Caer Gybi (fort)
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| Caer Gybi | |
|---|---|
| Anglesey, Wales, UK | |
 Roman Wall surrounding St Cybi's Church | |
| Location | |
  Caer Gybi Location in Anglesey | |
| Coordinates | 53°18′42″N 4°37′58″W / 53.3118°N 4.6328°W |
| Grid reference | SH247826 |
Caer Gybi was a small fortlet and naval base in Roman Wales in the Roman province of Britannia Superior built sometime in the 3rd or 4th century. It stands at the centre of Holyhead in the Welsh county of Anglesey.[1][2]
The exact date of the fort's construction is unknown, but it is believed to have been built between the late 3rd-century or early 4th-century. It is thought to have been a smaller outpost of the larger Segontium fort, which was used to defend the west coast against Irish sea-raiders. The Romans also built a watch tower, within Mynydd y Twr on the top of Holyhead Mountain, which was possibly used as the fort's look-out point.[1] Both were possibly abandoned around 393, when the troops were sent to respond to the revolt of Eugenius of Gaul.[3]
In the 6th century, King Maelgwn Gwynedd gave the old fort to Saint Cybi, who founded a monastery there.[4] The Church of St Cybi still stands on the site today, with a small detached chapel (Eglwys y Bedd) that reputedly stands over Cybi's grave.[2][5]
