Caer Gybi (fort) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Caer Gybi |
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| Anglesey, Wales, UK | |
Roman Wall surrounding St Cybi's Church
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 Caer Gybi
Location in Anglesey
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| Coordinates | 53°18′42″N 4°37′58″W / 53.3118°N 4.6328°W |
Caer Gybi is an ancient Roman fort located in Holyhead, on the island of Anglesey in Wales. It was a small military base built by the Romans. Today, the town of Holyhead is even called Caergybi in Welsh, named after this very fort! We don't know its original Roman name.
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What Was Caer Gybi?
Caer Gybi was a small Roman fort, also known as a fortlet. It was built in a part of the Roman Empire called Britannia Superior, which included much of present-day Wales. This fort is quite special because it's one of only three Roman forts in Europe that has just three walls. The fourth side faced the sea. This was probably where a quay (a platform for ships) was located.
Why Was the Fort Built?
Historians believe Caer Gybi was built around the late 300s AD. It was part of a plan to protect the western coast of Roman Britain. The main threat came from Irish sea-raiders who would attack by boat. Caer Gybi worked with another Roman fort called Segontium to keep the area safe.
The Roman Watchtower
The Romans also built a watchtower nearby. This tower was located on top of Holyhead Mountain, at a place called Mynydd y Twr. It was almost certainly used as a look-out point for the fort. Soldiers could spot approaching ships from far away.
When Was the Fort Left Behind?
Both the fort and the watchtower were likely abandoned around the year 393 AD. This happened when Roman soldiers were called away to deal with a rebellion led by a man named Eugenius of Gaul.
Caer Gybi After the Romans
After the Romans left, the old fort found a new purpose. In the 6th century, the fort was given to a holy man named Saint Cybi. He decided to build a monastery there.
St Cybi's Church Today
The Church of St Cybi still stands on the site of the old Roman fort today. There is also a small, separate chapel nearby called Eglwys y Bedd. People believe this chapel stands over Saint Cybi's grave.
