DisgrifiadThe town of Ruthin was built on a red sandstone hill as a strategic lookout over the River Clwyd. The town has over seven hundred years of recorded history; its past suffered plague, battle and siege; its buildings reflect the best of architectural styles making the town an outstanding Conservation Area worthy of preservation.
The ancient remains of its castle are some of the oldest in Wales, commenced in 1277 by order of Edward I. Llywelyn ap Gruffydd's brother Dafydd started a castle at Ruthin but forfeited it when he rebelled with his brother. Edward I's queen, Eleanor, was in residence in 1281 so it must have been habitable by then. Reginald de Grey, Justiciar of Chester and a marcher lord, was entrusted with the defence of Ruthin in 1277 and he completed the castle in 1284.
De Grey was given the Cantref of Deffrencloyt for services to the king and his family held sway for the next 226 years when Dyffryn Clwyd was, in effect, an English Hundred. During the reign of Henry IV the 3rd Baron de Grey sought the political downfall of Owain Glyndwr who had been in favour at the king's court. As a result Glyndwr's lands were confiscated and he took revenge by attacking the town in September 1400. Only the castle and a few buildings were left standing. Owain Glyndwr went on to become the most successful of many Welshmen who fought for and gained an independent Wales.
In 1646 the castle survived an eleven week siege after which it was demolished. It commenced a new era in 1826 as the home of the Cornwallis-Wests until 1921. In 1923 the castle became a renowned hospital and is now a luxury hotel.
The town survived the Wars of the Roses and sent Sir Thomas Exmewe to London to become Lord Mayor in 1517 / 18 and Dr Gabriel Goodman established in the town a grammar school (1574) and Christ's Hospital (1590) for twelve poor persons around St Peter's Church - a unique foundation in Wales; he went onto become Dean of Westminster, a post he held for 40 years.
Associated with:
St Peter's Collegiate Church (nprn 309581)
Castle (nprn 94739)
County Goal (Nprn 23399)
Source: Ruthin Town Council.
B.A.Malaws, RCAHMW, 10 May 2005.
