Beaumaris
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Population | < 2,040[1] |
OS grid reference | SH605765 |
Principal area | |
Ceremonial county | |
Country | Wales |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | BEAUMARIS |
Postcode district | LL58 |
Dialling code | +01248 |
Police | North Wales |
Fire | North Wales |
Ambulance | Welsh |
UK Parliament | |
Welsh Assembly |
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Beaumaris (French: beau marais, Literal translation: beautiful marsh) is a small town on the island of Anglesey of the Menai Strait.
The town itself began in 1295 when Edward I of England started to build Beaumaris Castle. This was one of several castle along the North Wales coast - others include Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech . Many of the builders of the castle were from France.
The castle was built on a marsh by the village of Llanfaes. The French builders called the marsh beaux marais which means "beautiful marsh". This is how the town got its name. The people who lived village in Llanfaes were removed to a new village in the west of Anglesey to make way for the castle. This village was called Newborough and it still exists today.
Notable buildings in the town include the castle, a courthouse built in 1614, St Mary's parish church, and the town gaol.
Beaumaris has a pier which was opened in 1846. The pier was enlarged to 570 feet after storm damage in 1872. Beaumaris Pier is still a busy base for yachts and other boats.