Location

Denbigh Castle

 

Burgess Gate

 

Town Hall, Crown Square

 

 

Castle House in Historic Denbigh

Denbigh, A Medieval Walled Market Town

Denbigh is a picturesque market town, and one of the most historic towns in North Wales, nestled in the beautiful Vale of Clwyd.

 

The historic market town of Denbigh is one (of 152 Europe wide) of the walled towns friendship circle, has many attractive small medieval streets that are a delight to explore, unspoilt by mass tourism, a certain pleasure may be gained by tracking down these hidden secrets for yourself.

 

Denbigh is served by banks, post office and library, and local shops, the old town hall is used as a venue for local produce markets and craft fairs.

 

Denbigh's Historic Buildings

Denbigh has many historic buildings including :  the Library, formerly the County Hall, built in 1572 by Robert Dudley, Castle, 1282, built by Henry de Lacy, One of the fortresses that comprised the “ring of castles” the striking ruins cap the hill that Denbigh is built upon. The triple towered gate house is worthy of special mention.

Burgess Gate, Denbigh Burgess Gate, is a late 13th century stone two storey gatehouse,  it was the principal entrance to Denbigh medieval town, having a portcullis, and sets of murder-holes in the vault. These twin towers form the symbol on Denbigh’s civic seal.

 

Leicester’s Church, Built by Robert Dudley in 1587, lover of Elizabeth I, never completed, under CADW’s guardianship, but in private ownership of Castle House.

Town Walls, c1280, maintained under CADW’s guardianship, but in private ownership of Castle House. Includes the 20m high Goblin tower with well, these walls held back Oliver Cromwell’s roundheads for nine months during the civil war.

 

St Mary’s Church, built in 1874 contains a fine but controversial example of a reredos (carving on East wall, behind the altar)

 

Dr. Evan Pierce Memorial Gardens, Grade II listed historic garden, built by the self publicist Dr Pierce himself, JP, coroner, Alderman, Mayor and M.D. during the cholera outbreak 1838.

 

St. Marcella’s church, Built on the site of 7th.C cell,  a twin nave church, exceptionally fine and well preserved, buried here are Humphry Llwyd (map maker) members of the Salusbury family and the heart of Richard Clough, and Twm o’r Nant poet of Denbigh.

 

Town Hall and Council Chambers, In Crown Square, a grade II listed building is effectively a concert hall with stage, dance floor and horseshoe shaped gallery. An eclectic Arts and Crafts style building, now housing the council’s memorabilia, photographs and charters are on display.

 

Capel lon Swan, 1891, but goes back to 17th.C an eloquent symbol of the Victorian era and the intellectual vitality and self confidence of the local town’s folk of that era.

 

Denbigh Friary, founded by the Carmelite order in late 13th. C supported by  Sir John Salusbury of Lleweni, suppressed during the Dissolution in 1537, it was converted into a house, which was gutted by fire in 1898.

 

Sir Guy Dawber Houses, (Wynn’s parc, Maes Heulyn and Dolbelidr) Sir Guy Dawber 1862 – 1938 one of the best known architects of the Arts and Crafts movement. President of the Royal Institute of British Architects from 1925 – 1927 he was awarded the Royal Gold Medal in 1928.

 

Not only is Denbigh steeped in history, but Denbigh today enjoys many interesting and varied activities throughout the year, including:

• Peoples' Market every month
• Denbigh Midsummer Festival
• Denbigh Show
• ClayArt Potters Market
• Cymru Cuba Salsa Festivals
• Gwaenynog Country Show
• Walking Festival
• Beer Festival
• Open Heritage Weekend
• Denbigh and Flint Annual Show
• Woodfest

 

Details of all these events, along with many other events, can be found at http://www.visitdenbigh.co.uk/  and also see our links page.