Middle Mouse
Middle Mouse (Welsh: Ynys Badrig) is an uninhabited island something over half a mile off the north coast of Anglesey. It is notable as the northernmost point of the county of Anglesey and of Wales.
The island measures a maximum of 380 feet by 360 feet, with a maximum area of 3.7 acres and has a maximum altitude of 52 feet above sea level. It is one of a chain of three islands off the north of Anglesey, the others being West Mouse and East Mouse.
Local legend has it that St Patrick was shipwrecked there, giving rise to its alternative name. He then swam ashore and eventually founded the nearby church of Llanbadrig in about 440 AD, believed to be the oldest Christian site in Wales.[1] The islet's Welsh name, Ynys Badrig, means "Patrick's Island".
Middle Mouse is a favoured place for cormorants, guillemots and razorbills. For visiting scuba divers the attractions are steep underwater cliffs that drop away to 40 metres with abundant marine life. There is very little protection from the fierce tidal flow, so accurate timing for slack water is required.[2]
The SS Liverpool following a collision with a ship named 'Laplata' was shipwrecked near Middle Mouse in 1863.[3] She had on board a shipment of tin ingots.[4]
In 2005, the island was put up for sale as part of a 168-acre estate.[5]
References
- ↑ "Llanbadrig Church, Anglesey". http://www.anglesey-today.com/llanbadrig.html.
- ↑ Holden, Chris (2008). Underwater Guide to North Wales Vol. 2. Calgo Publications. pp. 96–97. ISBN 978-0-9545066-1-2.
- ↑ "UK Diving - Wrecks". http://www.ukdiving.co.uk/wrecks/wreck.php?id=313.
- ↑ "National Museum Wales". http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/800/.
- ↑ "Saint's island put up for sale". BBC News. 2005-08-11. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/4142822.stm.