Castle Reveals Secrets after 900 Years

AN ancient castle which has been off limits to the public since it was built in 1088 is about to reveal its secrets for the first time.

Aberlleiniog Castle, located on the south east corner of Anglesey, has been witness to a long and fascinating series of owners and events. The little-known castle has been the site of a murder mystery, love triangles and even fatal duels, but few people are aware of its significance and no one has been allowed to visit for almost a thousand years.

All that is now set to change thanks to a £317,500 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The money will fund crucial restoration work of the castle masonry and strengthen the fabric of the castle mound to preserve its historic features and, through improved access, will ensure it remains a well-preserved focal point for the community for years to come.

Aberlleiniog Castle holds an important place in Welsh history.

A site of conflict between Anglo-Norman colonists and the indigenous Welsh Princes, it was built by Hugh of Avraches, Earl of Chester, after his victory over Gruffydd ap Cynan, King of Gwynedd.

Later it was also significant in the struggle between local families which characterised the Civil War in mid 17th century Anglesey.

The castle remained privately owned from the 11th century until 2004 when Menter M n, the Rural Development Agency for Anglesey, purchased the castle and the 26 acres of adjoining land to give ownership to the people of Anglesey.

The funding will ensure this significant archaeological resource, which holds vital information about Anglo-Norman structures, will be secured for future generations. Recent work has discovered that a fourth tower has already collapsed completely and two of the remaining towers would almost certainly be lost if this essential maintenance work is not carried out.

Jennifer Stewart, Heritage Lottery Fund manager for Wales, said, "Wales' many castles are a key element of our heritage and help to make Wales unique.

"This latest project will secure the future of a castle that is steeped in history but largely unknown outside of the local area.

"Menter M n can now share its fascinating story not only with the local people of Anglesey but across the world. Castles are a big attraction for European and American visitors to Wales and Aberlleiniog will be no exception.

"Once restoration is complete Aberlleiniog Castle will undoubtedly give the area's tourism a boost providing the perfect setting for a rural day out where families can learn about our past while exploring our natural heritage."

The grant will also support the employment of a two-year community coordinator to encourage local people to get involved in the project as volunteers on the site or to assist in the creation of a interpretation panel and leaflet.

The castle is located in ancient woodland in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is the perfect habitat for birds, insects and bats, so volunteers will undergo training on how to manage the biodiversity of the site, which Menter M n hopes will achieve Local Nature Reserve status.

Neil Johnstone, an archaeologist and Menter Mon project leader, said, "This is without doubt a very important archaeological site and we are totally focused on increasing interest in promoting the island's heritage."

The untold story of Aberlleiniog Castle

Aberlleiniog Castle was built by Hugh d'Avranches, Earl of Chester, pictured, at the time when Gruffydd ap Cynan was ruler of Gwynedd. When Gruffydd escaped imprisonment at Chester and raised an army, the castle was captured and burnt to the ground.

Sometime later a stone-built castle was constructed on the site, probably by a colourful 17th century character called Thomas Cheadle.

Cheadle, who worked for the Bulkeleys of Baron Hill, had a relationship with Sir Richard Bulkeley's wife. Lady Ann and Cheadle were accused of Sir Richard's murder, but were cleared and later married.

Cheadle professed to be on the side of the Royalists in the Civil War and held the post of Constable of Beaumaris Castle.

But his loyalty appears to have been questionable and he was accused of negotiating to hand the castle over to the Parliamentarians.

Some years later the sons of both Bulkeley and Cheadle fought a duel in which Bulkeley was killed. Cheadle was tried for murder, found guilty and executed by public hanging in Chester.

(Rin Simpson, Western Mail, icWales - 24 March 2007)