A FREE exhibition showcasing the history and restoration of one of Holyhead’s most historic landmarks will open next month.
Taking place from May 1 to May 14 at Holyhead Market Hall and Library, the exhibition will detail the history of the Grade I listed St Cybi’s Church and the adjacent Eglwys y Bedd – a Grade II listed building, both of which stand within the walls of Caer Gybi Roman Fort. Local residents will have an opportunity to learn more about the restoration work and future plans as a worship and community space. Additional visitors are expected from the six cruise ships docking in Holyhead and the artisan markets in Swift Square.
St Cybi’s Church is being renovated as part of Isle of Anglesey County Council’s town centre plans, funded by the UK Governments through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund secured in January 2023.
The restoration project features significant improvements which will preserve the church’s heritage and improve accessibility. A new ramp structure now allows full access to the church for the first time in centuries, while the original Victorian tiles will be carefully re-laid over a brand new underfloor heating system. The delicate encaustic tiles from the chancel and high altar areas have all been professionally cleaned and will be expertly reinstalled in their original positions.
The final stages of the project include furniture upgrades designed to create a more versatile worship space, including new wooden benches for worship and stackable chairs for larger community events.
Bishop of Bardsey David Morris says the exhibition will allow people to learn about “the transformation of one of Holyhead’s important landmarks.”
Bishop David said: “This restoration project honours the rich heritage of St. Cybi’s while creating a worship space that will serve the community for generations to come. For centuries, this church has been a spiritual focus for Holyhead, and these careful renovations ensure Christian worship will continue to flourish here for many more years.”
Local priest Revd Kathryn Evans says, “Ahead of St Cybi’s re-opening in July, we are delighted to be able stage an exhibition in the Library showing the work carried out on our beautiful church site – do come and see for yourselves and share our excitement.”
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
St Cybi was born in Cornwall in 480. After founding churches in Cornwall and other parts of Wales he came to Holyhead in 540. Maelgwyn Gwynedd, the Prince of Gwynedd, granted Cybi the use of the Roman Fort, and it has been a place of prayer ever since. The earliest part of the present church is the Chancel, with parts dating from the 13th century.
As with St Cybi’s Church, very little is known about the early history of Eglwys y Bedd. We know that in about 450 Seirgi, the Irish Chieftain, was buried within the walls of the Roman Fort, and on his death in 554 Saint Cybi was also buried within the walls of the fort. There was likely a shrine to Seirgi, but there is no documented reference to one. We know a shrine was erected in memory of St Cybi and his grave became a place of pilgrimage.
St Cybi’s Church is set to reopen in July 2025 following completion of the restoration work.
