Church Bay Windmill

Known as Melin Dryllia on the Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Môn) in North Wales.

Melin Dryllia Windmill is in a very elevated position looking down on Church Bay, and along with Llanrhuddlad Church (which gives the bay its’ name) would have been a positional indication for sailors.

The Mill – also known as Rhuddlad Mill – was built sometime in the early 1800s and continued working until it was destroyed by fire in 1914.

Interestingly, the first-ever Welsh Speaker of the House of Commons – Sir William Williams – was born in this parish. He held the post from 1680-1685 during the reign of Charles II. I remember photographing his father’s (Hugh Williams M.A.) monument in the old Llantrisant Church, he was a prominent man of the cloth. This family later went on to found many important dynasties in North Wales e.g. the Bodelwyddan Hall (Castle) and Wynnstay families.

On the 1881 census, the Miller was John Rowlands, aged 27 and born in this parish (Llanrhyddlad). He puts his profession as Corn Miller and Flour Dealer (although there was at least one other flour dealer in the parish). John lived at the premises which were named 1, Dryllia, with his wife, 2 daughters and 2 sons – the children being aged from seven to just one.

At 2, Dryllia is another Corn Miller – named Owen Roberts. Owen is aged 56 and was born in Bodedern. He lives at the premises with his wife and grown-up daughter. I suspect that he also may have worked at this mill.

Today, the Mill is as it would have been after the fire, but the Granary appears to have been converted to a dwelling.

O.S. Coordinates: SH305887.