The Belgian Promenade is so named because it was built by Belgian war refugees. More than sixty refugees, men, women and children, fleeing their German occupied home town of Mechelen arrived on Anglesey towards the end of 1914. They showed their appreciation for the help, accommodation and welcome provided by the local people by building the promenade, which was finished in 1916. The pathway follows the Menai Strait from the town of Menai Bridge to Church Island, as shown on Google Earth.
The promenade was restored in the 1960s after erosion due to storms and high tides and reopened, very fittingly, by the last remaining survivor of the original refugees. It’s a lovely walk, especially with the added attraction of Church Island.
The modern stone circle, the Gorsedd stones, commemorate the Anglesey Eisteddfod of 1965.
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Great pictures Cathy and what an interesting back story. ☺
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Thanks, Jill:-)
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Lovely story and great pictures. (I had no idea of that bit of Anglesey history,)
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Thanks, June. Neither did I!
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Fascinating bit of history about the refugees from Mechelen. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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I’m learning so much history from your blog! Thanks for sharing, Cathy!
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😀 I’m learning as I go along too. Thanks for stopping by, Barbara.
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This is an amazing story. That little house tucked against and beneath part of the bridge is amazing. I wonder if it’s ever been drenched top to bottom during a storm. Gorgeous pictures. Lovely and interesting post. Thank you for sharing, Cathy.
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You’re welcome, Tess. The house is the one I posted about a little while ago that was used as a fish trap but seen from a different angle. It looks completely different seen from ground level.
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I thought that house looked familiar! That’s a fantastic shot. Love the the Gorsedd stones, too.
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Well spotted! Thanks, Sarah 🙂
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A beautiful story and photographs and a lovely walk it looks too :o)
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Thank you, it is a lovely story. I’m so glad the Belgian people found refuge…and glad they built the promenade too 🙂
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Gorgeous photos, Cathy. I would just love to revisit Wales. So many good memories and you remind me of them here. What a wonderful bridge the Menai is and a lovely story about the Belgian refugees!
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Thanks, Val 🙂 I love the story and so poignant that the last refugee reopened the promenade.
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Lovely story and beautiful photos, Cathy. I love these bits of history you share.
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Ah, tanks Michelle. I’m enjoying learning as I go along 🙂
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