Caer Gybi Roman Fort, Holyhead, United Kingdom

Caer Gybi in Holyhead contains the remains of a small Roman fortlet and naval base, whose atmospheric ruins can today be explored. Although the construction date of Caer Gybi is unknown, it is believed that it was built in the late 3rd or early 4th century. The structure was made up of three defensive walls with circular watch towers at each corner, while the fourth side fronted the sea and may have been a dock for the Roman warships that would have patrolled the area.

It is thought that Caer Gybi was constructed to defend against Irish sea raiders, and as a smaller fortlet was probably an outpost of the larger Roman fort at Segontium. It is believed that the Roman watchtower, which stood on the nearby Holyhead Mountain, served as the lookout post for Caer Gybi.

The Romans abandoned the region in the late 4th century, and by the 6th century the site had been given to Saint Cybi who founded a monastery within the walls. The medieval Church of St Cybi still stands there today.

Today, visitors to Caer Gybi can still view much of the original Roman defences, with walls standing up to 4m in places and at least one original corner tower.

References:

History Hit

User Reviews

soumyojit chakraborty (20 months ago)

Tina Gentry (2 years ago)
Lovely church. Lots of historical interest. Welcoming people allowed my dog in too.

Anna Tarczynska (2 years ago)
The ruins of Roman Fort are in excellent condition with a view on the port entrance . It has a really nice and interesting history . There is also an old church here which provides facilities for pilgrims , tourists and other lost souls who are in need . It is a really beautiful historical place worth your attention , with a lot of peace and quiet benches around .

Eliot Collins (2 years ago)
Caer Gybi Roman Fortlet is a small fortification on Anglesey’s Holy Island, in North-West Wales. It is one of Europe’s only three-walled Roman forts, the fourth side facing the sea and most likely used as a quay. The walls of this fort are surprisingly well preserved, standing 4m tall and 1.5 thick. There are remains of towers on each corner. The most prominent tower is on the North East corner but this is thought to have been rebuilt in the medieval period. The Romans left Caer Gybi in 393. In the 6th century the fort was given to St Cybi who built a monastery there. The site is free to enter and reasonably interesting if you know what to look for.

Pete / Hel Havard (3 years ago)
Nice example of roman remains

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright diannlroy.com

Historic Site of the week

Jan Hus Memorial

The Jan Hus Memorial stands at one end of Old Town Square. The huge monument depicts victorious Hussite warriors and Protestants who were forced into exile 200 years after Hus, and a young mother who symbolises national rebirth. The monument was so large that the sculptor designed and built his own villa and studio where the work could be carried out. It was unveiled in 1915 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Jan Hus' martyrdom. The memorial was designed by Ladislav Šaloun and paid for solely by public donations.

Born in 1369, Hus became an influential religious thinker, philosopher, and reformer in Prague. He was a key predecessor to the Protestant movement of the sixteenth century. In his works he criticized religious moral decay of the Catholic Church. Accordingly, the Czech patriot Hus believed that mass should be given in the vernacular, or local language, rather than in Latin. He was inspired by the teachings of John Wycliffe.

Caer Gybi Roman Fort

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Jan Hus Memorial