Open Doors Event Denbighshire September 2014
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Open Doors Event
A CELEBRATION OF ARCHITECTURE AND HISTORY
Denbighshire
September 2014
Corwen
September 6 & 7
Llangollen
September 13 & 14
St Asaph
September 13 & 14
Bodelwyddan
‘St Peters Church, Ruthin’ kindly donated by designer Sandra Wedd
September 13 & 14
Denbigh
September 20 & 21
Rhuddlan
September 27 & 28
Ruthin
September 27 & 28
Contents Welcome to Open Doors Denbighshire 2014 4 Around the County 9 Corwen Area 10 Bodelwyddan, St Asaph and Trefnant 12 Rhuddlan 14 Introduction and map of Llangollen 16 Where to Visit 18 Walks, tours, events & exhibitions 22 Introduction and map of Denbigh 24 Where to Visit 26 Walks, tours, events & exhibitions 32 Introduction and map of Ruthin 34 Where to Visit 36 Walks, tours, events & exhibitions 44 This event is organised as part of wider European Heritage Event. Open Doors is supported by Cadw – Welsh Historic Monuments. Local events are organised by Denbigh and District Civic Society, Llangollen Civic Society, Ruthin and District Civic Association and Denbighshire County Council. Published in August 2014. Not to be reproduced in part or in whole in any form without written permission of the organisers. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy within this guide, the organisers accept no responsibility for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions which may appear or their consequences. Designed by GreyPixel from artwork supplied by Worldspan Creative and produced by Coya Marketing Images from original linoprint series “Denbigh Doors” and “Ruthin Doors” by Sandra Webb. Some of the photography in this guidebook is courtesy of David Woodfall (www.woodfall.com), Kevin Richardson, Cadw (Crown Copyright), SBa, Heather Williams, Paul Parker and other contributors.
Welcome
A warm welcome to Open Doors
Denbighshire 2014. This event is
now one of the largest and most
successful of its type in Wales.
This year you can visit over 60 buildings
spanning six centuries; many of which would
not normally be open to the public – or
not open free of charge. They are sure to
capture your interest, both architecturally
and historically, and give you a unique insight
into the way some of our major towns have
developed over the generations.
Denbigh and District Civic Society, Llangollen
Civic Society, Ruthin and District Civic
Association and Denbighshire County
Council would like to thank all the owners of
the properties, the volunteer stewards, and
others who help to make these weekends a
success. We would also like to thank the sites
in Bodelwyddan, St Asaph and Rhuddlan for
taking part again.
4
Make the most of your visit
This guide book is divided into four main sections
featuring the buildings, activities and events for each
weekend. You will find street maps to help you find your
way around Llangollen, Denbigh and Ruthin. There is also
a map of Denbighshire to help you locate the towns.
Access issues have been listed where possible.
Look out for the banners headed “Open Doors” directing
you to sites of interest. Opening times of buildings may
vary, so please check times when planning your visit.
Pre-booking may be needed on many walks and tours, so
it is advisable to book early! You’ll find the details in the
relevant section of this guide book.
Your main points for information during the weekends
will be at Llangollen Tourist Information Centre, Denbigh
Library and Ruthin Library.
For up to the minute information
visit our website at
www.opendoorsdenbighshire.org.uk
5
At a Glance
Corwen 5 Plas Newydd 19
10.00am - 5pm
September 6 & 7
6 Llantysilio Church 20
10.30am-4pm
Event Page
7 Valle Crucis Abbey 20
1 Rug Chapel 10 10am-5pm
10.00am-5.00 pm
8 Gales Hotel 20
2 Llangar Old Parish Church 10 Saturday only
12.30pm - 2.30pm 9 Glanrafon Evangelical 21
3 St Elidan’s Church 11 Church
10.00 - 5.00pm 10.30am – 3.30pm Saturday and
12.30pm - 4.30pm Sunday
10 Memorial Hall 21
10.30am - 4.30pm Saturday and
Bodelwyddan, 1.00pm - 4.30pm Sunday
11 English Methodist Church 21
St Asaph & Trefnant 1.00pm-4.00pm
September 13 & 14 12 Seion Welsh Methodist 21
Church
1.30pm-4.00pm Saturday Only
Event Page
1 Bodelwyddan Castle 12
10.30 – 5.00pm
2 St Margaret’s Church
10.00 – 4.30pm
12 Denbigh
September 20 & 21
3 St Asaph Cathedral 13
10.00 am-6pm Saturday and
10.00am-4.30pm Sunday
Event Page
1 Denbigh Library 26
4 Dolbelydr, Trefnant 13 9.30am-4.00pm
10.00am to 4.00pm Fri 12th -Mon 15th
10.00- 1.00pm Tuesday 16th 2 Denbigh Castle 26
11am-4pm
3 Burgess Gate 26
10.00am-5.00pm
Llangollen 4 Leicester’s Church 27
September 13 & 14 10.00am-5.00pm
5 Castle House 27
Event Page 1.00pm-5.00pm
1 Y Capel 18 6 Denbigh Town Walls 27
9.30am-5.00pm 11.00am-4.00pm
2 St Collen’s Church 18 7 Bryn Y Parc 28
10.00am-4.00pm Saturday 10am-4.00pm
1.00pm-4.00pm Sunday 8 Dr Evan Pierce Memorial 28
3 Holy Cross Church 19 Garden
10.30am-4pm 10.00am-5.00pm
4 The Old Lock Up 19 9 St Mary’s Church 28
12.00noon -4pm 10.00am-6.00pm
6
10 St Marcella’s Church 29 11 English Presbyterian 39
10.00am-5.00pm Church
11 Denbigh Friary 29 Saturday 11am-4.00pm and
10.00am-4.00pm Sunday 11.30am-4.00pm
12 St Thomas’s Presbyterian 29 12 St Mary & Mwrog’s Church, 39
Church Llanfwrog
Saturday 10.00am-4.30pm and Saturday 10am-4.00pm and
Sunday 2.00pm-4.30pm Sunday 2pm-4pm
13 Theatr Twm o’r Nant 30 13 St Meugan’s Church, 40
Saturday 10.00am-4.00pm and Llanrhydd
Sunday 10.00am-4.00pm 1pm-4.00 pm
14 Denbigh Museum 30 14 St Michael and All Angels 40
10.00am-6.00pm Parish Church, Efenechtyd
9.30am - 5.00pm
15 Guildhall Tavern 30
10.00am-6.00pm 15 Rose Cottage 40
11.00am–3.00pm
16 Wireless in Wales Radio 31
Museum 16 The Picture House Antiques 41
11.00am- 4.00pm 10.30am–4.00pm
17 Hwb Dinbych 31 17 Porth y Dwr 41
Saturday 10.00am to 2.00pm and 10am-4pm
Sunday 11.30am- 2.00pm 18 The Star 41
12.00 noon to 6.00pm
19 Myddelton Grill 41
Saturday only 11.00am to 6.00pm
Ruthin 20 Wayfarer Wool Shop 42
Saturday only 10.00am to 5.00pm
September 27 & 28
21 Ty Celf 42
11.00am-3.00pm
Event Page 22 Hengoed 42
Can only be viewed on Saturday
1 Ruthin Library 36
9.30am-4.30pm 23 Woodlands Hall 43
11.00am-6.00pm
2 Ruthin Castle 36
10.30am-4.00pm 24 Llanbedr Village Hall 43
10.00am-3.00pm
3 Nantclwyd y Dre 36
10.30am-5.00pm
4 The Old Courthouse 37
Saturday only 9.00am-12.30pm
Rhuddlan
5 Ruthin Gaol/Archives 37
10am-5.00pm September 27 & 28
6 Ruthin Craft Centre 37
10am-5.30pm Event Page
7 St Peter’s Church and 38 1 Rhuddlan Castle 14
Precinct 10.00am to 4.00pm
10.30am- 4.30pm
2 St. Mary’s Church, Rhuddlan 14
