Henry Rowlands facts for kids

Henry Rowlands (1655–1723) was a smart person who lived a long time ago. He was a church leader, called a rector, in a place called Llanidan on Anglesey, an island in Wales. He is best known for writing a very important book about the history and old things found on Anglesey. This book was called Mona Antiqua Restaurata. It even included an early description of a famous ancient site called The Bridestones.

About Henry Rowlands

Henry Rowlands was born in 1655 at a place called Plas Gwyn in Llanedwen, Anglesey. His father was William Rowlands. Henry got a good education, learning about classic subjects. He became a priest and started working at Llanidan church in 1696. This church also had three smaller chapels connected to it. Henry did not travel much from his home. He passed away on November 21, 1723, and was buried at Llanedwen church. He had a wife named Elizabeth Nicholas, and they had five children together.

Henry's Important Writings

Henry Rowlands spent a lot of time studying old things. He looked at stone circles, cromlechs (which are ancient stone tombs), and other very old remains. He believed that Anglesey was once the main center for the Druids, who were ancient Celtic priests.

His most important book was Mona Antiqua Restaurata: An Archæological Discourse on the Antiquities, Natural and Historical, of the Isle of Anglesey. This book was first published in Dublin in 1723. An "archaeological discourse" means a detailed discussion about ancient things. A second version of his book came out in London in 1766. Later, a special extra part with more details was added in 1775.

Henry also wrote other books. One was a book about geology, which is the study of Earth's physical structure and substances. Another was called Idea Agriculturæ: the Principles of Vegetation asserted and defended. An Essay on Husbandry (1764). This book was about farming and growing plants, based on what he saw and learned himself. He also wrote a history of the local churches in Anglesey, which was in Latin. Parts of it were later translated into English.