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The community lies about 13 miles (20 km) south of the seacoast in the County of Denbighshire. The village formed sometime during the 11th century under the rule of the Welsh, who constructed an earthen work timber fortress. Welsh princes lived here and ruled the land for two hundred years. Llewellyn eventually inherited the property, which passed to his brother Davydd after his demise.
Edward I had Davydd captured and executed for plotting against him. The land then belonged to the British monarch, who constructed an impressive fortress in 1282. By 1290, the borough was contained within protective walls. The Welsh recaptured Denbigh during this time, but four years later, Edward regained power.
The residents and village of Denbigh endured much devastation during medieval times. In the year 1400, Denbigh burned when Owain Glyndwr led a revolt against the crown. During the War of the Roses, opponents set Denbigh on fire twice, and the town finally fell to total ruin. The residents reconstructed the village from the hilltop downward.
Beginning in 1563, Denbigh experienced a time of peace. Queen Elizabeth bestowed the territory to her rumoured lover Robert Dudley. Dudley constructed the first Town Hall and a market hall. The castle received much-needed repairs. The community served as a garrison camp for the Royalists during the Civil War. The rebels finally surrendered in 1646. Denbigh passed from one lordship to another and financially thrived through trades that included tanning and glove making.
Activities and Attractions
The original Town Hall now houses the community library and a museum depicting local history. Learn about the war torn struggles of Denbigh and explore the history of well-known Welsh explorer, Henry Morton Stanley, of the famous duo Stanley and Livingston. Acquire a key from the library or castle custodian and explore the original town walls, towers and gatehouse. The Burgess Gate once stood 60 feet (18 metres) tall. The structure was considered one of the strongest gateways in Britain.
Journey to St. Hillary’s Tower and to St. Hillary’s Terrace. Here, visitors find an unusual medieval house constructed with battlements similar to a castle fortress. Climb the narrow, winding lane to the entrance of Denbigh Castle. The massive fortress with seven towers had walls surrounding the castle and the town. Walking around the perimeter, visitors see some interesting stone-carved corbels. Explore the ancient living quarters, kitchen and great hall. A deep well and massive fireplaces remain intact. Investigate the unusual path leading to the drawbridge. From the top of the fortress, visitors get a spectacular view of the town below and the ancient Denbigh walls.
Enjoy a pleasant stroll through the countryside and find the Bachygraig Woodland Trail. The path leads through one of the oldest forests in Wales and contains over 90 species of plants and 21 species of trees. During the 1300s, the crown owned the forest and used the area for hunting, recreation and timber. A grand manor house, constructed here in 1567, was the first brick home in Denbig. The main estate is long gone, but the current farmhouse once served as the gatehouse for the elegant mansion.
Places to Stay and Dining
Guests indulge in luxurious stays at any number of renovated medieval manor estates. Enjoy the splendour of regally decorated and furnished spacious en suite rooms that include living areas. Gazing out the room windows, one has full view of the ancient town walls and the ruins of an unfinished 16th century cathedral.
Delight in traditional Welsh cuisine at the Denbigh restaurant. Tempting main meals include Denbigh sausages served over creamy mash, topped with onion au jus and garden vegetables on the side. Feast on fillet of beef served with hand cut chips, batter fried onion rings and a mixed garden salad.
Accommodation in Denbigh
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