8 Capel Pendref 38 10.00am to 4.00pm Saturday and
Saturday 11am-4pm and 11.00- 4.00pm Sunday
Sunday 2.00pm-4.00pm
9 Capel y Tabernacl 38
Saturday 11am-3pm and
Sunday 1.30pm-4.00pm For up to the minute information
10 Capel Bathafarn 39 visit our website at
11am-4pm www.opendoorsdenbighshire.org.uk
7
Map
2
1
2
1
3
4
3
1
2
8
Around the County
Corwen area
6 & 7 September
1 Rug Chapel
2 Llangar Church
3 St Elidan’s Church, Llanelidan
Bodelwyddan, St Asaph and Trefnant
13 & 14 September
1 Bodelwyddan Castle
2 St Margaret’s Church, Bodelwyddan
3 St Asaph Cathedral
4 Dolbelydr, nr Trefnant
Rhuddlan
27 & 28 September
1 Rhuddlan Castle
2 St Mary’s Church, Rhuddlan
9
Corwen Area
Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September
Where to Visit
1 Rug Chapel, near Corwen
NGR SJ065439
Step inside 17th-century Rug Chapel and prepare to
be wowed by its decorative flourishes. If you’re a fan
of minimalism, you may want to take a deep breath
before entering. Its founder, the arch-Royalist Colonel
William Salesbury, created a private chapel complete
with high church pretensions and a zany style to counter
puritanical notions of the time. You can never have
enough wood carvings or rose motifs, whether it was on
the altar rails, family pews, painted gallery or bench ends.
It certainly grabbed the attention of Sir Edwin Lutyens.
10.00am-5.00 pm
Access restricted
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
2 Llangar Old Parish
Church, near Corwen
NGR SJ063424
Llangar Old Parish Church, is a few centuries
older in construction than nearby Rug Chapel.
Its whitewashed appearance hides wonders
within. Inside, the 15th-century wall paintings
still survive, thanks in part to the church making
way for a new place of worship in Cynwyd in
the 1850s.
12.30pm - 2.30pm
Access restricted
10Around the County
Walks, tours, events
and exhibitions
Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September
1 Rug Chapel, Corwen
Tour - Join a tour of this church with our guide.
Find out more about its architecture, wall painting and
carvings
Time: 11.00am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm.
Booking: not required.
Access: limited access.
3 St. Elidan’s Church, Llanelidan
3 St Elidan’s Church,
Llanelidan Saturday
NGR SJ109 505 Workshop and talk on medieval music and
instruments by the ‘York Waits’. The York Waits play a
The church of St. Elidan is an historic building huge selection of traditional medieval instruments.
residing in the picturesque village of Llanelidan. Time: 3.30pm - 4.30pm Tickets £3 or £2 for under 16s.
The building itself is full of historic artefacts Concert The White Rose and the Red - Music from the
and the graveyard also contains the resting Age of Richard III performed on period instruments by
place of Coch Bach Y Bala, an infamous rogue, The York Waits, with singer Deborah Catterall
who was shot on the outskirts of Llanelidan, Time: 7.30pm 2 x 45 minute halves, with a 20 minute
interval.
A display comprising of Sacred Doors and
fascinating historical information about Coch Booking: Tickets for both events will be for sale on the
door, but advanced purchase is recommended. Tickets
Bach Y Bala will also be displayed in the church.
£12, or £10 for under 16s . Telephone 01824 750288 to
10.00 - 5.00pm. reserve tickets.
Access: restricted access
Access to church includes descent of
steps, although access into vestry room
is possible without steps. Access around Sunday
churchyard on tarmac paths ‘Opening’ of Sacred Doorways project:
interpretation of the church history.
Medieval fair with traditional craft stalls, traditional
costume makers, and other appropriate entertainments
and a Medieval pilgrim
Time: 12.00 Noon until 5pm
Access: restricted access
11Bodelwyddan, St Asaph and Trefnant
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September
Where to Visit
1 Bodelwyddan Castle, Bodelwyddan
Grade II* Listed Building
2 St Margaret’s
Church
NGR SJ008 751 The Village, Bodelwyddan,
Grade II* Listed Building
Earliest records for the house date from 1460. In1690, it was
NGR SJ003 754
bought by Sir William Williams, a Barrister, Recorder of the City
of Chester, Speaker of the House of Commons from 1680-81 Known as the “Marble Church” due
and Solicitor General to KingJames II. His descendents stayed to the variety of marble used in its
until 1920. The house was remodelled in the gothic revival style interior construction, it took just over
four years to build at a cost of £60,000.
by architects Hansom and Welch in the 1820s. During the First
Commissioned by Lady Margaret
World War, the house was used as a recuperation hospital. From
Willoughby de Broke in memory of her
1920 to 1982, it was home to Lowther College, a girls’ school.
husband, the church is built mainly of
Bodelwyddan Castle was subsequently acquired by Clwyd County native limestone, quarried and dressed
Council, refurbished and opened to the public as long-term by men recruited from North Wales.
partner of the National Portrait Gallery in 1988. The church is in the decorated gothic
style. It consists of chancel, nave, north
10.30 – 5.00pm (last admission 4.30) Saturday and Sunday.
and south aisles and a small octagonal
Guides will be available to answer questions.
vestry at the angle of the chancel and
Access: All areas of the ground floor are wheelchair north aisle. It was designed by architect
accessible and the first floor has lift access. Stairs only John Gibson who regarded it as his
to second floor. Some areas of the grounds, including the principal work.
gardens, have good paths. The First World War practice
10.00 – 4.30pm Saturday and
trenches not wheelchair accessible
Sunday. Service at 11.00am Sunday
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’ Fully accessible
12Around the County
3 St Asaph Cathedral
High Street, St Asaph
NGR SJ038 743
The site of this medieval Cathedral has been used as a place of worship
since AD 560 when St Kentigern established a monastic community
here. Burnt and desecrated at least three times, the present building is a
mixture of architecture dating from 13th and 14th centuries and restored
in the 19th century by Sir Gilbert Scott. The magnificent stained glass
windows and the provocative sculpture ‘The Naked Christ’ are two of the
Cathedral’s many notable features. The greatest treasure on display is the
original 1588 bible that Bishop William Morgan translated into Welsh. The
Cathedral choirs have a superb reputation for excellence in choral music
and have appeared on BBC TV and radio and have recorded a CD.
