| AdminHistory | The foundation of the borough of Beaumaris can be traced back to the Edwardian conquest when Edward I consolidated his power over Gwynedd through the construction of a series of castles. In 1294/5 the building of Beaumaris Castle commenced to provide protection for the island of Anglesey and increase control over the Menai Straits. It was a well established pattern for a borough to be created around a fortress such as that built at Beaumaris and with the granting of the foundation charter on 15 September 1296 the borough of Beaumaris was created. The borough was governed, under the terms of the charter, by the Constable of the Castle, appointed by the Crown, who was assisted by the two bailiffs who were elected by the whole community of burgesses in the borough court. It was via the borough court that the Constable of the Castle and the bailiffs exercised their judicial, administrative and executive powers. It is believed that during the fifteenth century, the duties of the Constable were taken over by the Alderman. After 1462, the office of the Alderman was monopolised by the Bulkeley family of Baron Hill.
In the sixteenth century the burgesses petitioned the crown, requesting greater powers, and as a result a new charter was granted in 1652 under Elizabeth I.
In April 1974 the town of Beaumaris lost its borough status and was replaced by a Community Council headed by a Town Mayor. |