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Admiralty Arch, Holyhead facts for kids

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For the arch in London, see Admiralty Arch.
Admirality arch Holyhead
Admiralty Arch, Holyhead in 2006

The Admiralty Arch in Holyhead, Anglesey, is a special stone archway. It was built in 1824 to mark the end of a very important road. This road, called the Holyhead road, was designed by a famous engineer named Thomas Telford. The arch was created to remember a visit by King George IV in 1821.

This grand arch is also known as the George IV Arch or the Triumphal Arch. It stands on Ynys Halen within the Port of Holyhead. Because of its location, people cannot go right up to it for safety reasons. The best place to see it is from St Cybi's Churchyard.

The Story of Admiralty Arch

The Admiralty Arch was built almost 200 years ago, in 1824. It was designed by an architect named Thomas Harrison. The main reason for building it was to celebrate King George IV's visit to Holyhead.

King George IV's Visit

King George IV arrived in Holyhead on August 7, 1821. He traveled on his royal yacht, the Royal George. After arriving, he went to Plas Newydd to stay overnight. The next day, he returned to his yacht.

However, bad weather delayed his departure. So, the King decided to switch to a steam packet boat called the Lightning. On August 12, he sailed on the Lightning to Howth, near Dublin. This journey was part of his important state visit to Ireland. People were very happy about the King using the new steam packet boat.

Building the Arch

Building the Admiralty Arch took two years to finish. It was paid for by people who donated money, which is called public subscription. The stone used to build the arch came from Red Wharf Bay, on the eastern side of Anglesey.

The Holyhead Mail Pier Lighthouse

Beyond the Admiralty Arch, at the end of the Admiralty Pier, stands another historic structure. This is the Holyhead Mail Pier Lighthouse. It was finished in 1821. The lighthouse was designed by John Rennie the Elder as part of big improvements to Holyhead Harbour. Both the arch and the lighthouse are important historical buildings.

Images for kids

  • The landing of his Majesty, George the Fourth, at Holyhead, August 7th 1821

    King George IV arriving at Holyhead on August 7, 1821

  • William John Huggins (1781-1845) - George IV On Board the 'Lightning', the First Post Office Steam Packet to Dublin, 12 August 1821 - BHC0619 - Royal Museums Greenwich

    King George IV on board the 'Lightning' on his way to Dublin, August 12, 1821

  • A plan of a triumphal memorial intended to be erected by subscription on the pier at Holyhead - in honour of the visit of His Majesty George IV, to the principality of Wales on the 7th. of August 1821, by Thomas Harrison Esq. Architect

    A plan showing the triumphal arch, pier, and lighthouse

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