Beaumaris is a historic town, community, and former borough on the Isle of Anglesey, Wales. It is situated on the Menai Strait, facing the Welsh mainland. The town is most famous for Beaumaris Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Etymology
The town's name, Beaumaris, is derived from the Norman-French beaux marais, meaning "beautiful marsh," referring to the nature of the ground on which the castle and town were built.History
Beaumaris was founded in 1295 by King Edward I of England, following his conquest of Wales. It was built as the last of Edward I's "iron ring" of castles, designed to assert English dominance and control over the Welsh population. The castle's construction necessitated the relocation of the Welsh inhabitants of the nearby village of Llanfaes, who were moved to a new settlement called Newborough. The town itself was laid out as a concentric planned town, protected by walls and a ditch, and was granted a royal charter in 1296.During the English Civil War, Beaumaris Castle was held by Royalist forces and was one of the last strongholds to surrender to the Parliamentarians in 1646.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Beaumaris developed into a fashionable resort town, with many Georgian and Victorian buildings contributing to its distinctive architectural character. It served as the county town of Anglesey until the reorganisation of local government in 1974.
Geography and Location
Beaumaris is located on the southeast coast of Anglesey, fronting the Menai Strait. It offers views across the strait to the Snowdonia mountain range on the mainland. The town's harbour is popular for sailing and boating.Notable Features
- Beaumaris Castle: A masterpiece of concentric castle design, built by James of Saint George under Edward I. It is renowned for its symmetrical planning and innovative defensive features, though it was never fully completed. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 as part of the "Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd."
- Beaumaris Gaol: A former Victorian prison, built in 1829, which now operates as a museum. It provides insight into the harsh conditions of 19th-century penal life.
- Beaumaris Courthouse: Built in 1614, it is one of the oldest courthouses in Britain still in use for certain ceremonial purposes.
- St Mary and St Nicholas Church: The parish church, parts of which date back to the 14th century, contains interesting architectural features and monuments.
- Pier: A Victorian pier offering views and a departure point for boat trips, including those to Puffin Island.