Saint Tudno is said to have been one of the seven sons of King Seithenyn,[1] whose legendary kingdom Cantref y Gwaelod in Cardigan Bay was submerged by tidal activity.

According to the theory, Tudno studied at St Dunawd's college in the monastery of Bangor Iscoed, in order to make recompense for the drunken incompetence of his father, which had led to the loss of the kingdom under the waves.

[2] Seeking a place to live out the religious life, Tudno went to the great ancient limestone outcrop of the Great Orme (Cyngreawdr), jutting from the Creuddyn Peninsula, to bring the message of Christianity to its people.

The churchyard is now closed for burials, however the adjoining Great Orme Cemetery,[6] opened in 1903 remains in use and has been extended several times.

In the early 20th century coffins (and mourners) were transported for burial via the Great Orme Tramway, for which purpose three special tramcars (numbered 1, 2, and 3) were available.