10.00 am-6pm Saturday and 10.00am-4.30pm Sunday. Sunday Services11am Choral Eucharist
3.30pm Choral Evensong. Self guided tours using information leaflets
Fully accessible, ramps available for less accessible areas.
4 Dolbelydr,
Trefnant
Grade II* Listed Building
Walks, tours,
NGR SJ031709 events and
A fine example of a 16th exhibitions
century stone-built gentry
house which has survived Saturday 13th Only
remarkably unaltered. This
was where Henry Salesbury Bodelwyddan Castle,
(1561-1605), physician and
1 Bodelwyddan
humanist scholar, wrote
his Grammatica Britannica, Tour - Trench Warfare in the First
published in 1593. Originally World War’ – a talk and tour with
Dolbelydr would have been a house of considerable status, built Dr Kevin Mason in the Sculpture Gallery
of well-dressed limestone with tall chimneys. It declined in status Time: 11.00am Saturday only
through the years and underwent various alterations. It stood
empty from around 1912. It has been beautifully restored by the Booking: Tickets for talk are limited
Landmark Trust who offer accommodation for holiday makers at and are bookable on the day on a first
the house. come first served basis, available from
the Box Office and Front Door
10.00am to 4.00pm Friday 12th to Monday 15th, 10.00-
1.00pm Tuesday 16th Access: restricted access.
Restricted accessibility
13Rhuddlan
Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September
Where to Visit
1 Rhuddlan Castle
Castle Street, Grade I Listed Building
NGR SJ 024 779
Begun in 1277 and completed in 1282, this was the
second of King Edward I’s great Welsh fortifications. A
protected river dock forms one side of the defences
of this concentrically planned castle, dominated by a
distinctive diamond-shaped inner ward. Much of the
work was overseen by master mason James of St George
and was built concurrently with Flint Castle. During the
fortification’s lengthy construction, the River Clwyd was
straightened and dredged to allow ships to sail inland along a manmade channel. This allowed provisions and
troops to reach the castle even if hostile forces or a siege prevented overland travel.
10.00am to 4.00pm. Accessible
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
2 St. Mary’s Church,
Rhuddlan
NGR SJO21782
The original part of St. Mary’s, now the South Nave, was
built in 1301. In the 15th century a second nave was
added giving it the appearance of a typical “Clwydian” or
double-naved church. A tower was built later in the same
century. In 1868-70, the church was restored by George
Gilbert Scott, including construction of a North Porch.
The interior of the church features remains from the Dominican Priory of Rhuddlan and unique seventeenth
century wall inscriptions of Biblical texts. In 2001 St. Mary’s celebrated its 700th anniversary which is marked
by a stained-glass window depicting the Castle, Church, and River Clwyd.
10.00am to 4.00pm Saturday and 11.00- 4.00pm Sunday
Steps in church but ramps available. Uneven path to church
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
14Around the County
Walks, tours,
events and
exhibitions
Saturday 27 and
Sunday 28 September
1 Rhuddlan Castle
Saturday only
Tour - Join a tour of the castle with
our expert guide. Find out more
about the fascinating history and
archaeology of the site and take a
walk around to appreciate its strategic
location and setting.
Time: 11.00am, 1.00pm & 3.00pm
Saturday only
Booking: no booking required
Access: Accessible
St. Mary’s Church,
2 Rhuddlan
Saturday
Craft and Artisans’ Fair
Sunday
Spinning and felt making
demonstrations
Saturday and Sunday
Exhibitions - maps, photos and slide
show of old Rhuddlan, display of old
farming implements and machinery
and a display of craft work.
Light refreshments will be available
throughout the weekend
Rhuddlan Castle
156&7
11 9
1 8
10
3
12 2
4
5
1 Y Capel/Library 7 Valle Crucis
2 St Collen’ Church 8 Gales Hotel
3 Holy Cross Church 9 Glanrafon Evangelical Church
4 The Old Lock Up 10 Memorial Hall
5 Plas Newydd 11 English Methodist Church
6 Llantysilio Church 12 Seion Welsh Methodist Chapel
16Llangollen
Llangollen derives its name from St Collen who established a church
enclosure or “Llan” in the 7th century. This is now the site of St Collen’s
Church and churchyard. In the 9th century Cyngen, Prince of Powys, erected
a pillar as a memorial to his great-grandfather Eliseg who had withstood the
invasion of the Anglo-Saxons in the previous century. Valle Crucis Abbey
was founded by the Cistercians in 1200, and they were responsible for
many agricultural improvements. The original Corn Mill (rebuilt 1786) was
established under their patronage.
Castell Dinas Brân was built by Gruffydd ap Madoc, Prince of Powys Fadog, around 1260
but was destroyed shortly after in 1277 before it could be used by the invading English.
The bridge, reputedly the first stone bridge over the Dee, was considered one of the seven
‘wonders of Wales’ and was built by Bishop John Trevor of Trevor Hall in 1345.
Before the 19th century Llangollen was a small market town centred around the church
and the bridge. Today it is known mainly for its International Eisteddfod and the “Ladies
of Llangollen”, and their home, Plas Newydd. More recent buildings of interest are the
Museum, originally built in the 1970s to house the Library, and the Royal International
Pavilion in 1992 to provide a permanent replacement for the previous canvas marquee.
Llantysilio Church Seion Welsh Methodist Chapel
17Llangollen Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September
PLEASE NOTE
ETAPE CYMRU 2014
CYCLING EVENT
Some roads may be
closed in the area
1 Y Capel (TIC/Library)
Castle Street, Grade II Listed Building | NGR SJ214420
Main information point on the day – a good place to start.
The Chapel was built for Welsh Baptists in the 1860s and was designed to hold
a congregation of 400. Built in a Romanesque style, it has a two storey front
of brick with stone dressings. There are three arches on pilasters beneath a
pediment. The chapel closed in 1982. It was acquired by the County Council
and converted for use by the European Centre for Trade and Regional Culture
(ECTARC). In 2004 the upper floor became the Library, with the Tourist Office
on the ground floor. Original internal features can still be seen in the library, such
as the three large roses featured in the arched ceiling, and the windows.
