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Benllech
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Benllech (Welsh: [ˈbɛnɬɛχ]) is a village on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales. It is in the community of Llanfair-Mathafarn-Eithaf,[1] which has a population of 3,382.[2] The name of Benllech village had been removed by the time of the 2011 census with the community being listed under Llanfair-Mathafarn-Eithaf with the electoral ward being listed under Llanddyfnan.[3]
Key Information
Description
[edit]The name Benllech is perhaps a mutated form of penllech, literally "head slab" or "head rock", i.e. "capstone" or "head of the rock",[4] or possibly meaning 'on slate', shortened from the Welsh term 'ar ben llech'.
Benllech is a seaside resort and beach holiday destination. The Village also has a range of businesses which include public houses and hotels, camping and caravan sites and several bed and breakfasts. The community has a primary school, Ysgol Goronwy Owen; library, doctors' surgery, chemist, several churches, hardware store, two community centres, police and fire station, tennis court and bowling green, a number of supermarkets (Spar, Cooperative and Tesco Express), restaurants and a petrol service station. Between 1909 and 1950 there was a railway station close to the village which was the terminus of the Red Wharf Bay branch line. The old station house and several railway bridges can be seen along the road approaching the village.
Situated on the outskirts of Benllech lies the Scheduled Monument Pant-Y-Saer enclosed hut group, otherwise known as "Cytiau'r Gwyddelod" (Irish Huts). The monument consists of a complex of mainly circular huts and parts of an associated substantial enclosure wall lying on a slightly elevated limestone plateau area beside an old lane running from Llanbedrgoch to Llanfair Mathafarn Eithaf, about 0.6 km S of the modern settlement of Benllech. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric/ Romano British settlements. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The structures themselves may be expected to contain archaeological information concerning chronology and building techniques. The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.

Notable residents
[edit]- William Jones (1675–1749), mathematician who was the first to use the Greek letter π for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, was born in the parish of Llanfihangel Tre'r Beirdd
- Goronwy Owen (1723–1769), poet, a native of Llanfair-Mathafarn-Eithaf; Benllech named its village hall and its primary school, Ysgol Goronwy Owen, after him.[5]
- Melville Richards (1910–1973), scholar of Welsh language and literature and Celtic studies, lived and died in Benllech
- Lemmy Kilmister (1945-2015), lead singer, bassist and guitarist of Motörhead, lived here from the age 10 to age 16.[6]
- Carwyn Ellis (born 1973), lead singer for Colorama moved about before his family settled in Benllech.
Location
[edit]Benllech is located approximately 8 miles along the A5025 coast road from both bridges which cross from the island to the mainland including via the A55 North Wales Expressway.
The nearest mainline railway station is Llanfairpwll which can be reached in under half an hour on the bus services which run through the village or under 20 minutes by car.
The city of Bangor and the town of Caernarfon are less than half an hour's drive away.
The Royal Mail postal code for the area is LL74.
Events at Benllech
[edit]In 1956, West Kirby Sailing Club and the National Firefly Association joined forces to hold one of the largest dinghy sailing championships held up to that time in England or Wales. There were 109 boats competing, with two people in each boat, which meant 218 competitors, there would have been a management team from the Wirral of at least 20 more people. Many stayed in tents and a marquee was erected in which all the competitors were entertained at night and in which they held a dinner and prizegiving on the final night.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ Ordnance Survey : Election Maps : Isle of Anglesey Retrieved 2009-08-18
- ^ Office for National Statistics : Census 2001 : Parish Headcounts : Isle of Anglesey Archived 13 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2009-08-18
- ^ "Custom report - Nomis - Official Labour Market Statistics".
- ^ BBC Wales: What's in a name?
- ^ Davies, John; Jenkins, Nigel; Menna, Baines; Lynch, Peredur I., eds. (2008). The Welsh Academy Encyclopaedia of Wales. Cardiff: University of Wales Press. p. 638. ISBN 978-0-7083-1953-6.
- ^ "Lemmy: Lead singer of the heavy metal band Motorhead". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 19 June 2011.
