posted 02-28-2001 01:47 AM         

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Have posted a picture of this castle on the Photo Archive. I cannot find any reference to it in any of my books. Can anyone shed any light on its history ? I suspect that it is a modern tower, but cannot be sure.
Many thanks.

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The broken stones, the ruined walls,
'Tis few who know where hist'ry falls.

posted 03-01-2001 01:40 PM            

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Looks like a modern (19th Century Tower) to me.
I've looked at the RCAHM Inventory for Anglesey. No mention of Llanfawr Castle - but from the map there is a location next to a small bay about 1 mile east of Holyhead called Llanfawr - possible location? - no tower shown on map.

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Andy Knight

posted 03-01-2001 04:20 PM           

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A further look at the 1891 map has shown me there is a place called Llanfawr just east of Holyhead (actually looks like a large house with an avenue of trees and a lodge) Perhaps the castle was a folly for this house, and in a vunarable position on the coast and probably built fairly cheaply I can well imagine that it has long been destroyed. You can find the 1891 map online at http://www.old-maps.co.uk/oldSite/10angle411/HTML/fs_41011NE1o.htm

Please let us know what you do find out, if anything, from the people of Holyhead themselves.

posted 03-02-2001 01:13 AM         

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I had an e-mail this morning from the Holyhead website (thanks Philip) - the site is apparently known locally as Peibio Castle. The local historian is currently away, but I have been told that he will provide information regarding its history next week. Will keep you informed.

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The broken stones, the ruined walls,
'Tis few who know where hist'ry falls.

[This message has been edited by AJR (edited 03-02-2001).]

posted 03-22-2001 02:30 AM         

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Have just received details regarding this site.
Apparently, Peibio (or Llanfawr) Castle was built because of the threat of the French invasion in 1802. The Royal Navy had a team of men runners known as Sea Fencibles (possibly local fishermen / ex Royal Navy personnel). Peibio Castle and Salt Island would have been used as sea defences.
Other than this, I am told that history on this place is hard to find. Thanks for the link Philip, which, as usual, has turned up trumps.

Many thanks

posted 11-16-2001 04:37 PM            

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To AJR,
I am currently researching the history of two fortifications situated at each side of a beach called Penrhos Beach (the older name was Borthwen). I am not sure who suggested that it was one of the sea fencibles`s fortifications but I would be very grateful if you could put me in touch. So far I have been unable to find anything to support this claim. I have delved into the records at Kew but sadly there only appears to be a few pay sheets regarding the Holyhead branch of the Cambrian Sea Fencibles. Although the castle seen in the photogaph appears to be old, I doubt very much that it is genuine.
I used to play on this castle as a boy and I remeber it being intact. with two arches to the left hand side. I am certain that I have a photograph taken sometime in the fifties shoeing it in fairly good condition.
The proper name for the castle is Peipio Castle and is situated on `Ynys Peibeio` (Peibio Island). This is on land that was owned at one time by the LLanfawr Estate.
I am not too sure but I think the last owner was Lady Kathleen Stanley. At one time the estate was in turn part of the Penrhos Estate who`s land on the opposit side of the bay stands the other larger fortification.

Kind Regards Peter Scott Roberts