9.30am-5.00pm. Tourist Information services will be available
throughout the weekend.
Library services Saturday 9.30am -12.30pm. Fully accessible.
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
2 St Collen’s Church
Church Street, Grade I Listed Building | NGR SJ216419
The Church was founded by the Welsh Saint Collen in the 6th or 7th
Century. The present building dates mainly from the 13th century,
when it was a typical North Wales two-nave church. In the 1860s the
church was extended with a south nave and a chancel to the east.
The most remarkable feature of the church is the oak hammer beam
roof of the central nave, with its canopy of honour. An earlier roof was
destroyed in a fire on St Collen’s day (May 21st), circa 1522.
10.00am-4.00pm Saturday and 1.00pm-4.00pm Sunday.
Services 8am & 11am Sunday morning. Fully accessible.
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
18Where to Visit
3 Holy Cross Church
Oak Street | NGR SJ215420
This is the first purpose built Catholic Church in Llangollen. From 1895 the
building on this site was R Evans and son ironmongers. It was rebuilt after a
fire in 1908, and finally closed down in 1958, by which time it was known as
Zan Ironmongers. It was bought by Catholic ecclesiastical authorities and with
voluntary labour it was converted over a period of three years to its new purpose. Where possible it used local materials;
more than 2,000 bricks were brought from a disused works at Acrefair, and 2,000 slates came from Rhostyllen. The Altar
table was cut out of stone taken from the quarry at Cefn. The church was opened in 1961 by Bishop Petit of Menevia.
10.30am-4pm. Fully accessible | Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
4 The Old Lock Up
Victoria Square/Berwyn Street, LL20 8ET | Grade II listed building |
NGR SJ215419
Originally built in 1834 as a Lock-Up, Magistrates Room and Committee Room,
this building was considerably altered and extended in 1879 to create a Drill
Hall and Armoury. Currently creating an experience of early Victorian Police
Station with information about policing in North Wales and Denbighshire and local crimes of the period, and in one cell,
a mannequin of one prisoner held in Lock up in Llangollen in 1860, with the story of his arrest, and eventual acquittal in
Ruthin Quarter Sessions, January 1861.
Old Town Hall (used as Magistrate’s court for Petty Sessions) in process of being restored, unlikely to be viewable by
September 2014. But people are welcome to view the architect’s plans and see the space (building works permitting)
12.00noon - 4.00pm. 4.00pm - 4.30pm - Owner, Sue Hargreaves, available so an opportunity to ask
questions | Access: low step (2 inches) - accessible for standard wheelchairs
5 Plas Newydd
Hill Street, Grade II* Listed Building | NGR SJ218417
Originally a small three-bay cottage called Pen-y-Maes, it was occupied by Lady
Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, “The Ladies of Llangollen”, from 1780 to
1831. The story of their flight from Ireland captured the imagination of Regency
Society. Many influential people of the day, such as the Duke of Wellington, used
to visit them. The interior is elaborately decorated with carved oak panels and
stained glass windows. The Ladies added Gothic embellishments to the exterior,
and the current black and white timbering was a later modification.
10.00am - 5.00pm (last admission 4.00pm) Free entry to gardens and Y
Caban (in grounds) only. Visitors will be charged an entry fee to house,
except for pre-booked house talk. Accessible to ground floor only.
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
19Llangollen Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September
PLEASE NOTE - ETAPE CYMRU 2014 CYCLING EVENT Some roads may be closed in the area
6 Llantysilio Church
Llantysilio, Grade II* Listed Building | NGR SJ194435
Dedicated to St Tysilio (ca 548-640), the present structure dates from 1180.
It consists of a nave and chancel, with a north chapel erected in 1718 to
accommodate the congregation which formerly had used Valle Crucis. The church
was restored and the chapel enlarged in 1869. The font, lectern eagle and the oak
panelling above the sanctuary are 14th century. The glass in the narrow window is
from about 1460, and the west window is of pre-Raphaelite style. Robert Browning
worshipped here for 10 weeks in 1866, commemorated by a tablet near the pulpit.
10.30-4pm. Sunday Service 9.30am | Access: Two shallow steps at the
top of a sloping path to the church, accessible via rear access.
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
7 Valle Crucis Abbey
Scheduled Monument | NGR SJ204441
Valle Crucis Abbey was founded in 1200 by Cistercians under the
auspices of Madoc ap Gruffydd Maelor, the prince of Powys. The
name was derived from the valley of the cross of Eliseg’s Pillar. The
Abbey was built in several stages, with two fires destroying much of
the earlier works. The earliest parts of the structure, the lower parts of
the sacristy, and west and south building were constructed of coarse
local shale and slate. Later parts used Cefn Sandstone, the upper west
gable dating from the early 14th century.
10am-5pm, last admission 4.30pm. The Abbey will be open to
casual visitors | Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
8 Gales Hotel (shop not wine bar)
16 Bridge Street, Llangollen | NGR SJ215420
Grade II Listed Building dated 1754 . Building that houses the wine shop was The
Butchers Arms. 18 Bridge Street was the Lion Inn, a coaching inn. Eventually in the
19th Century after the new road A5 built by Thomas Telford diverted traffic away
from Bridge Street the Lion Inn became an ironmonger’s shop.
10am - 2pm. Saturday only.
Owner Richard Gale will be available to talk about the building.
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
20Where to Visit
9 Glanrafon Evangelical Church
Princess Street, Llangollen | NGR SJ214422
Built as a Congregational Chapel in 1903 to the design of Owen Morris Roberts
of Porthmadog. In 1904/5 there was a Revival in Wales and all places of worship
saw a growth in membership. The church closed in the late 1970s and was
bought by the Evangelical Church in 1981. Glanrafon means ‘beside the river’
10.30am – 3.30pm Saturday and 12.30pm - 4.30pm Sunday | Access: wheelchair access via Princess Street
10 Memorial Hall
Market Street, Llangollen | NGR SJ214420
Originally the built as the Methodist Church for the English speaking
community. The foundation stone was laid in 1862 and the church opened
in 1863. When the new church was built in 1904 the building became a
memorial hall with stained glass commemorating prominent members of the
congregation. It is now run as a community facility.
10.30am - 4.30pm Saturday and 1.00pm - 4.30pm Sunday | Access: fully accessible
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
11 English Methodist Church
Princes Street, Llangollen | NGR SJ213422
Built in 1903, also to the design of W.J.Morley and Son, the same firm used by the
Welsh-speaking Wesleyan Methodists for their chapel. The site was a gift from a
retired superintendent minister, the Rev. Sewell Haworth who paid for the three
stained glass windows by Thomas William Camm of Smethwick. This building,
which is clearly designed to look more like a church than a traditional chapel,
shows very strong Gothic influence in its details and its tall spire.
