Rum and Gunpowder - 21) Perfect storm

In 1850 and 1851 it would prove foolish to have built a church so close to the sea. In those years, two horrific storms would hit the area. In 1851, the chancel was destroyed with the church footings left hanging over an abyss. The graveyard was severely damaged. Much of the ground itself was washed away, exposing bodies and coffins which were washed into the sea. To this day, divers can still find some of the headstones that were washed away during those storms.

Another storm, The Great Storm of 1859 almost completed the destruction.

In late October that year the weather had been unsettled, the skies grey and brooding. Old men working at their lobster pots or fishing nets would look up at the heavens and declare that there was bad weather on the way. Then, at around midday on 25 October it began to rain, first in Pembrokeshire and Ceridigion on the west coast of Wales.

Phil Caradice.

During that storm, about one hundred and fifty ships were lost. Two vessels ran aground near Dinas Head, The Mathildis, carrying culm, a type of coal. Also, The Swansea Trader, carrying roof slates.

The churchyard was hit by three quite spectacular storms, in 1850, 1851 and by the Great Storm of 1859.

There are many reports that tell of the front of the churchyard being washed away, with coffins and bodies being washed out to sea. Some reports tell of the coffins being smashed and washed further inland. Many sailors lost their lives and were washed up all along the Welsh shore. In the 1859 storm, about one hundred and fifty ships were lost, including the steamer, The Royal Charter which was smashed by sixty foot waves.

Photo by John Tose

In parts of Wales, the 1859 storm is still referred to as The Royal Charter Storm.

The Royal Charter was a steamer, returning from Australia. Many of her passengers had struck lucky in the gold fields of Australia. She foundered near Moelfre. Locals could do nothing but watch as the vessel was smashed in the deadly storm. There are reports of passengers trying to save themselves by leaping into the ocean but being dragged to the bottom by the weight of gold stashed in their pockets.

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