Llanddwyn Island on Anglesey is only an island at high tide. Mostly it is a narrow spit reaching out across Llanddwyn Bay to the mountains of the Welsh mainland. It is named after the early 5th century Christian mystic, Dwynwen who, unhappy in love, is said to have retreated to the island, living out her days there alone. Later she became known as the Welsh patron saint of lovers, and in medieval times pilgrims would flock to the island in hopes of divining the faithfulness of their own loves at Dwynwen’s well. In fact so much revenue was raised from the pilgrims’ quest for true love that in the 16th century a substantial chapel was built on what was believed to be Dwynwen’s own place of sanctuary. You see the chapel ruins if you go there today.
The lighthouse was built in 1845 to guide shipping entering the Menai Strait from the south. Now it serves mostly as a very striking landmark, viewed here on a blustery Christmas morning a few years ago.
Tish, a lovely silhouette and works well in monochrome.
I had a dynamic monochrome setting on my old point and shoot Lumix. I really miss it.
A remarkable image, Tish! The sun rays are well captured. Thank you for the historical information of this beautiful lighthouse.
Glad you like this, Amy. Thank you.
Dwynwen. What a lovely and no doubt very Celtic name. 🙂
Yes, very Celtic. A caressing sort of a name.
Indeed. Long blonde braids… and Celtic jewels.
Oh yes. We’re building quite a picture here…
Our ancestors my dear. 🙂
Of course!
Beautiful Tish! The contrast, the scene, the clouds, the silhouette……. everything!
So happy you like this, Hannah.
Ahh Dwynwen.. I didn’t know about her until we moved here,Tish & a relative told me about her & the day that is set aside, which celebrates the Welsh equivalent to Valentine’s day.
What a super photo!
There seem to be a host of tales about her.
And you black and white is perfect with the light rays coming from the sky!
Thank you.
A beautiful image and a fun story Tish – and on Christmas morning no less!!!
Thank you, Tina. It is an extraordinary place.
That picture should be a book cover! Sublime.
Well, thank you, Edouard. Am dead chuffed by that comment 🙂
Striking image, Tish! Now if only some tourist could have sat in profile to portray a ghostly Dwynwen!
Now that would be fun, though even without apparitions, she seems to have quite a hold on the imagination 🙂
A patron Saint of lovers who lived alone(and celibate)?
🙂
Beautiful image, though.
No accounting for humanity’s chopped logic, is there 🙂
Agreed! Now, if Casanova had lived there ….
… … …
Lovely photo Tish. Great sky!
Thanks, Jude. It was a good moment.
extraordinary image . . .hope she found happiness living alone here!
I wonder if she did – embracing faith and the elements.
Superb contrasts, interesting story.
Thank you, John.
Beautiful light and clouds in this shot, Tish. Black and white works here.
Thank you, Patti.