1.00pm - 4.00pm Saturday and Sunday
12 Sa Seion Welsh Methodist Church
Berwyn Street, Llangollen | NGR SJ21419
The chapel is built of Ruabon brick in 1903 in the Gothic revival style. It was
designed by W J Morley and Son, the same Bradford firm that built the English
Methodist Church. It has a traditional chapel interior with a gallery on three sides.
Originally there were schoolrooms and a caretaker’s house adjacent to the chapel
on Castle Street
1.30pm - 4.00pm Saturday | Access: gallery not accessible
21Walks, tours, events and exhibitions
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September
1 Sa 5 Sa Su 8 Sa
Y Capel Y Caban Gales Hotel
Introductory family history sessions Plas Newydd (Shop not wine bar)
Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm Saturday Cabinets of Curiousity 10.00am to 2.00pm.
Booking: Not required. Time: 10am-5pm Owner Richard Gale will be
(last admission is 4.15) available to talk about the
Access: fully accessible
Booking: not required building.
Assistance on how to trace family history
with ‘Ancestry Library’ and ‘Find My Past’ Performance: George
5 Su Borrow and Friends – Tales
for 4 voices. Conference
2 Sa Su Plas Newydd Garden room above shop.
St Collen’s Church Talk by Gill Thomas from Hanes- Time: 11.00am and
Llangollen-History 3.00pm Saturday .
Tour - Guided tours of church
Time: 2.00pm Sunday only. Booking: pre-booking
Time: 10.30am, 2.30pm on Saturday;
Booking: pre-booking required required.
3.00pm on Sunday
A printed guide showing a plan of Access: stairs to
Booking: not required.
the garden with information on the conference room
Access: fully accessible
various points of interest will also be
provided by Hanes-Llangollen-History 10 Sa Su
3 Sa Su to all visitors during the weekend.
Memorial Hall
Eglwys-y-Groes Exhibition
Holy Cross Church
6 Sa Su
History of some old
Exhibition - history of the Catholic Llantysilio Church Llangollen buildings
Church in Llangollen. Exhibition - history and planned Time: 10.30am - 4.00pm
Time: 10.30am-4.00pm. restoration of the Chain Bridge Sat, 1.00pm - 4.00pm Sun
Access: fully accessible. Time: 10.30am-4pm. Access: fully accessible
Access: Two shallow steps at the
5 Sa Su top of a sloping path to the church,
accessible via rear access
Plas Newydd
History Talk - about the carvings, the
7 Sa Su
history of the Ladies of Llangollen and
Plas Newydd since the time of the Ladies Valle Crucis Abbey
Time: 11.00am Saturday and Sunday. Tours given by the custodian.
Talk lasts about one hour.
Time: 11.00am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm
Booking: pre-booking required. both days.
Access: accessible to ground floor Booking: not required.
Casual visitors will be charged an entry Access: accessible to ground floor
fee.
221 Venue Number Sa Su Saturday and Sunday Sa Saturday Only Su Sunday Only
13 Sa Su 14 Su 17 Sa Su
Llangollen Llangollen Town World Heritage
Museum Silver Band Site Canal
Parade Street, Llangollen Concert in Castle Street Walk led by Mel Lawrence - a 3
NGR SJ214420 Time: 3.00pm Sunday mile walk from the Horseshoe
Exhibition - Story of Valle The band, which has a membership in Falls to the Wharf, highlighting
Crucis Abbey and Eliseg’s excess of 70 adults and younger people, the history of the canal and
Pillar, featuring a new display has entertained Llangollen and district for associated buildings
of artefacts on loan from more than 100 years. Meet at Llantysilio car park NGR
the National Museum of SJ319343
Wales Time: 10.30am both days.
15 Sa Su
Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm Booking: not required
Access: demonstration and Llangollen Steam Step steps from the car park
exhibition fully accessible on Railway Engineering down to the canal, otherwise flat.
ground floor. Works If steps a problem the walk can
Tour of works by Bob Jaques be joined at the Horseshoe Falls
Children’s Trail Meet at works entrance on Abbey Road
Find the monk. Start/ adjacent to St. John’s Church. 18 Sa
collection point from Time: 11am and 2pm both days.
Museum Booking: pre-booking required (max 15) Dinas Bran School
The House of the Black Access: accessible except for machine Memory Lane Tours
Star Medieval re-enactors - shop Tours and history exhibition
in museum car park 11am Time: 10.00am - 2.00pm
Since the reopening of the Llangollen
- 4pm
Railway in 1975 the organisation has Booking: prebooking required -
Demonstrations
built up a fully functioning Engineering School office - 01978 860669
Saturday only - different
Workshop. The engineering base now
methods of spinning
handles all the diverse areas of the
restoration of locomotives, including
14 Sa Su contracts for other heritage railways. It
Llangollen Town
also operates a successful scheme for To book any
apprentices in this specialised area.
Silver Band of the walks or
Bandroom
Parade Street, Llangollen
16 Sa Su tours, please
NGR SJ214420 Architectural tour of call TIC
Exhibition - New Built Llangollen
Bandroom 2012, with Guided walking tour led by architect Carol Y Capel
photographs and artefacts Smith
relating to Llangollen Silver Meet at Tourist Information Centre 01978
Band’s 110 Year history on
display inside.
Time: 12.00 noon both days (tour 1 hour) 860828
Booking: pre-booking required (max 15)
Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Access: Walk on narrow pavements so
Access: fully accessible
may be difficult
23Industrial St Asaph
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Contains Ordnance Survey data 0 0.5 km
© Crown copyright and database right 2012
01
Produced by www.themappingcompany.co.uk 0 0.25 mile
B45
1 Denbigh Library 10 St Marcella’s, Church OFF MAP
2 Denbigh Castle 11 Denbigh Friary
3 Burgess Gate 12 St Thomas’s Presbyterian Church
4 Leicester’s Church 13 Theatr Twm o’r Nant
5 Castle House 14 Denbigh Museum
6 Denbigh Town Walls 15 Guildhall Tavern
7 Bryn y Parc 16 Wireless in Wales
8 Dr Evan Pierce Memorial Garden 17 HWB
9 St Mary’s Church
24Denbigh
Denbigh is an historical town and has more listed buildings than any other town in
Wales. In the 11th century Denbigh was a border town guarding the approach to the
Hiraethog hills and Snowdonia. The Welsh word “Dinbych” means a “small fortified place”.
During the next 200 years the town grew in stature to become a residence of Welsh
princes but, in 1282, Edward I overcame the Welsh resistance and the town was granted
to Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, and it was he who started to build Denbigh castle.
In 1563 Elizabeth I’s favourite, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, was given the castle and lordship of
Denbigh and the town grew as a centre of Renaissance culture and enterprise. Denbigh prospered
as a market town and many notable Welshmen resided there including Hugh Myddleton, his brother
Thomas, H M Stanley, Twm o’r Nant, Richard Clough and Humphrey Llwyd.
