Middle Mouse
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Middle Mouse (Welsh: Ynys Badrig - Patrick's island) is an uninhabited island situated 1 kilometre off the north coast of Anglesey. It is notable as the northernmost point of Wales. The island measures a maximum of 207 metres by 110 metres, with a maximum area of 3.7 acres and has a maximum altitude of 16 metres above sea level. It 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]
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]
Whether or not this is the case, the S.S. Liverpool was certainly shipwrecked near Middle Mouse.[citation needed]
In 2005, the island was put up for sale as part of a 168-acre (0.68 km²) estate.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ Llanbadrig Church, Anglesey.
- ^ Holden, Chris (2008). Underwater Guide to North Wales Vol. 2. Calgo Publications, p96-97. ISBN 978-0-9545066-1-2.
- ^ "Saint's island put up for sale", BBC News, 2005-08-11.
