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Aberdaron, north Wales
OS 123 SH 173263
Map link for Saint Hywyn's Church
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Photographs copyright © 2009 by Jeffrey L. Thomas
Cadw These two stones were found at Capel Anelog, a site on the eastern slope of Mynydd Anelog, a few miles north of Aberdaron. It may have been the original monastery of the community which was later established on Bardsey and Aberdaron. Both stones date from the early 6th century and look as if they were carved by the same sculptor.
Both record the graves of priests. One is inscribed VERACIUS / PBR / HIC / IACIT, or: Veracius the priest lies here. The letters PBR are an abbreviation for PRESBYTER, shortened by contraction. The other stone reads SENACUS / PSBR / HIC IACIT / CVM MULTITV/D(I)NEM / FRATRVM / PRESB(IT)E[R], or: Senacus the priest lies here with the multitude of the brethren, Priest.
Aberdaron had a monastic community linked to that on Bardsey, the centre of great pilgrimages. The fine 12th century west door and extension of the church in the early 16th century are evidence of the wealth these pilgrims brought.
Additional photographs of the Anelog Stones, Saint Hywyn's Church & Aberdaron
Photographs of Aberdaron
Bardsey Island
Bardsey was inhabited in Neolithic times, and there are still traces of hut circles. During the fifth century the island became a refuge for persecuted Christians and the monks built their first abbey in the sixth century. The pilgrims' way to Bardsey was once as famous as that of Lindisfarne and Iona, and three pilgrimages to Bardsey were equal to a pilgrimage to Rome.
Visit the Saint Hywyn's Church website
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Copyright © 2009 by Jeffrey L. Thomas
