What did we learn from this evening's history society (rather confusing) presentation on the buildings of Rhuthun/Ruthin, by Gareth Evans?
First, the stretch of Well Street, from Plas Coch (the conservative club) to The Old Anchor (Schaola Ruthinensis' Goodman hall) was once called Tal y Sarn. Apparently (as the name suggests), the land is raised above wet ground, though it doesn't appear to be that much if at all above the adjacent agricultural land, which is odd.
Secondly, Evans suggested that half of Rhuthun's fine buildings had been demolished (usually replaced by newer and often also noteworthy ones although, in the case of his illustration, the former Swan alehouse, thence R Beech's street garage, later Ruthjin motors, thence Slaters and now Ruthin Décor, this was not the case).
Thirdly, recycling of old stone was something that was a popular pastime and that, of course, even included the traditional Denbighshire County Council taking stone from the redundant castle for use in its county offices.
Fourthly, the old Courthouse (former Nat West bank) was known as Y Pendist. Up till the 1920s, there was a bank occupying about a fifth of the premises. That part was demolished and is situated at what is a relatively wide access to castle Street. It was once also known as The Old Hall (wghen Own's) and Siop Pendre (when grandsin Aldridge had it)
Fifthly, there was an immediate break with the traditional use of either limestone or sandstone and this came at the arrival of the railway in 1864—which made it relatively cheap and easy to import brick. An example of the use of industrial brick was The Hand, Well Street (currently the Army & Navy), which actually replaced a limestone building. The Eagles, on the other hand, was constructed of locally manufactured brick.
Sixthly, civil war damage at the bottom of Clwyd Street resulted in a significant rebuilding programme.
Seventhly, Wetherspoon's bought the castle Hotel for £1 and undertook a £4mil restoration.
Eighthly, Choo Choo (in the old Beehive) is the original building unlike, of course, the rest of Exemewe Hall/House (formerly Barclay's). You'd think Barclay's could've done a better job than demolish the old building.
Finally, many people miss the most impressive feature of St Peter's, which Evans felt was "the town's foremost treasure" with "no parallel in North Wales". It is the camber-beam roof in the north nave.
Secondly, Evans suggested that half of Rhuthun's fine buildings had been demolished (usually replaced by newer and often also noteworthy ones although, in the case of his illustration, the former Swan alehouse, thence R Beech's street garage, later Ruthjin motors, thence Slaters and now Ruthin Décor, this was not the case).
Fourthly, the old Courthouse (former Nat West bank) was known as Y Pendist. Up till the 1920s, there was a bank occupying about a fifth of the premises. That part was demolished and is situated at what is a relatively wide access to castle Street. It was once also known as The Old Hall (wghen Own's) and Siop Pendre (when grandsin Aldridge had it)
Fifthly, there was an immediate break with the traditional use of either limestone or sandstone and this came at the arrival of the railway in 1864—which made it relatively cheap and easy to import brick. An example of the use of industrial brick was The Hand, Well Street (currently the Army & Navy), which actually replaced a limestone building. The Eagles, on the other hand, was constructed of locally manufactured brick.
Another book from Garth Evans The rear picture dates from between 1903 and 1910, by virtue of the telegraph pole (new to Rhuthun from 1903 and the Edwardian coat of arms over the chemist, only on display till 1910
Sixthly, civil war damage at the bottom of Clwyd Street resulted in a significant rebuilding programme.
Seventhly, Wetherspoon's bought the castle Hotel for £1 and undertook a £4mil restoration.
Eighthly, Choo Choo (in the old Beehive) is the original building unlike, of course, the rest of Exemewe Hall/House (formerly Barclay's). You'd think Barclay's could've done a better job than demolish the old building.
Finally, many people miss the most impressive feature of St Peter's, which Evans felt was "the town's foremost treasure" with "no parallel in North Wales". It is the camber-beam roof in the north nave.
Tags:
History