Llanfairpwllgwyngyll

(see also: Menai Bridge | Brynsiencyn)

Famous because of its long name, this village is known throughout the world.

Its full name is Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwll-llantysiliogogogoch which means The Church of St Mary in the hollow of the white hazel near the rapid whirlpool and the church of St Tysilio near a red cave, although it is usually shortened to Llanfairpwll or Llanfair P.G.. 

The extended name is almost certainly the work of a local tailor who wanted to put the village on the map in the mid 1800’s.

One of Llanfairpwll’s unusual claims to fame is that the Women’s Institute movement was founded here in 1915.

Nearby is the 90ft Marquess of Anglesey’s Column, built in 1816 to commemorate the exploits of the first Marquess of Anglesey. As Lord Paget, he was second in command to the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo and was escorting the Duke from the battlefield when he was hit. “By God, sir, I’ve lost my leg,” he is reported as saying, to which the Duke replied, as he continued surveying the opposing army, “By God, sir, so you have”.

For his bravery at Waterloo, Lord Paget was created Marquess of Anglesey, and the seventh Marquess still lives at the magnificent family home of Plas Newydd, which is now owned by the National Trust. The house, which is situated on the bank of the Menai Strait, has lovely rooms and the famous mural painted by Rex Whistler in the dining room. There is also a military museum, extensive gardens, an adventure playground and a National Trust shop and tea room.