Din LligwyMoelfre, Anglesey

Found on the way to the popular Lligwy beach and only a short walk from the road, it's definitely worth a little detour. A pretty walk through a field and woodland with younger children enjoying the opportunity to explore the site, and play hide and seek amongst the ruins.

The Din Lligwy settlement was occupied during the late Roman period and was probably home to a small farming community. Constructed from the local limestone, Din Lligwy is part of Cadw, the Welsh Government organisation that aims to conserve Wales's heritage. Cadw is a Welsh word meaning ‘to keep’ or ‘to protect’ and it’s hoped that it will aid the understanding of Wales’ history and promote its safeguarding. A handful of events are run at the site throughout the summer months.

Excavations that occurred between 1905-1907 uncovered hundreds of artifacts dating from the Roman period. These included pottery, coins, animal bones made into tools and musical instruments. The size and shape of the buildings vary considerably; the excavation seemed to propose the round structures were homes as smelting hearths and iron remnants were discovered in some of the rectangular buildings, suggesting these buildings were workshops used for metal workings. Other rectangular buildings are thought to have housed the villages livestock.

What sets this site apart from the majority of ancient settlements is that a great deal of it has survived the test of time with the outer wall remaining almost intact, just much reduced in height! The trees surrounding Din Lligwy are relatively new, in terms of the age of the community; meaning previously the villagers would have enjoyed uninterrupted views towards Moelfre and Lligwy bay - lucky them! A worthwhile visit for anyone looking to adventure into the past.