Beth Whitney
Biography
I am a genealogist, based on Anglesey (known as Ynys Mon in Welsh) and qualified green badge (north Wales) tourist guide.
Anglesey has several thousand years of known history – from ancient burial chambers to churches, stately homes and harbours.
I live in Amlwch Port, which is connected to the copper trade in the 18th century. The copper was mined at Parys Mountain and transported to other destinations for smelting etc., from the harbour in Amlwch Port. The Port and harbour has an interesting history, from a ghost who haunted the mill that over looks the harbour to Cornish influence on the design, that can be seen in part of the quay’s walls.
When I’m not researching clients’ family histories and/or on tours, I volunteer for two organisations. I am a remote volunteer for the Imperial War Museum (war memorial register) and a volunteer for the Commonwealth War Grave Commission (eyes on, hands on project, looking after graves over 7 cemeteries).
I enjoy visiting churches, cemeteries and war memorials across Anglesey, Gwynedd and further afield.
Interests
Churches Chapels and Cathedrals
I have a good working knowledge on churches on Anglesey, with a growing knowledge of chuches, chapels and cathedrals in Gwynedd and Conwy.
Burial grounds can be interesting locations to visit, as they provide an insight into the local community. The inscriptions reflect the occupations, the wealth of the local community and how certain historical events affected the local population.
Family History/Ancestral Tours
I am a genealogist, specialising in North Wales (especially for Anglesey and Gwynedd). I have been working on my family history (as well as offering a professional service for clients) and have ancestral connections to Anglesey, as well as other parts of the UK.
I volunteer with the Imperial War Museum (IWM) and the Commonwealth War Grave Commission (CWGC). For the IWM, I am a remote volunteer looking for and recording war memorials. I add memorial details to the war memorial register, if they haven't been updated. For the CWGC, I look after graves across 7 cemeteries, on Anglesey.
Best of Wales - general interest tours
Come and explore beautiful Wales with me. There is a wide range of places to explore and learn about from Parys Mountain, near Amlwch, which was once the biggest exporter of copper in the world to castles and churches. We even have beaches and coves that have a lot of history. We can even visit local food and drink producers.
Castles
Come visit and explore some of King Edward I's castles with me. I am happy to guide you around Beaumaris, Caernarvon and/or Conwy Castle.
Beaumaris castle is on Anglesey and was never finished, as the money for building ran out. In Caernarvon and Conwy you can see the town walls, as well as the castle. All three were designed with the help of Master Builder James of Saint George.
Coastline
Come visit some of the coastline with me, learning about some of the history, beautiful views and some film locations. One of my favourite locations to visit is the harbour in Amlwch Port, on Anglesey, which has a strong connection with the export of copper.
Religion
I enjoy visiting churches, chapels and cathedrals. Christianity has a long history in Wales from the Celtic saints (in the 5th and 6th centuries) to now.
Copper Coal and Iron
Did you know that Parys Mountain, known as Mynydd Parys in Welsh, is near Amlwch and was the largest copper mine in the world? The copper ore was exported from the harbour in Amlwch Port.
