A Dark Age doctor in Gwynedd

Also known as the Melus Stone, this ancient stone pillar stands in the churchyard of St Cian’s, Llangian, near Abersoch on the Llŷn Peninsula. The churchyard is unusual in being circular, an indication that the site was sacred long before the arrival of Christianity. In the 1990s radiocarbon dating of deposits found on the site indicated that a structure existed here in some form as early as AD 550, but it did not confirm that this structure was a religious building.

A Latin inscription on the stone reads ‘MELI MEDICI FILI MARTINI IACIT’, which translates as ‘Melus the Doctor, son of Martin, lies here’. This reference to a secular profession is unique in Britain. Only a handful of such references occur from this period, and all but this one are found on the mainland of Europe. The inscription is significant in providing evidence for such a profession in Gwynedd in the period following the Roman withdrawal.

• Accessible by Public Transport
• Parking
• Buggy Access
• Wheelchair Access

Entry Fees

Free Entry

Directions

By Road

Llangian is off a minor road north-west of Abersoch (A499).

By Rail

Pwllheli - 8 miles

By Bus

Bus stop at Capel Smyrna

By Bike

Near Abersoch Cycle Route

Walking

Village centre

Access Details

Melus Stone is on the right-hand side as you approach church entrance

Practical Details

Full Grid Reference: SH 295289 OS Landranger map sheet: 123

Traveline Cymru

Sustrans

Contact

Address

Llangian Stone, Llangian