Glyndŵr Day

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Not *the* Glyndŵr Day but April 1st is another Glyndŵr Day. Not directly celebrating the self-proclamation of the last true Prince of Wales, either. April 1st, 2024 is the 50th anniversary of the creation of Rhuthun/Ruthin-based Glyndŵr district council. As a consequence, today 50 years ago was the final day of Ruthin borough council. And, who can remember the councillors?

c/o Denbighshire Archives

Glyndŵr covered Rhuthun, Dinbych, Corwen, Llangollen, Y Waun/Chirk and Dyffryn Ceiriog. It replaced a number of smaller councils. 

Locally, it meant the abolition and replacement of Rhuthun borough council, whose last day was 50 years ago today, March 31st, 1974. It was a little sad when we lost our standing as a municipal borough. 

Existing councils: Last day today in 1974	Replaced by: First day tomorrow in 1974
Ruthin municipal borough council     Ruthin rural district council	Glyndŵr district council Welsh water authority

But in 1974, when we were much more self-contained than now, we were too small for borough status. Our population was barely over 4,000. In truth, small borough councils had become irrelevant.

The last borough mayor of Rhuthun was Alderman Mrs Adam of Well Street. There were three other aldermen and this included Mr Salisbury of Eagle Stores. The borough’s last clerk was Mr T Lloyd Davies. He and his town hall staff could be reached on Rhuthun 2855 (previously Rhuthun 155). 

The borough mayor’s allowance for the final year was £200. That is equivalent to £1,800 today. We now have a town mayor for a watered-down town council and I wonder what her allowance is (if anything). 

‘Best of life. Country life’

50 years ago today was also the last day of the corresponding Rhuthun rural district council, also devoured by Glyndŵr. The offices on Well Street had two telephone lines. Its population was twice that of the borough. Its final chairman was Mr C Morris of Llanrhaeadr. 

Alongside council housing and domestic waste disposal, it’s hard to believe both the borough and rural district were responsible for sewerage. On April 1st, 1974, 50 years ago, this transferred to the Welsh water authority (usually called ‘the water board’). This was the predecessor of today’s Dŵr Cymru. 

Between the borough and rural district were four aldermen and 45 councillors. It’s sobering to think that most if not all are now long forgotten. Our nine most local county councillors are today’s equivalent. In 50 years from now will they, too, be recalled?