°23′23″N 4°27′35″W / 53.3896°N 4.4598°W / 53.3896; -4.4598 (Ebenezer Chapel, Llanfechell)
Calfaria Chapel, Mynydd Mechell
Welsh Baptist chapel built in 1897 to replace an earlier building of 1815.[20] SH361900 53°22′52″N 4°27′59″W / 53.38113°N 4.4663°W / 53.38113; -4.4663 (Calfaria Chapel, Mynydd Mechell)
Jerusalem Chapel, Mynydd Mechell
Jerusalem Chapel, Mynydd Mechell
Jerusalem Chapel, Mynydd Mechell
Methodistiaid Calfinaidd, Welsh Calvanistic Methodist chapek.[21] SH358897, 53°22′42″N 4°28′15″W / 53.3783°N 4.4709°W / 53.3783; -4.4709 (Jerusalem Chapel, Mynydd Mechell)
Bethlehem Chapel, Carreglefn
Bethlehem Chapel, Carreglefn
Bethlehem Chapel, Carreglefn
Welsh Calvinistic Methodist chapel.[22] SH383891, 53°22′28″N 4°25′54″W / 53.3744°N 4.4318°W / 53.3744; -4.4318 (Bethlehem Chapel, Carreglefn)
Seion Chapel, Carreglefn
Seion Chapel, Carreglefn
Seion Chapel, Carreglefn
Independent Chapel.[23] SH394895,53°22′40″N 4°24′59″W / 53.3778°N 4.4164°W / 53.3778; -4.4164 (Seion Chapel, Carreglefn)
The former Capel Hephsiba, Rhosbeirio
The former Capel Hephsiba, Rhosbeirio
Hephsibah Chapel, Rhosbeirio
Former Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, converted into a house in 1985.[24] SH394913, 53°23′39″N 4°24′59″W / 53.3943°N 4.4164°W / 53.3943; -4.4164 (Hephsibah Chapel)
Capel Bethania, Tregele
The Calvinistic Methodist cause at Tregele began in 1810. The Chapel was rebuilt in 1906 and closed in 1973[25] and is now a house.

Mechell notable buildings

All four extant medieval churches above are given the legal protection of Listed Building status. Below are the other listed buildings within the community,[26] plus some other notable buildings and structures:-

Bodewryd

Plas Bodewryd
Plas Bodewryd
Plas Bodewryd
(Grade II* listed mansion). A 15th/16th century Hall house at Bodewryd, with substantial additions in every century following.[27] SH40019082, 53°23′24″N 4°24′26″W / 53.3899°N 4.4073°W / 53.3899; -4.4073 (Plas Bodewryd mansion).[26]
Colomendy Bodewryd Dovecot
Colomendy Bodewryd Dovecot
Bodewryd Colomendy or Dovecote, Bodewryd
Grade II listed late 17th C. dovecote in the grounds of Plas Bodewryd. Stone walls incorporate around 400 nests. SH40019082, 53°23′24″N 4°24′26″W / 53.3899°N 4.4073°W / 53.3899; -4.4073 (Bodewryd Colomendy or Dovecote).[28]
Lychgate at Church of St Mary, Bodewryd
Grade II listed building. SH40119057, 53°23′16″N 4°24′21″W / 53.3877°N 4.4057°W / 53.3877; -4.4057 (Lychgate at Church of St Mary).[26]

Llanfechell

Brynddu, Llanfechell
Grade II listed 18th Century larger Anglesey house. Home of the Bulkeley Family. SH37329119 53°23′33″N 4°26′52″W / 53.3924°N 4.4479°W / 53.3924; -4.4479 (Brynddu).[29]
Pont-y-Plas, Llanfechell
Road Bridge with square headed arches and steps to water. SH36889135||53°23′37″N 4°27′17″W / 53.3937°N 4.4546°W / 53.3937; -4.4546 (Pont-y-Plas).[30]
Crown Terrace facing the square at Llanfechell
Crown Terrace facing the square at Llanfechell
Crown Terrace, including Crown House, Llanfechell
Grade II listed row of three terraced buildings with a shop/bank. SH369912, 53°23′33″N 4°27′15″W / 53.3924°N 4.4542°W / 53.3924; -4.4542 (Crown Terrace, Inc.Crown House).[31]
Old Rectory, Llanfechell
Grade II listed, 17th Century Rectory, with 18th C additions. SH36989128, 53°23′35″N 4°27′11″W / 53.3931°N 4.4531°W / 53.3931; -4.4531 (Old Rectory)[32]
War Memorial at Llanfechell
War Memorial at Llanfechell
War Memorial, Llanfechell
Grade II listed memorial to the fallen of the Great War, in the village square and incorporates a clock. SH37029120||53°23′33″N 4°27′09″W / 53.3924°N 4.4525°W / 53.3924; -4.4525 (War Memorial)[26]

