Ruthin
 Castles |
Ruthin is an ancient market town lying peacefully in the fertile Clwyd Valley, ringed by wooded hills, many of which are over 1000ft in height - the layout of the town has changed very little from its earlier medieval days. It was once a fortified town, garrisoned for the Lancastrians in the Wars of the Roses, and for the Royalists during the Civil War. Old traditions linger long in Ruthin, for the town curfew has been rung nightly at 8 o'clock since the 11th century.
St Peter's Church remains an impressive landmark, even in this colourful town, where medieval, Tudor, Georgian, Regency and Victorian structures all jostle with each other for attention. Founded in 1310 as a collegiate church, St Peter's 16th century carved oak roof consists of 408 panels, said to be a gift from Henry VII - the attached cloisters date from the 14th century. Christ's Hospital, founded in 1590, is situated in the church grounds.
Nearby the parish church is St Peter's Square, flanked by a number of attractive buildings, among which the 15th century Myddleton Arms stands out. This building incorporates an unusual Dutch architectural style, and its seven dormer windows are referred to locally as the "eyes of Ruthin". A nearby hotel is a fine example of Georgian architecture, behind which was a pit where cock fighting took place. To the south of St Peter's Square is the courthouse and prison, built in 1401; it is now a renovated timber and wattle structure housing a bank. Intriguingly, this building still contains a part of the gallows used to hang a Jesuit priest during the reign of Elizabeth I, and remained in use until the late 17th century. Nant Clwyd House stands in Castle Street, and is one of the best examples in Wales of a half-timbered Elizabethan building. Formerly an Assize judge's residence, it contains a fine baronial hall, oak carvings and panelling. Standing solitary in the market place is the renowned Maen Huail stone, whereupon, legend has it, King Arthur had Huail, brother of Gildas the historian, beheaded as a rival in love.
Ruthin Castle was built in the 19th century on the site of an original medieval castle, and has been much restored. During the Civil War, the castle came under siege and eventually fell to the Parliamentarians in 1646, afterwhich it was virtually destroyed. It is now a hotel where nightly banquets, based on Tudor recipes, are served up to the accompaniment of the music of the Welsh harp and of a choir.