St Mary's and St Nicholas's Church, Beaumaris facts for kids
St Mary and St Nicholas Church is an old church in Beaumaris, Anglesey, Wales. It is a special building from the 1300s, officially known as a Grade I listed building. This means it's very important and protected because of its history and beauty.
Contents
History of the Church
This church was started around the year 1330. It was first built as a small chapel to help the people in the new town of Beaumaris. It was connected to a bigger church in Llandegfan.
What the Church Looks Like
The church still has parts from the 1300s, like its main area called the nave. This part has beautiful arches. The front part of the church, called the chancel, was rebuilt around the year 1500.
The tall tower at the west end has four levels and a cool, castle-like top. The very top of the tower was updated in the early 1800s. The small rooms on the north side and the entrance porch on the south side were likely added in the 1800s.
Inside the Church: Special Features
Inside, you can see wooden seats from the 1500s. There's also a special coffin and its lid. These belonged to Joan, who was the wife of Llywelyn the Great, a famous Welsh leader. Joan was the daughter of John, King of England.
You can also find some old, carved wooden seats called misericords. These are from the late 1400s or early 1500s. Some of them were replaced in 1902. It's thought that the original misericords came from a nearby old monastery called Llanfaes Friary.
The church also holds the tomb of William Bulkeley, who passed away around 1490. He was an important official at Beaumaris Castle. His tomb, and his wife's, is made from a special stone called alabaster. On the walls, there are also monuments to important people from the 1500s and 1600s.
The Clock and Bells
The church tower has a set of bells that ring. The four clock faces and the gears that make them work are looked after by the town of Beaumaris.
The Churchyard
St Mary's and St Nicholas's Church is in a large churchyard. Church Street is on one side and Steeple Lane is on the other. Along the north wall, you can see many old tombstones made of slate. These stones tell us interesting things about the people who lived here long ago, like their jobs. There is also a large tomb for a local smart person near the south entrance.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Anglesey
