In 1870-72, John Marius Wilson's Imperial Gazetteer of England
and Wales described Bardsey Island like this: BARDSEY ISLE, an
extra-parochial island in Pwll- heli district, Carnarvon. It
lies at the NW extremity of Cardigan bay, 2½ miles S by W of
Braich-y-Pwll headland, and 15 SW of Pwllheli. The sound between
it and Braich-y-Pwll has from 15 to 25 fathoms water; but is
swept by so strong a current in spring-tides as to be called
Bardsey race. The island is nearly 2 miles long; measures ¾ of a
mile at the north end; contracts into a narrow headland on the
south, and comprises 430 acres. ... Pop., 8l. Houses, 14. It
belongs to Lord Newborough; and yields a rental of £122. Part of
it, on the north-east, is a high rugged hill, with precipitous
sea-face; but the rest is chiefly low fertile plain. A
lighthouse, built in 1821, and 108 feet high, stands on the
southern headland, and shows a fixed light, visible at the
distance of 5 miles. The islanders are employed variously in
farming and fishing; and conduct a br