Cromwell's Look Out Post Receives Lottery Grant

A fascinating story dating back to Cromwellian times has surfaced as a result of a successful application for a lottery grant. It recalls a not very pleasant time in the history of St. Cybi Church in Holyhead, Anglesey when it suffered at the hands of Cromwell's troops, not the first time in its chequered history that it had received rough treatment.

Let's sort this lottery thing out first. Although it was the last of the times that the church was used and abused, it had a pretty fundamental effect on the external appearance when a further seventeen feet was added to the existing tower in 1650, not to enhance the beauty of the building, but to increase its effectiveness as a look out post over the coast to provide greater warning against pirates. The church had not been well treated at this time as Cromwellian soldiers had been garrisoned there and had systematically destroyed the interior windows, font, tombs and statues. The empty niches in the porch stand in testament to their actions. Thankfully, the carvings above the door survived.

Now holding a Grade I listing, St. Cybi, which is located on the Wales Coastal Path has landed £4,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Wales heritage body Cadw has said it may give a grant of £21,000 to work at the 13th Century church.

The vicar, Rev Jane Bailey, said £111,000 is needed to complete the repairs. Rev Bailey said the renovation work would include removing vegetation growing on the tower and re-pointing the stonework. She added: "It is estimated approximately 10,000 visitors a year come to see the church, making it a key part of the community for businesses as well as residents.

"This work will help preserve the building for future generations of both worshipers and visitors and will greatly improve the visual appearance of Holyhead's most important building."

St. Cybi's can be dated back to Roman times, where it was within the protection of an abandoned Roman fort. St. Cybi was a first cousin of St. David, the patron saint of Wales. He ended his days here, having preached widely throughout Gaul, Cornwall, Devon and South Wales as well as more locally.

He died in 554 AD. The church was sacked by the Vikings in the 10th century and suffered further violation when Henry IV's army invaded Anglesey from Ireland in 1405, most of Wales being under the control of Owain Glyndwr at the time.

The Friends of St. Cybi are also delighted to report that the restoration work is complete on the sun dial. Check out their web site on:

http://www.stcybi.co.uk