History of Moelfre, Anglesey, North Wales

History of Moelfre

Moelfre in early 1900's Moelfre postcard - 1950's		The village only came into existence in the early nineteenth century - previously being no more than a few scattered cottages. However the name Moelfre is an ancient one being derived from its surroundings - the ground rising from the sea and forming a small hillock- thus the old name of Y Moelfre - Y Moel + fre - the bare hill The name can be traced back to the Doomsday Book of Wales in 1306 and even earlier in about 1157 Moelfre was mentioned as a focal point in a sea battle fought between Anglesey seamen and the English fleet of Henry 2nd.

As the village grew in the nineteenth century many and varied tradesmen settled in Moelfre but it was the sea that called most villagers as fishermen, seamen, mariners through to ship owners. These men travelled worldwide but their attachment to their Welsh speaking community was never lost.

Their are few places in the country where history can be traced over 4000 years in such a small area yet around Moelfre can be found a 12th century chapel at Lligwy, a 5th century Romano-British village, the "Cromlech" - a burial chamber dating to 3000 BC, along with old churches, schools, chapels and the Royal Charter monument - all within easy walking distance of the village.

Moelfre is also ideally situated to visit some of the best unspoilt beaches on Anglesey - its still possible to find beautiful sandy beaches in the middle of summer with only a few people on them.