Mynydd Mechell

Ffynnon Ddygfael, Mynydd Mechell
Well shaft close to a pool. SH35119050||53°23′08″N 4°28′51″W / 53.3855°N 4.4808°W / 53.3855; -4.4808 (Ffynnon Ddygfael).[33]
Llanddygfael-groes, Mynydd Mechell
Grade II listed building. SH35149059||53°23′11″N 4°28′49″W / 53.3863°N 4.4804°W / 53.3863; -4.4804 (Llanddygfael-groes).[26]

Tregele

Cae Mawr, Tregele
Grade II listed late 18th century farmhouse. SH34929088||53°23′20″N 4°29′02″W / 53.3889°N 4.4838°W / 53.3889; -4.4838 (Cae Mawr, Tregele).[34]
Cefn-Coch, Tregele
Grade II listed ||17th century central hall type house, with pointed internal doorways and 17th C. balusters. SH34259072 53°23′14″N 4°29′38″W / 53.3872°N 4.4938°W / 53.3872; -4.4938 (Cefn-Coch).[35]
Groesfechan, Tregele
Medieval domestic remains. SH351917||53°23′47″N 4°28′53″W / 53.3963°N 4.4815°W / 53.3963; -4.4815 (Groesfechan)[36]
Ty'n y Felin old wind mill
Ty'n y Felin old wind mill
Melin Cefn Coch (Ty'n y Felin), Tregele
Grade II listed building. SH34319139, 53°23′36″N 4°29′36″W / 53.3933°N 4.4932°W / 53.3933; -4.4932 (Melin Cefn Coch).[37]

Carreglefn

Cottage at Pant-y-Gist, Carreglefn
Grade II Listed Building, SH39358967, 53°22′46″N 4°25′00″W / 53.3794°N 4.4167°W / 53.3794; -4.4167 (Cottage at Pant-y-Gist).[26]
Hen Bont, Carreglefn
Grade II listed building. SH38408907||53°22′25″N 4°25′50″W / 53.3737°N 4.4306°W / 53.3737; -4.4306 (Hen Bont).[26]
Pant-y-cryntach, Carreglefn
Grade II listed building. SH38808967, 53°22′45″N 4°25′30″W / 53.3792°N 4.4249°W / 53.3792; -4.4249 (Pant-y-cryntach)[26]
Ty Newydd, Carreglefn
Grade II listed building. SH38408907, 53°22′25″N 4°25′50″W / 53.3737°N 4.4306°W / 53.3737; -4.4306 (Ty Newydd).[26]
Y Stryd, Carreglefn
Grade II listed building. SH38398906, 53°22′25″N 4°25′51″W / 53.3736°N 4.4307°W / 53.3736; -4.4307 (Y Stryd)[26]

Llanfflewyn, near Mynydd Mechell

Twll-y-clawdd, Llanfflewyn
Grade II listed building. SH35638861, 53°22′07″N 4°28′19″W / 53.3687°N 4.4719°W / 53.3687; -4.4719 (Twll-y-clawdd).[26]

Archaeological sites

There are five Scheduled monuments within the community area, all of them dating to prehistory, and a further 10 sites are also listed by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales. All the sites are in open country within the community aea, so cannot be said to be in any one of the settlements. The 'settlement' column is there to give a guide as to which part of Mechell Community it is in.

PictureMonument NamesettlementSite typePeriodPurposeGrid Reference & Coordinates
Bodewryd Standing StoneBodewryd Standing StoneBodewrydStanding stonePrehistoricReligious, Ritual and FunerarySH406902, 53°23′05″N 4°23′52″W / 53.3847°N 4.3978°W / 53.3847; -4.3978 (Bodewryd Standing Stone)
Llifad enclosureCarreglefnEnclosurePrehistoricPossible defended settlement.[38]SH384910, 53°23′29″N 4°25′49″W / 53.3915°N 4.4302°W / 53.3915; -4.4302 (Llifad enclosure)
Pen-y-Morwyd Round BarrowPen-y-MorwydRound barrowPrehistoricReligious, Ritual and FunerarySH384912, 53°23′36″N 4°25′50″W / 53.3933°N 4.4306°W / 53.3933; -4.4306 (Pen-y-Morwyd Round Barrow)
Standing stone east of LlanfechellStanding Stone North of Llanfechell Church (Baron Hill Maen Hir)LlanfechellStanding stonePrehistoricReligious, Ritual and Funerary.[39] Cup and ring mark found on one of the packing stones.[40]SH369916, 53°23′47″N 4°27′11″W / 53.3964°N 4.4531°W / 53.3964; -4.4531 (Standing Stone east of Llanfechell)
The Llanfechell TriangleThe Llanfechell Triangle Standing StonesLlanfechellStanding stonePrehistoricReligious, Ritual and FunerarySH363916, 53°23′48″N 4°27′43″W / 53.3966°N 4.46204°W / 53.3966; -4.46204 (Llanfechell Triangle Standing Stones)