Today the town boasts over 200 listed buildings in a delightful mixture of styles, from medieval
timber and stone to grand Victorian brick. The high street, wide enough for a market, contains the
county hall, built in 1572 and now a library and gallery, and is flanked by close-knit streets retaining
their sense of the medieval town plan. On top of the hill the castle reigns supreme, surrounded by the
impressive town walls.
Denbigh Town Walls Denbigh Town Library
25Denbigh Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September
1 Denbigh Library
Hall Square (High Street), Grade II* Listed Building
NGR SJ052658
Main information point on the day – a good place to start.
The Library was formerly the County Hall. It was erected in 1572 as a Shire Hall
under the patronage of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, as part of his ambitious
plans to become the most powerful man in the country with Denbigh as the
seat of his realm. The building is an excellent example of early civic architecture
in Wales. The original structure had a council and justice chamber above
a colonnaded covered market. It was remodelled in 1780 and again more
recently when it was converted to the town’s library and gallery.
9.30am-4.00 pm. Fully accessible. All Library services will be available
throughout the weekend. | Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
2 Denbigh Castle
Castle Hill, Grade I Listed Building, Scheduled Ancient Monument
NGR SJ052662
New visitor centre with low-impact environmental design features.
Denbigh Castle is one of the fortresses that formed King Edward I’s “ring of castles”, four
of which (Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech and Beaumaris) have been named World Heritage
sites. Construction of the Castle began in 1282 by Henry de Lacy, one of Edward I’s chief
commanders. It was not the first stronghold to occupy this strategic site: it was built over the
stronghold of Dafydd ap Gruffudd, the Welsh leader crushed by Edward in 1282. During the
Civil War (1642-1649), the then decaying castle was repaired by Colonel William Salesbury.
In 1646 the castle endured a nine month siege. When Denbigh finally surrendered on 26
October 1646, it was only after the King had personally ordered Salesbury to do so.
11am-4pm. Limited access. | Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
3 Burgess Gate
Castle Hill, Grade I Listed Building, Scheduled Ancient Monument
NGR SJ051657
This fortified gatehouse was the entry to the walled town from 1282 onwards
and had portcullis, murder holes and arrow slits. It was one of a pair of gateways;
the other being the now lost Exchequer Gate. Both were built between 1282 and
1294 by Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, under licence from Edward I and were
probably designed by the leading military architect of the day, Master James of
St George. The twin towers of Burgess Gate form the symbol on Denbigh’s civic
seal. The building has also been used as a council chamber and a prison.
10.00am-5.00pm. Limited access: step up into tower.
26Eco-friendly built Green Doors project
Where to Visit
4 Leicester’s Church
Bull Lane, Grade I Listed Building, Scheduled Ancient Monument
NGR SJ053657
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester and favourite of Elizabeth I, began building
Leicester’s Church in 1578. It was dedicated to St David and was part of
Leicester’s grand plan, apparently with the intention of transferring the See
from St Asaph to Denbigh. In 1584, work was suspended and the structure
remained incomplete on his death in 1588. The church was originally
conceived as a ten bay arcaded rectangular church. The imposing ruins are
the remains of the first and probably the most ambitious Protestant church
to be started after the Reformation.
10.00am-5.00pm | Access to Leicester’s Church via Castle House.
The driveway leading to the house has rough terrain. Uneven steps
into Leicester’s Church.
5 Castle House
Bull Lane Grade II Listed building | NGR SJ054658
Castle House was constructed around 1720 as a gentleman’s residence. Emily
Fazakerley, who owned it in the 19th Century was responsible for many of the
Victorian alterations. Under the ownership of the famous Gee printer’s family it
was visited by many famous politicians, such as Lloyd George. In the 1920s it was
a boarding school for Howell’s School until it was sold in 1985, and has now been
converted into a luxury B & B.
1.00pm - 5.00pm | The driveway leading to the house has rough terrain.
Steps up into house | Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
6 Denbigh Town Walls
Bull Lane, Grade I Listed Building, Scheduled Ancient Monument
NGR SJ051657
The town walls encompass the old town and castle of Denbigh and extend for
almost two thirds of a mile. Work began in 1282 and included the 20m high
Goblin Tower, built to enclose and protect the only reliable water source for the
castle. The walls held back the besieging force of Oliver Cromwell’s Roundheads
for nine months during the Civil War, when the garrison was defended by Colonel
William Salesbury, ‘Old blue stockings’. The wall walk from the Countess Tower to
the Goblin Tower affords superb views across the Vale of Clwyd to Moel Famau
and the Clwydian Range.
11.00am-4.00pm | Not accessible: many steps and uneven surfaces -
suitable footwear recommended.
27Denbigh Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September
7 Bryn Y Parc
Park Street, Grade II* Listed Building | NGR SJ054661
Bryn Y Parc is an important early town house dating from the mid 16th century.
The building is a complex arrangement of different builds, some timber framed
and some stone built set around a central courtyard. The timbers date from
1540 in the earliest section and up to 1580 in the later additions. The building
suffered a severe fire in 2002 but has now been sensitively restored by the
owner into residential accommodation.
10am-4.00pm | Restricted access to exterior of building and
courtyard. Owner Tom Smith will be available to answer questions
8 Dr Evan Pierce Memorial Garden
Vale Street, Grade II* Listed Building, Grade II Registered Historic Garden
NGR SJ055662
Dr Evan Pierce himself built the 50ft column topped by his statue to mark his
philanthropy as Coroner, JP, Alderman and five times Mayor of Denbigh. It also
commemorates his work as a medical doctor during the cholera epidemic of 1838.
Dr Pierce lived in Salisbury Place opposite and would have been able to look at his
image from his window. This is a small Victorian public garden with a formal layout
and planting typical of its period, recently extensively renovated. Two fountains at
the entrance commemorate Victoria’s Jubilee.
10.00am-5.00pm. | Fully accessible
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
9 St Mary’s Church
Henllan Place, Grade II* Listed Building
NGR SJ050662
St Mary’s was built in 1874 to replace the medieval church of St Hilary within
the old town walls. Designed by local architects Lloyd Williams and Underwood
the church contains an excellent but controversial reredos (the carving on the
east wall behind the altar), condemned at the time as “an inducement to Popery
and a betrayal of the principles of the Reformation”. Other features include the
Flemish dossal (back panel) of 1530 in finely woven tapestry and the very fine
Arts & Crafts stained glass windows lighting the nave.
10.00am-6.00pm. Sunday morning - Services. | Fully accessible.
