Tudno

Tudno refers to Saint Tudno, a Welsh saint associated with the Great Orme headland on the North Wales coast. The town of Llandudno derives its name from Tudno; in Welsh, Llandudno (Llan Tudno) means “St Tudno’s church” or “the church of Tudno” on the headland, reflecting the historical importance of the saint in the area.

Life and legacy

Local tradition places Tudno in the early medieval period, roughly around the 6th century, and links him to the establishment of a Christian community on the Great Orme. He is regarded as the patron of the parish and the church that bears his dedication. However, detailed contemporary records of Tudno’s life are scarce, and much of what is known comes from later hagiography and place-name evidence rather than verified chronicles.

St Tudno’s Church

A small historic church dedicated to Tudno stands on the Great Orme, serving as a tangible reminder of the saint’s legacy. The building is a landmark on the headland and is noted for its historical association with the area’s early Christian heritage, as well as for its views over the surrounding landscape.

Modern context

The modern town of Llandudno developed in the 19th century as a seaside resort, growing around the church and along the coastal area. The Tudno name thus preserves a link to the area’s early religious history even as Llandudno evolved into a major tourist destination in Conwy County Borough, Wales.

See also

Llandudno, Great Orme, St Tudno’s Church.