England & Wales Hardwicke Marriage Index
Marriages 1754 - 1837
Llanfaelog St Maelog

The Parish

The parish of Llanfaelog lies in western Anglesey forming a short stretch of its western Irish Sea coastline and lying about 7 miles west of the small market town and administrative centre of Llangefni. Llanfaelog sits on the A4080 road which curves around the southwestern corner of the island, the small village of Llanfaelog sits at a junction where a curious circular stretch of this road head around to Rhosneigr, the parish's small port and resort, encompassing within its circle the lake of Llyn Maelog. There has been settlement in this area since pre-historic times, to the north of the village lies the burial chamber of Ty Newydd which was found to contain pottery from the famous "Beaker people" although it is believed to pre-date those incomers too. Rhosneigr is nowadays the larger of the two settlements reflecting its coastal attractions and growth through the tourism trade. The soil is of a good quality hereabouts and was mainly used for growing cereals such as barley & oats, the port of Rhosneigr also supported many through its inshore fishing where turbot was an especially valuable target. Modern developments have come to Llanfaelog as the London to Holyhead railway line was constructed through the parish giving small stations serving Rhosneigr and Ty Croes with side of the village. Llanfaelog parish is drained by the outlet from Llyn Maelog as well as by the larger Afon Crigyll to the north, it being only a short distance to the coast. Llanfaelog is sited at around 20 metres above the sea in fairly gentle terrain where most land is below 40 metres for some considerable distance. Llanfaelog parish was fairly typically sized for the island, covering a little over 1,300 acres it would have supported a population of close to 800 parishioners. Like most of Wales Llanfaelog is not mentioned in Domesday Book which did not cover this area.

The Church

St Maelog's church sits at the heart of Llanfaelog in the northeastern quadrant of the main crossroads forming the centre of the village. Early gazetteers describe the church as an ancient edifice but sadly that church was demolished and today's church is not even the venue for these marriages as it was built in 1847. Only the Perpendicular style western doorway was rescued from the old church and reused in the new construction. The church consists oa steeply roofed nave & chancel with a western bellcote all done in the slightly earlier style of the Decorated era, perhaps reflecting the style of the predecessor. Changes were wrought as recently as the in 2000 when a lobby with a meeting room was created from the western end of the church. The church sits within the typical circular "llan" of an early Christian site of worship, the walling of roughly hewn stone blocks has its main entrance through metal gates to the south, the churchyard is open, uncluttered and with no obstacles for the photographer.