The Parish Records will be on display. Refreshments available
28Where to Visit
10 St Marcella’s Church
Whitchurch Road, Grade I Listed Building | NGR SJ071662
Built on the site of the 7th century cell of St Marcella, the church is a classic
example of the ‘Vale of Clwyd’ twin-naved style and is largely the result of
a late perpendicular remodelling of around 1500. Exceptionally fine and
well preserved, it is one of the most important churches in North Wales
and contains some notable monuments. Buried inside are the map-maker
Humphrey Llwyd, members of the powerful Salusbury family and the heart of
Richard Clough, the Denbigh-born merchant. Outside is the grave of Twm o’r
Nant, poet of Denbigh.
10.00am-5.00pm. Sunday service 9.30-10.30am. | Fully accessible.
11 Denbigh Friary
Rhyl Road, Denbigh Grade II* Listed Building | NGR SJ059665
Denbigh Friary is a ruined monastic religious house located in
Denbighshire, Wales. It is situated in the valley of the River Clwyd and
was founded in 1343-50. The friary was dedicated to St Mary, and was a
Carmelite community. The English Benedictine abbot, Robert Parfew was
involved in the 18 August 1538 surrender of the Carmelites of Denbigh
Friary. During the Dissolution, some of the buildings were turned into
houses, while wool was sold in the churchyard. The ruins are mostly from
the 13th and 15th centuries, and include parts of a choir, a gable end,
and nave walls.
10.00am-4.00pm. | Fully accessible
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
12 St Thomas’s Presbyterian Church
Vale Street, Denbigh | NGR SJ054662
A fine example of a traditional Gothic revival, built in 1880, which
has a fine organ and a lovely Italian style, stained glass window. The
memorial stones which we see in the church building were laid on
the 1st October, 1878, by Watkin Williams, M.P. and the famous
Thomas Gee, Mayor of Denbigh.
Saturday 10.00am-4.30pm and Sunday 2.00pm-4.30pm
Access: Accessible. Play area/activities for children.
Refreshments available
29Denbigh Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September
13 Theatr Twm o’r Nant
Station Road, Denbigh | NGR SJ057664
The Grade II listed building was built and donated to the town in 1890 by Dr
Evan Pierce as a Memorial Hall in memory of his mother.By the 1970s it had
fallen into disrepair but was restored and renamed Theatr Twm o’r Nant after
the 18th century Welsh playwright Thomas Edwards, from Llannefydd, who is
known as the Cambrian Shakespeare.
Saturday 10.00am-4.00pm and Sunday 10.00am-4.00pm
Access: fully accessible
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
14 Denbigh Museum
Grove Road, Denbigh | NGR SJ054664
The building started life as Fron Goch County Primary School in
1877, and was built in local dressed limestone. The building was
converted into a Magistrates’ Court and offices in 1987, but was
closed in 2013.The building still retains one of the magistrates’
courts and cells. The building has recently been acquired to
create a new Denbigh museum for the town.
10.00am-6.00pm | Access: accessible from Grove Road
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
15 Guildhall Tavern
Hall Square, Denbigh | NGR SJ053661
This Grade II* listed building dates back to the 16th century, when the triple
gabled building was thought to have originated. The brick shaped gable
is marked by a stone plaque dated 1666, which is when it is thought that
the building was remodelled. Known as the Bull Hotel for many years, in
2010 it was sensitively restored and many interesting architectural details
retained. According to tradition, the building served as headquarters for the
parliamentary commanders Sir Thomas Mytton and Sir Thomas Myddleton
while they besieged Denbigh Castle during the Civil War.
10.00am-6.00pm
Access: Steps to front entrance - Disabled access to rear of building
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
30Eco-friendly built Green Doors project
Where to Visit
16 Wireless in Wales Radio Museum
Canolfan Iaith Clwyd, Lenten Pool, Denbigh | NGR SJ050660
Wireless in Wales Radio Museum situated on the ground floor of Canolfan
Iaith Clwyd/ Popeth Cymraeg was established in 2008. Its purpose is to
create an awareness of the importance of radio and broadcasting to the
preservation of the Welsh language and identity. The museum is proud of its
collection of antique radios, valves, literature and ephemera which cover the
period of 1920 to 1960.
11.00am- 4.00pm | Access: accessible
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
17 Hwb Dinbych
Smithfield Road, Denbigh | NGR SJ049660
Built in 2013/14 by Grw^p Cynefin and opened in July 2014 HWB
Dinbych aims to increase employment opportunities for young
people through access to further education, social enterprise and self-
employment initiatives. The centre is also open to the wider residents
of Denbigh and hosts many social and community events as well
as the town’s statutory youth provision. Low-impact environmental
features include solar panels on roof, rainwater harvesting for WCs and
suntubes
Saturday 10.00am to 2.00pm and Sunday 11.30am- 2.00pm
Access: fully accessible
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
31Walks, tours, events and exhibitions
Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 September
1 Sa 11 Sa Su
Denbigh Library Denbigh Friary
Workshop - clay sculpture with local artist Katie Tour: Join a tour of the friary with our expert guide.
Scarlett Howard Find out more about the site’s colourful history and get
Time: 11.00am to 3.00pm the chance to explore this hidden gem first hand.
Booking: Pre- booking required. Cost £20 per person Time: 11.00am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm.
Accessible. Booking: not required.
Access: fully accessible.
2 Sa Su
13 Sa Su
Denbigh Castle
Tour - The custodian will lead guided tours of the Theatr Twm o’r Nant
castle and the new visitor centre with low-impact Exhibition based on WW1 which will link to the film
environmental design features (being shown by the Film Club)
Time: 11.00am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm. Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Booking: not required. Access: fully accessible
Access: limited access.
14 Sa Su
5 Sa Su Denbigh Museum
Castle House Films shows, talks and exhibitions, including Denbigh
Chapels Exhibition
Tour - Guided tours of Castle House
Time: 10.00am - 6.00pm
Time: 2.00pm, 4.30pm
Access: accessible from Grove Road
Booking: not required.
Access: restricted access.
15 Sa Su
Afternoon Teas 1.00pm - 5.00pm Guildhall Tavern
Tour - of this historic building
8 Sa Su Time: 3.00pm
Booking: none required
Dr Evan Pierce Memorial Garden Access: Restricted access
Talk - The Life and work of Dr Evans Pierce
Meet at Theatr Twm o’r Nant
Time: 2.00 pm both days
16 Sa Su
Booking: pre-booking required. Wireless in Wales
A fascinating talk by Mair Jones as Mrs Evan Pierce – Radio Museum
on the life and work of Dr Evan Pierce – Coroner, JP, Tours and hands on activities for all ages
Alderman & five times Mayor of Denbigh. Time: 11.00am- 4.00pm
Booking: not required.