- ^ Firefly Championship 1956- list of competitors
External links
[edit]
Benllech travel guide from Wikivoyage- photos of Benllech and surrounding area on geograph
- Video of Benllech Past and Present by Dafydd Jones
- [1]
Benllech
View on GrokipediaGeography
Location and topography
Benllech is situated at approximately 53°19′N 4°13′W on the northeast coast of the Isle of Anglesey in Wales, facing the Irish Sea, and lies within the Lligwy electoral ward.[7][8] The village forms part of the broader Anglesey landscape, bordered by nearby settlements including Dulas to the east and Pentraeth to the south, and is encompassed by the Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which protects its coastal scenery across 221 square kilometers.[9][10] The topography of Benllech consists of a flat coastal plain characterized by Benllech Beach, a gently shelving sandy expanse roughly 1.25 kilometers long, backed by low sand dunes, coastal heath, and occasional low cliffs.[11][2] The area lies in close proximity to Red Wharf Bay, a larger sandy bay to the southeast, enhancing the region's interconnected coastal features along the Irish Sea shoreline.[9] Natural features in and around Benllech include the outlet of the Afon Goch stream, which flows into Traeth Dulas near the eastern boundary, contributing to the local estuarine environment.[12] The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path, a 124-mile route encircling the island, passes through the area, providing access to dunes, foreshores, and heathland while highlighting the varied terrain from Benllech toward adjacent bays.Climate and environment
Benllech experiences a temperate oceanic climate classified as Cfb under the Köppen system, characterized by mild, wet conditions influenced by its coastal location on the Isle of Anglesey. Average winter temperatures (December to February) range from 3°C to 7°C, while summer averages (June to August) fall between 13°C and 18°C, with rare extremes below freezing or above 22°C. Annual precipitation totals approximately 800 mm, with the majority occurring during the wetter winter months, particularly October to December, when monthly rainfall often exceeds 90 mm.[13][14] The local environment features dynamic coastal processes, including erosion risks along the shoreline, which are mitigated through sea defenses such as rock armour barriers installed to protect against wave action and sediment loss. Benllech's sand dunes support notable biodiversity, hosting species adapted to coastal habitats like sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) and various orchids, including early marsh orchids (Dactylorhiza incarnata), contributing to the ecological richness of Anglesey's dune systems. The water quality at Benllech Beach meets excellent standards under EU Bathing Water Directive assessments, with 2023 classifications confirming low levels of microbial pollution suitable for recreational use.[15][16][17][11] Conservation efforts designate nearby coastal areas, including Trwyn Dwlban, as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for their geological and biological value, encompassing limestone pavements and diverse flora that extend influence to Benllech's habitats. Climate change projections indicate rising sea levels posing threats to these low-lying coastal features, with estimates for the Isle of Anglesey suggesting an increase of 0.74 meters (70th percentile) to 1.01 meters (95th percentile) by 2100 under high-emission scenarios, potentially exacerbating erosion and habitat loss. These environmental conditions, with their mild climate and clean waters, underpin Benllech's appeal for coastal tourism.[18][19]History
Pre-20th century development
Benllech's origins trace back to prehistoric times, with evidence of early human activity in the surrounding area of Red Wharf Bay. Archaeological surveys have identified Neolithic and Bronze Age sites within 1 km, including enclosed hut circles and burial chambers such as Pant y Saer, indicating settlement and ritual practices dating to around 3500–2000 BCE.[20] These features suggest the region's suitability for early communities, supported by its coastal location and fertile soils advantageous for initial farming endeavors.[21] During the medieval period, Benllech formed part of the commote of Tindaethwy within the Kingdom of Gwynedd, serving as a free settlement comprising approximately 23 family groups by 1352, as recorded in extents of Anglesey.[20] Farming communities dominated, with land use focused on arable and pastoral agriculture, documented in 13th- and 14th-century administrative records that highlight the area's integration into Gwynedd's feudal structure.[22] A mill is noted in the 1352 records, underscoring the settlement's economic reliance on local resources.[20] By the 18th and 19th centuries, Benllech remained a primarily agricultural village within the parish of Llanfair Mathafarn Eithaf, where the greater part of the land was under cultivation.[22] Limestone quarrying supplemented agriculture, with coastal quarries near Benllech and adjacent Moelfre extracting fine marbles and building stone, employing local workers and contributing to infrastructure like roads and bridges on Anglesey.[22] The Enclosure Acts of the early 1800s influenced land use, leading to the enclosure of common lands and the erection of new farmhouses, which consolidated holdings and improved productivity.[22] The late 18th-century Welsh Methodist revival significantly impacted Benllech, fostering nonconformist communities amid the agricultural economy. Chapels emerged as key institutions, including Llanfair Baptist Chapel established in 1803 and rebuilt in 1813, Soar Independent Chapel in 1814, and Cefniwrch Calvinistic Methodist Chapel around 1820, reflecting the revival's emphasis on evangelical worship and moral reform.[22] These developments marked a shift toward organized religious life, intertwining with the village's rural fabric before the onset of modern tourism.[23]20th and 21st century growth
The arrival of the Red Wharf Bay branch line in 1909 significantly boosted tourism in Benllech by providing easier access for visitors from the mainland, transforming the village into a popular seaside destination centered on its sandy beach.[24] The line, an extension of the Anglesey Central Railway, operated until passenger services ceased in 1930 and full closure in 1950, but its early impact facilitated seasonal influxes that laid the foundation for recreational development.[25] During the interwar period, Benllech saw increased construction of bungalows and holiday homes, catering to the growing demand for affordable seaside holidays among working-class families from industrial areas like Liverpool and Manchester.[26] This bungalow boom, evident in postcards from the era, expanded residential and visitor accommodation along the bay, solidifying the village's role as a resort while the local economy began shifting away from traditional activities such as small-scale quarrying toward services. Post-World War II, Benllech experienced further expansion during the 1950s and 1970s holiday camp era, with sites like Golden Sands providing organized entertainment and chalets that attracted families seeking structured vacations. This period coincided with population growth, reaching 2,075 residents by the 2021 census, reflecting the influx of seasonal and permanent dwellers drawn by tourism opportunities.[5] The decline of local quarrying industries by the 1960s accelerated this transition to a service-based economy dominated by hospitality and leisure.[27] In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Benllech addressed environmental challenges through coastal protection measures, including a 300-meter masonry seawall maintained by the local council to safeguard the road and properties from erosion exacerbated by storms.[28] Beach improvements in the 2000s, supported by EU directives on water quality, enhanced sewage outfalls and infrastructure to meet bathing standards, boosting appeal for visitors.[11] The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted tourism, with visits to Welsh attractions dropping 60% in 2020 compared to 2019, though Benllech saw gradual recovery through domestic travel by 2023 as restrictions eased.[29]Demographics
Population trends
Benllech's population has shown gradual decline in recent decades. Census records show it stood at 2,306 in 2001, 2,236 in 2011, and 2,072 in 2021.[30] Key factors contributing to this pattern include a notable influx of retirees, comprising 45% of residents aged 65 and over in 2021, alongside seasonal swells from tourism that elevate summer numbers to approximately 5,000.[31] Compared to broader trends on the Isle of Anglesey, Benllech's built-up area maintains a higher population density of 1,671 persons per km², versus the island-wide average of 97 persons per km².[30][32]| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 2,306 |
| 2011 | 2,236 |
| 2021 | 2,072 |