Other Archaeological sites in Mechell:-

Monument NamesettlementSite detailsGrid Reference & Coordinates
Barrow between Rhosbeirio and Yr EfailRhosbeirioBronze Age or later Round barrowSH395911, 53°23′32″N 4°24′55″W / 53.3922°N 4.4154°W / 53.3922; -4.4154 (Rhosbeirio Barrow)
Burial Chamber at Foel Fawr, or Stones near Cromlech FarmLlanfechellIt may just be a 'suggestive natural feature'.[41]SH360920, 53°23′57″N 4°28′03″W / 53.3993°N 4.4675°W / 53.3993; -4.4675 (Foel Fawr Burial Chamber)
Clegyrog Blas, Cropmark EnclosureCarreglefnCropmarks of a concentric ditched enclosure.[42]SH386907, 53°23′19″N 4°25′42″W / 53.3887°N 4.4284°W / 53.3887; -4.4284 (Clegyrog Blas Enclosure)
Maen-Y-Goges; Maen-Y-Eoges (the Cook's stone)Carreglefn
Maen y Goges - a glacial erratic
Maen y Goges - a glacial erratic
Natural feature with legendary associations, from which Carreglefn is named.[43]		SH395895, 53°22′40″N 4°24′51″W / 53.3778°N 4.4141°W / 53.3778; -4.4141 (Maen-Y-Goges (the Cook's Stone))
Mynydd Groes EarthworkLlanfechellField enclosure earthworks, largely cleared.[44]SH351915, 53°23′38″N 4°28′54″W / 53.3940°N 4.4818°W / 53.3940; -4.4818 (Mynydd Groes Earthwork)
Pen-y-Morwydd BarrowLlanfechellField enclosure earthworks, largely cleared.[45]SH385913, 53°23′36″N 4°25′50″W / 53.3933°N 4.4306°W / 53.3933; -4.4306 (Pen-y-Morwydd Barrow)
Pen-y-Morwydd Pillow MoundLlanfechellConstructed rabbit warren. Up to 7 mounds recorded at this site, most no longer visible.[46]SH385912, 53°23′34″N 4°25′49″W / 53.3927°N 4.4304°W / 53.3927; -4.4304 (Pen-y-Morwydd Pillow Mound)
Enclosure north-west of LlanfechellLlanfechellroughly square enclosure 15m across.[47]SH364917, 53°23′48″N 4°27′44″W / 53.3967°N 4.4622°W / 53.3967; -4.4622 (Square enclosure)
Hilltop enclosure at CarogLlanfechellNeolithic settlement evidence with circular defensive ditch dated to 800BC. Also 800-900AD house and domestic artifacts. Excavated 2010.[48]SH373922, 53°24′04″N 4°26′57″W / 53.4012°N 4.4491°W / 53.4012; -4.4491 (Hilltop enclosure at Carog)
Tai Hen Cropmark EnclosureLlanfechellIrregular rectilinear enclosure some 46m across[49]SH384915, 53°23′45″N 4°25′57″W / 53.3957°N 4.4325°W / 53.3957; -4.4325 (Tai Hen Cropmark Enclosure)

