Middle Mouse (Welsh: Ynys Badrig - Patrick's island) is an uninhabited island situated 1 kilometre off the north coast of Anglesey. It is notable as the northernmost point of Wales. The island measures a maximum of 207 metres by 110 metres, with a maximum area of 3.7 acres and has a maximum altitude of 16 metres above sea level. It is one of a chain of three islands off the north of Anglesey, the others being West Mouse and East Mouse.
Local legend has it that St Patrick was shipwrecked there, giving rise to its alternative name. He then swam ashore and eventually founded the nearby church of Llanbadrig in about 440 AD, believed to be the oldest Christian site in Wales.
Middle Mouse is a favoured place for cormorants, guillemots and razorbills. For visiting scuba divers the attractions are steep underwater cliffs that drop away to 40 metres with abundant marine life. There is very little protection from the fierce tidal flow, so accurate timing for slack water is required.
The S.S. Liverpool following a collision with a ship named 'Laplata' was shipwrecked near Middle Mouse in 1863. She had on board a shipment of tin ingots.
In 2005, the island was put up for sale as part of a 168-acre (0.68 km2) estate.
Famous quotes containing the words middle and/or mouse:
“In the middle classes the gifted son of a family is always the poorest—usually a writer or artist with no sense for speculation—and in a family of peasants, where the average comfort is just over penury, the gifted son sinks also, and is soon a tramp on the roadside.”
—J.M. (John Millington)
“When out an old mouse bolted in the wheats
With all her young ones hanging at her teats;”
—John Clare (1793–1864)