Mona Antiqua Restaurata

Henry Rowlands (1655-1723) was a Welsh clergyman, antiquarian, and topographer, who made significant contributions to Welsh history and antiquities. Born at Plas Gwyn, Llanedwen, Anglesey, he received a classical education, being ordained deacon in 1682 and becoming rector of Llanidan in 1696. He devoted himself to the investigation of stone circles, cromlechs, and other prehistoric remains, especially those of his native county, his hypothesis being that Anglesey was the ancient metropolitan seat of the Druids. He corresponded with Edward Lhuyd, Browne Willis, and other leading antiquaries. Besides Mona Antiqua Restaurata, his works include Treatise on Geology, Idea Agriculturæ, and Antiquitates Parochiales. He is regarded as pioneer in his field and the history of a number of places of antiquarian importance would have been unknown to us but for his writings.