Ruthin

Welcome to Ruthin, or Rhuthun in Welsh, a market town in Denbighshire that has recently been named the 'best place to live in Wales' by the Sunday Times. We stand here in a town that is 'steeped in history,' with architectural…

The center of Ruthin is St. Peter’s Square, a space dominated by the 19th-century clock tower and several 'beautiful Tudor style buildings'. …

A short walk south brings us to Ruthin Gaol, an 'old Victorian prison and now a museum' that offers an 'eerie and interactive' experience. The building we see today was started in 1775 and expanded significantly by 1802 to house…

Continuing our walk, we visit Nantclwyd y Dre, which is recognized as Wales' oldest dated timber townhouse. Carbon dating of the timbers reveals that the main structure was started around 1435, and it has seen over six centuries…

Just north of the square is the Magnificent Church of St. Peter, founded in 1310 by John de Grey. …

Returning to the square, we find the Old Courthouse, completed in 1421 and serving as a court and jail until 1663. This 'beautiful and historic' building once saw the 'last execution' of a Catholic priest, Father Charles Mahoney,…

Finally, we visit Ruthin Castle, which was founded in 1277 by Edward I during his bid to control the Welsh. The castle has been through numerous sieges, most notably during the Civil War, and today the 'ancient ruins' stand…

Our tour of Ruthin has come to an end, and it is easy to see why this town has earned its 'best place to live in Wales' accolade. We have moved from the 'legendary beheading' at the Maen Huail to the 'gruesome discipline' of the…