St Cybi established a monastic settlement within the walls of the old Roman fort in the 6th century – at the same time that St Seiriol established his monastery at Penmon. St Cybi’s church was sacked in the 10th century by Viking raiders. Newly built portions in the 13th century were looted in the 15th centruy by English troops after which the current church was built – only to be vandalisede by Cromwell’s men in the 17th century. Despite its ravaging, it would still have exhibited much of historic interest and beauty when Beatrice visited it in 1889 and sat inside painting this detail of the porch. However, she would not have seen the new chapel which was to be built within the next ten years – described as a stunning example of late Victorian architecture
combining Pre-Raphaelite art, Victorian Gothic and Art Nouveau
styles.