About Anglesey
Anglesey is an island off the north-west coast of Wales. The island is about 125 miles (201 km) long and 30 miles (48 km) wide, and has a population of about 69,000. It is the largest island in Wales and the seventh largest in the British Isles.
Anglesey is separated from mainland Wales by the Menai Strait, a narrow stretch of water that is spanned by two bridges: the Menai Suspension Bridge, designed by Thomas Telford, and the Britannia Bridge. These two bridges connect the island to the mainland at Holyhead, the island's largest town and its administrative centre.
The island is predominantly rural, with a coastline of about 160 miles (260 km). The interior is mostly hilly, with a highest point of 1,749 feet (532 m) at Carnedd Gwenllian, in the centre of the island. The climate is mild, with average temperatures of about 10 °C (50 °F) in winter and 16 °C (61 °F) in summer.
The island has a long history, dating back to prehistoric times. It was inhabited by the Celtic tribe of the Ordovices before being conquered by the Romans in AD 60. After the Roman withdrawal from Britain in 410, Anglesey was ruled by a series of Celtic chieftains until it was conquered by the Saxons in the 6th century. In 633, it was annexed to Northumbria but regained its independence after the Battle of Maes Cogwy in 642.
After a period of Norse rule, Anglesey came under the control of Gwynedd, a Welsh kingdom, in 1284. It remained part of Gwynedd until 1349 when it was conquered by England. Although Anglesey was retaken by Owain Glyndŵr during his rebellion against English rule in 1400, it was finally annexed to England in 1542 by Henry VIII.
Anglesey has been an important strategic location throughout its history. Its coastline and natural harbours have made it a target for invaders, and its central location in the Irish Sea has made it a key naval base. Today, Holyhead is one of Britain's busiest ferry ports, with routes to Ireland and France.
The island's economy is largely based on agriculture, fishing and tourism. Anglesey is also home to two nuclear power stations: Wylfa on the north coast and Trawsfynydd in the centre of the island
