Royal Charter – Commemorative Plaque for Moelfre’s Heroic Villagers

A plaque was located in the garden of Moelfre Seawatch Centre to commemorate those heroic villagers involved with saving lives during the time of the Royal Charter disaster – it is felt that those locals had not received the recognition they deserved in history.

 

More than 400 people returning from a prosperous voyage to Australia lost their lives in 1859 when their ship ran aground during a great storm on treacherous rocks just 50 yards from land.

 

The few survivors were hauled ashore by 29 villagers, including two stable boys from Southern Ireland, and Joseph Rogers a Maltese seaman, beginning the community's proud history of heroic sea rescues.

 

A Commemorative Plaque was unveiled on Friday 30th October 2015 at 2.30pm at the Seawatch Centre Moelfre – listing the names and occupation of those heroic men – sailors, fishermen, quarrymen, joiners etc.

 

John Payne Chair of Moelfre Partnership welcomed everyone to the event – locals and those present who lost family members in the tragedy.

 

Peter Garner noted it was a privilege to be invited to unveil he plaque, he referred to numerous individuals and organisations who contributed financially to this project, as well as Isle of Anglesey Charitable Trust.

 

Following the unveiling Dr Graham Loveluck blessed the site

 

It will be another notable point of interest along the Moelfre to Lligwy coastal path – adding to the Dic Evans statue, Royal Charter panels, Hindlea seat, and the Royal Charter monument.

 

Acknowledgements:
This project was funded by individuals with strong family connections to the tragedy, and local organisations following a public appeal organised by Peter and Helen Garner, including Isle of Anglesey Charitable Trust

 

Mel Parry local graphic designer who designed the plaque

 

Arwel Griffith and Gary Thomas, local contractors for their high quality work in installation of plaque and stone

 

Justin Kellett Aber Quarry Moelfre (www.angleseymasonry.co.uk) for supplying the local welsh stone for this project.

 

Old Bakery Moelfre for providing and serving the refreshments

 

RNLI for their permission in locating the plaque in the Seawatch garden

 

Moelfre Partnership members for their support and involvement in overseeing this project

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Menter Mon

 

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