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The community lies in the Vale of Clwyd, in the central region of Denbighshire, in northeastern Wales. Ancient Celtic peoples lived here and later the Romans developed a settlement. Dafydd ap Gruffydd constructed a castle here in 1277. Gruffydd rebelled against Edward, costing him the castle and town, which the king bestowed upon his wife Eleanor. She passed the land onto Reginold de Grey, who became Lord of the Manor and whose family remained in the area for 226 years. In 1284, Grey established the first public school. In 1310, Lord de Grey constructed the Collegiate Church, which remains standing today. Behind the church, Grey built college buildings and a hospital.
The de Grey family experienced land disputes with then king Owain Glyndwr in 1400. Glyndwr retaliated by burning the town to ashes with the exception of the castle and a few minor buildings. In 1402, a Grey family member constructed the courthouse, which would later serve as the hanging site for a stranded Fransican priest. Catholicism was considered a form of treason at the time. Ruthin had its first House of Correction in 1646, later replaced by a modern prison in 1775. Parliament ordered the demolishing of the castle during the Civil War, but the structure was rebuilt in the early 1800s as a private residence.
During this era, Ruthin was on the main drover’s route, the path which cattle were driven to market. The popularity of the community as a stopping point influenced the development of numerous pubs. Ruthin is the location where the first copies of the Welsh National Anthem were printed. English clergyman and children’s author, Rev. W. Awdry wrote a series of stories known as the “Railway Series.” In the stories, the reverend created a character named Sir Handel, who represented real life Ruthin resident Sir Henry Haydn Jones. Jones was a politician, slate quarry owner and the owner of the Talyllyn Railway.
Activities and Attractions
Stroll through the ancient town and see examples of medieval architecture. The Nant Clwyd y Dre is a timber-framed house constructed in the early 1400s. The building is now a period museum featuring “seven ages” of Welsh history for public enjoyment. Each room represents a different time period. See a typical medieval office, a Jacobean bedroom and a Victorian schoolroom. The site also features simulated archaeological digs and artefact handling for younger guests. Venture to the ancient St. Peter’s Church and explore the building and grounds. The church, constructed in 1310, contains a magnificent carved oak panel ceiling, medieval brasses and sculptures, along with ancient wooden doors and gates.
Guests who enjoy the arts visit the Ruthin Craft Centre. The modern facility contains art studios, education workshops, galleries and a retail gallery where modern artists create and display works. Exhibits include all manner of genre from basket weaving to sculptures and textiles. The facility also features a café and courtyard. Those interested in law enforcement history, or have a taste for the macabre, visit the Ruthin Gaol. The building was a prison from the late 1700s until closure, but now houses a museum. Visitors experience the harsh reality of Victorian prison life with exhibits that depict typical daily activities, including eating, sleeping and working within the walls of the prison.
Hear what courts considered criminal offenses and the punishments that accompanied these infringments of the law. Learn about notorious inmates that included a true Houdini. Now an elegant hotel, Ruthin Castle holds centuries of intrigue, romance and mystery. Explore the facility and hear the tales of affairs gone wrong, the legends of Arthur and the battle plans devised by local lords and rulers. For the delight of visitors, the hotel regularly hosts traditional medieval banquets and medieval banquet/murder mysteries. Typical events include tours of the castle followed by a traditional Welsh welcoming before the four-course feast. Dine on mouthwatering meals that include chicken and lamb prepared in customary Welsh manner. Drink real meades and homemade wines while enjoying the evening’s entertainment.
Places to Stay and Dining
Guests enjoy a hearty Welsh welcome when staying at any number of historic locations. Local attractions are just a walk away, though public transportation is available. Affordable accommodations usually include a home cooked meal of choice.
Being located close to the river, the On the Hill Restaurant menu regularly includes fresh seafood for lunch and dinner meals. Enjoy battered or grilled fish, specially seasoned and served with tartar sauce, creamed vegetables and choice of potatoes. The facility also offers a variety of traditional decadent homemade desserts.
Accommodation in Ruthin
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