Access: involves some walking from Theatre
Access: fully accessible.
up Middle Lane
321 Venue Number Sa Su Saturday and Sunday Sa Saturday Only Su Sunday Only
17 Sa Su 21 Sa
Hwb Dinbych Ty Coch barn
Tour of this new property designed with environmental Llangynhafal | NGR SJ129637
features Tour - of barn led by Phil Ebbrell, Conservation
Time: Saturday10.30am, 1.00pm Sunday 11.45am Architect
Booking: not required. Time: 2.00pm and 3.00pm Saturday.
Access: fully accessible Booking: not required.
Access: accessible
18 Sa Su
The Cruck barn, Ty Coch, Llangynhafal is a timber
A Taste of Historic Denbigh framed building, which was probably a house, that
Tour - an historic tour of Denbigh led by Denbigh has been dated by dendrochronology to 1430. The
Volunteer Tour Guides - Meet at Denbigh Library significance of the barn was recognised by CADW in
Time: 10.30am both days. Approx 1.5 hours 2002 when it was listed as a Grade II building. Previously
Booking: not required. the building had been thought to be 17th century. It
Access: Walk up and down hill and narrow pavements has been restored by the Denbighshire County Council,
The guides attended a series of public lectures all based with grant funding, as part of a small workshop complex.
on Denbigh and have extensive knowledge of the It is one of the earliest timber framed buildings in Wales
town’s history.
222 Su
19 Sa Discover Medieval Denbigh
Tour - of Denbigh led by Fiona Gale, County
A walk down historical Archaeologist - Meet at Denbigh Library.
Vale Street Time: 2.00pm Sunday. Tour lasts about 2 hours.
Tour - of Vale Street, a long, steep hill led by Denbigh
Booking: pre-booking required.
Volunteer Tour Guide - Meet at Denbigh Library
Access: some steep climbs, suitable footwear
Time: 2.30pm Saturday. Approx.1 hour.
recommended. A 1.5 mile walk through Denbigh,
Booking: pre-booking required. exploring Denbigh’s history through its buildings.
Access: Walk up and down hill and narrow pavements
A walk through Denbigh’s history taking in the Medieval, 23 Sa Su
Victorian and Georgian buildings of those times.
A short treasure hunt for children based on
20 Sa finding interesting architectural aspect of the
Denbigh and World War I buildings in & around the High Street area of
Tour - of Denbigh led by Denbigh Volunteer Tour Denbigh. Worksheets available at the Library
Guide - Meet at Denbigh Library
Time: 10.30am Saturday.
Booking: pre-booking required. To book any of the walks or tours,
Access: Walk up and down hill and narrow pavements please call Denbigh Library on
A walk through Denbigh to see places associated with 01745 816313
World War I
33K ROAD Contains Ordnance Survey data
ORTH LIN
RUTHIN N © Crown copyright and database right 2012
A525 Produced by www.themappingcompany.co.uk
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Supermarket D
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Craft Centre M AES H
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14 LO N S P E I R
0 0.5 km
0 0.25 mile Wrexham
A5
1 Ruthin Library 13 St Meugan’s, Llanrhydd
2 Ruthin Castle 14 St Michael and All Angels, Efenechtyd
3 Nantclwyd y Dre 15 Rose Cottage
4 The Old Courthouse (NatWest) 16 Picture House Antiques
5 Ruthin Gaol/Archives 17 Porth y Dwr
6 Ruthin Craft Centre 18 Star, Clwyd Street
7 St Peter’s Church 19 Myddelton Grill
8 Capel Pendref 20 Wayfarer, Well Street
9 Capel y Tabernacl 21 Ty Celf
10 Capel Bathafarn 22 Hengoed, Bontuchel
11 English Presbyterian Church 23 Woodlands Hall, Bontuchel
12 St Mary & Mwrog’s Church, Llanfwrog 24 Llanbedr Village Hall
34Ruthin
The name Ruthin denotes a red fort (Rhudd Din) suggesting a pre-Roman settlement on
the sandstone castle ridge. Although there is some evidence of a Roman presence in the
area, the town as we know it today was established as a borough, protected by a castle
and town walls, under the lordship of Reginald de Grey in 1282, following Edward I’s
conquest of Wales.
Despite being burned down during the revolt of Owain Glyndwr in 1400, Ruthin flourished as a market
town and centre for the wool and leather industries for several centuries. Until 1972, assize courts were
held there, and the town continues to be a major administrative centre for the county of Denbighshire.
The town is full of architectural interest and delight; including the remains of the 13th century castle, a
former courthouse (now the NatWest Bank), which has remained essentially the same since 1400, the
newly restored Nantclwyd y Dre, also dating from the early 15th century, and St Peter’s Church, which has
watched over the development of the town since its foundation in 1284.
St Peter’s Square is nearby and leading from it, in five directions, are shopping and residential streets
containing a great variety of buildings from the 16th to the 20th centuries. At the bottom of Market
Street, the redevelopment of the craft centre is now complete, designed to reflect 21st century
architectural principles.
To book any of the walks or tours, please call
Ruthin Library on 01824 705274
Ruthin Castle Nantclwyd y Dre
35Ruthin Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September
1 Ruthin Library
Record Street, Grade II* Listed Building | NGR SJ124581
Main information point on the day – a good place to start.
This building has a past associated with crime and punishment: built in 1785
to house records of the Courts of Great Assize, it seemed natural also to use
it as a County Hall, or a courthouse. As the building grew in prestige, a portico
complete with Doric columns was added to the front during the 1860s. The
court last sat here in 1974, but continued as a Magistrates’ Court until 1986; it
was converted to a library during the early 1990s.
9.30am-4.30pm. Fully accessible. All Library services will be available
throughout the weekend.
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
2 Ruthin Castle
Castle Street, Grade I Listed Building | NGR SJ123580
Like Flint and Rhuddlan, the old Ruthin Castle was erected as part of the
English King Edward I’s plan to subjugate the Welsh prince, Llewelyn the Last.
Begun in 1277, completed in 1284, it survived the attacks of Owain Glyndwr,
in 1400. Its royal connections were ended when parliamentary forces almost
completely destroyed the building in 1644, during the Civil War. Traces of its
five towers, connecting walls and (much altered) gatehouse remain. The site
is now occupied by a hotel, built in 1826, extended in 1848-52, notable for
its typically Victorian mock-medieval style.
10.30am - 4.00pm. Steps up to main entrance
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
3 Nantclwyd y Dre
Castle Street, Grade I Listed Building | NGR SJ123581
Halfway along Ruthin’s most handsome street, Nantclwyd y Dre has undergone
extensive restoration. We now know the precise season in which the wood
for the hall house was felled (spring 1434) and the name of the man who was,
in 1435, granted the land on which the house was built - Goronwy ap Madoc.
Nantclwyd y Dre has been much extended and altered, most notably by Eubule
Thelwall, who, in 1693, added the front porch which for many is the house’s
most characteristic feature.
10.30am - 5.00pm. Restricted access
Also see under ‘Walks, tours, events and exhibitions’
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