The Royal Charter

Moelfre is tiny fishing village on the North East coast of Anglesey. It is home to Ann's pantry which is probably the most charming tea shop in the World. Nearby there is a stone circle and encampment that was the last stronghold of the druids in Wales.

A more peaceful and picturesque port you could not imagine, which makes the tragedy of the Royal Charter all the more horrifying.

The Royal Charter was a strong clipper ship which was making its way back from Australia in 1859. It was laden with gold miners who had struck it rich in the Australian gold rush and were making their way home. There were nearly five hundred on board, including women and children.

When the great storm struck the ship was blown mercilessly towards the rocks and by 3.00 am she was smashed helplessly against them. Nearly all were lost but some forty people were saved by luck and the efforts of villagers who formed a human chain to pull out who they could.

The bodies and the remains of bodies that could be found were laid out in the Llanallgo church while efforts were made to identify them. To this day the graveyard and the road beside are troubled with several ghosts.