See also

References

  1. ↑ Menter Mechell. "Community Council". Llanfechell.info. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  2. ↑ "Isle of Anglesey (Electoral Arrangements) Order 2012" (PDF). legislation.gov.uk. The National Archives. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
  3. 1 2 Cymdeithas Hanes Mechell. "Llanfechell Church". cymdeithashanesmechell.co.uk. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  4. ↑ Cymdeithas Hanes Mechell. "Brynddu and the Diaries of William Bulkeley". cymdeithashanesmechell.co.uk. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  5. ↑ "Llanfechell Mills". Cymdeithashanesmechell.co.uk. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  6. ↑ "High resolution images and the History of Mynydd Mechell Windmill (known as Melin Mechell) on Anglesey". Anglesey.info. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  7. ↑ Kovach, Warren. "Windmills of Anglesey". Anglesey History. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
  8. ↑ Kovach, Warren. "Other Mills on Anglesey". Anglesey History. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
  9. ↑ "Wylfa: Last day for Anglesey nuclear plant". BBC News. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  10. ↑ "Wylfa Newydd - About Our Site". Horizonnuclearpower.com. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  11. ↑ "Bro Padrig B230 In the benefice of Bro Padrig". British Listed Buildings. 5 December 1970. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  12. ↑ "Church of St Mechell - Mechell - Isle of Anglesey - Wales". British Listed Buildings. 5 December 1970. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  13. ↑ "Church of St Fflewyn - Mechell - Isle of Anglesey - Wales". The Church in Wales. 5 December 1970. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  14. ↑ Bodewryd Church (ID NPRN43616). at the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW)
  15. ↑ St. Peirio's Church, coflein NPRN: 43640
  16. ↑ William Owen Pughe (1799). "Cambrian Register". p. 286. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  17. ↑ Capel Anhunedd-y-Pran, coflein NPRN: 43548
  18. ↑ Cappel Newsaint, coflein NPRN: 309971
  19. ↑ "Picture of Libanus Chapel Llanfechell". Pictures.walesdirectory.co.uk. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  20. 1 2 Cymdeithas Hanes Mechell. "Llanfechell Chapels". cymdeithashanesmechell.co.uk. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  21. ↑ Menter Mechell. "Chapel/Church". Llanfechell.info. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  22. ↑ Bethlehem Chapel, coflein NPRN: 43548
  23. ↑ Seion Chapel, coflein NPRN: 8846
  24. ↑ Capel Hephsiba, coflein NPRN: 8839
  25. ↑ "pew rents book | The National Archives". Discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  26. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Listed Buildings in Mechell, Isle of Anglesey, Wales". British Listed Buildings. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  27. ↑ Plas Bodewryd coflein NPRN: 15803
  28. ↑ Bodewryd Colomendy, coflein NPRN: 31059
  29. ↑ Brynddu, Llanfechell, coflein NPRN: 15590
  30. ↑ Pont-y-Plas, coflein NPRN: 23730
  31. ↑ Crown Terrace, coflein NPRN: 15676
  32. ↑ Old Rectory, Llanfechell, coflein NPRN: 15772
  33. ↑ Ffynnon Ddygfael, coflein NPRN: 32159
  34. ↑ Cae Mawr, Tregele, coflein NPRN: 405485
  35. ↑ Cefn-Coch, Tregele, coflein NPRN: 15637
  36. ↑ Groesfechan, Tregele, coflein NPRN: 15699
  37. ↑ Melin Cefn Coch, coflein NPRN: 40365
  38. ↑ "LLIFAD, EARTHWORK ENCLOSURE". Coflein.gov.uk. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  39. ↑ "STANDING STONE NORTH OF LLANFECHELL;BARON HILL MAEN HIR". Coflein.gov.uk. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  40. ↑ "The Welsh Rock Art Organisation - Llanfechell (East) Standing Stone". Rock-art-in-wales.co.uk. Archived from the original on 6 April 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  41. ↑ "BURIAL CHAMBER, FOEL FAWR, OR STONES NEAR CROMLECH FARM". Coflein.gov. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  42. ↑ "CLEGYROG BLAS, CROPMARK ENCLOSURE NORTH-EAST OF". Coflein.gov.uk. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  43. ↑ "AEN-Y-GOGES;MAEN-Y-EOGES". Coflein.gov.uk. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  44. ↑ "MYNYDD GROES, EARTHWORK FEATURES". Coflein.gov.ukn. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  45. ↑ "PEN-Y-MORWYDD, BARROW". Coflein.gov.uk. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  46. ↑ "PILLOW MOUND, PENYMORWYDD". Coflein.gov.uk. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  47. ↑ "POSSIBLE ENCLOSURE NORTH-WEST OF LLANFECHELL & SOME DISTANCE FROM GORS". Coflein.gov.uk. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  48. ↑ "Croeso i Wefan Cymdeithas Hanes Menter Mechell". Archived from the original on 3 March 2012. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  49. ↑ "TAI HEN, CROPMARK ENCLOSURE SOUTH OF". Coflein.gov.uk. 14 June 1999. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
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