The Triumphal Arch was erected to commemorate the arrival of His Majesty
George IV. On the 7th of August, 1821, His Majesty landed at Holyhead,
on his passage to Ireland; an event which forms an epoch in the history
of the Principality, and of Anglesey in particular. Upwards of six
centuries had elapsed since a British Monarch was seen in Wales; but his
Majesty’s visit was under circumstances widely different from those which
attended the visit of the first English King. This auspicious day had
been anxiously expected by the natives of Holyhead for some time
previously; and preparations for His Majesty’s reception had been made
with enthusiastic loyalty by every class of people. On the appearance of
the Royal Yacht, about half past four in the evening, a signal was made
from the top of Holyhead Mountain; but the tide being contrary, and the
wind light, the yacht and attendant squadron could not approach the bay
until 12 o’clock, when they anchored directly opposite the town, which
was immediately illuminated. On the following day, His Majesty landed on
the shores of Cambria, and was enthusiastically greeted by the cheers of
thousands. The confidence which His Majesty felt in the attachment of
the loyal and patriotic _Cambro-Britons_ is strongly evinced in the
circumstance, that this was the first time of his being abroad without a
military escort. After remaining a short time on the Pier, His Majesty
and suite proceeded in three of the Marquis of Anglesey’s carriages to
Plas Newydd. On His Majesty’s return to Holyhead, he was received at the
entrance of the town with similar attention and marks of respect as were
evinced on his landing; and he was conducted to his barge amidst the
reiterated cheers of the assembled multitude. The squadron immediately
manned their yards, royal salutes were fired, and the town was again
illuminated. Being detained in the bay by boisterous weather, the King
left the Yacht, and embarked in the Steam Packet _Lightning_, commanded
by the unfortunate Captain Skinner, (see page 21,) and proceeded to the
shores of Ireland.
As the visits of Monarchs are “few and far between,” such an event was
not to be lightly passed over. A public meeting was held on the 9th of
August, and a general subscription was resolved to be entered into, for
the purpose of erecting a Triumphal Arch, commemorative of the landing of
His Majesty. On Wednesday, the 7th of August, 1822, the foundation stone
was laid, with every circumstance that was calculated to produce an
impressive effect. On the 6th of August, 1824, this elegant monument of
loyalty was opened. It is a chaste and beautiful structure, in the Doric
style, formed of Mona marble. It consists of four handsome pillars,
twenty feet high, which are placed two on either side of a carriage-way,
fourteen feet wide. Outside of the pillars, and of the same height, are
two rectangular pillars, twelve feet by three feet six inches, leaving a
footpath on each side of the carriage-way of five feet. The whole is
surmounted with a bold and projecting cornice, and covered over by three
diminishing tiers of masonry, forming a platform. Over the carriage-way,
on either side, are empannelled inscriptions, in Welsh and Latin,
commemorative of the event.