History of Penycae

Last updated: 15 June 2009

Q: John Carter from Penycae:

"I have been living in Penycae for 16 years and would like to know more about its history. I know there used to be at least 10 pubs."

your comments

Alfie Davies - Llay, Wrexham
To Peter Prydderch. Bumped into Kerry at the Halifax who told me about this site and there I was mentioned in dispatches! Nice to read through and remember the old times.
Mon Jun 15 08:02:06 2009

Peter Prydderch, Stockport
To Sharon, Penycae, I've sent the moderator some pictures of the Rhos Railway, including the one at Pant Bridge. He's asked me to submit some text on the subject; this will be started after this entry. To Kerrison Griffiths, I am who you thought. To my shame, I cannot place you without more details...when were you at RGS, and with whom? I've asked my peer group about you without success, and can only presume that you're younger than me (almost 66) as there's a tendency to remember older youngsters. The folk I remember are Alfie Davies in the first council house past Jack's shop. Then, there was his mate Richard Thomas from the far end of the first semi on the left after turning right into the high-numbered end of Ffordd Llannerch. He went away from Penycae to teach. Jean Davies at the other end of the row to Alfie was a year, or so, older than me, and was quite a character. Then, Cynthia Evans - a couple of years younger - went teaching. Next door to her was Diane McGrath: also went teaching (PE?). An early love of my life was Jaqueline Smith from Cristionydd - a high number close to 100. She worked on the trading estate. All a long time ago, and on occasions they cross mind as I wonder what became of them all, and others whose names I've forgotten. Days spent in the Rocky Woods, or the Brandy, are far removed from the life my children had over here in Stockport. When I tell "townies" about building a fire at the edge of the Wynne Hall railway embankment and roasting swedes, and then eating them, they're amazed. Their childhood was more controlled due the hectic pace of major conurbation, where family/neighbour ties were looser. Making whistles from Sycamore branches; all a mystery to them. Remember... soaking the bark with spit until it slid off as tube; Then carving the body of the wood before sliding the bark back on to dry - result...one whistle. It took hours. How did we ever find our way from Rhos Mountain over to World's End? It was a mystery then, and still is. Complete with (by then) soggy tomato butties. Happy days, to be cherished.
Tue May 26 08:25:24 2009

Ted Griffiths, Welshpool
To Raymond Griffiths. Hi Raymond thanks for your reply, sorry to hear about Albert, I just could not remember his name. I have not heard anything about Dennis or Elenor, lost touch when Dennis moved to Wrexham, I have no idea whether he is still alive. Don't remember much of Elenor, she was married and living in Macclesfield before I remember. Yes Ray and Seline lived opposite to Miss Roberts's shop, their mother Grace died from cancer, then his Dad and family moved to Deganwy I think. I worked for Ray on Plas Madoc 1960s doing Artex Ceilings. he lives in Wrexham so I believe, not sure where, look forward to more info from you.
Mon May 18 11:20:18 2009

Kerrison Griffiths, Wrexham
Hello Peter Prydderch, a blast from the past! I can remember you! Did you work for Sun Alliance in your career and were you educated at Ruabon School for Boys? It was so interesting to read about the local railway, Pant etc. I remember the 'line' as I used to walk part of this on the way to school at Ruabon. More to follow!
Wed May 6 09:53:51 2009

Kerrison Griffiths, Wrexham
Hello to Elizabeth Crewe Jones. I well remember your grandmother & grandfather Lizzie and Idwal in the avenue. I was born at No 5, and lived there for about 16 years.Lizzie was so generous and helped anyone! Neighbours were so friendly then and everyone in the avenue were 'aunties & uncles' to the children, with a couple of exceptions! I was a close friend of Uncle Arfon, as was my sister, with Auntie Adreene. Arfon loved planning and playing 'war games', and the whole of the large garden at 17 at times was converted into the 'area' and it seemed that loads of us played for ours on end. Lizzie would bring out a plateful of jam butties, made from William Thomas Bakery, Rhos, who used to deliver in a van. Your mum will remember this! I always asked for a crusty piece! The avenue was a good place to live in. More to follow!
Wed May 6 09:51:43 2009

Peter Prydderch, Stockport
To Sharon from Penycae 29/12/2008 You asked about trains near Pant Hill... you'll have a job! The railway closed to passengers beyond Rhos 22/03/1915. After that, the freight train to the brickworks continued until 01/05/1953. There were two passenger special trains hired by railway enthusiasts in 1952, and 1959. The first went through to Acrefair, whilst the second turned back at Pant Bridge. I've a great picture of the 1959 train on the bridge (taken form the Afoneitha side) with the lady in the adjacent house looking on in amazement. The thing that's noticable about the pictures of these two "specials" is how well dressed the trainspotters are. One of the pictures of the 1959 trip at Rhos station has young locals in...what a contrast. It was a hobby of the wealthy middle classes. Look at page 9 of the Leader 08/12/1995. I was gathering material for a book to celebrate the centenary of the railway's opening, but couldn't get enough contemporary pictures to interest a publisher. How many folk in the Rhos would have had a camera before the line closed to passengers in 1931? Not many! I'm now approaching 66, and lived in Ffordd Llanerch from about 1957 for 10 years. Went to RGS, worked in High Street Wrexham, married Dorothy Jones from Ruabon (her dad drove Jesson's bus) and came to Stockport in 1975. Come back annually for the school reunion at the Wynnstay, Ruabon.
Tue May 5 09:34:45 2009

Elizabeth Crewe Jones
My nain was Lizzy and taid was Idwal, mum is Avril. I think my nain must have fed the world on those jam butties, made with oven bottom bread and Anchor butter, not forgetting the strong Mantunna Tea. Has anyone got any old pictures of inside the Wheelright Pub, or the Anchor or even any of Maelor Avenue jubilee parties?
Tue May 5 08:57:28 2009

Ted Griffiths
Hi Wil. Yes I remember you, and your family, it was a lovely community then, there were a few rum people around but you never got mugged, or saw anyone use a knife.Yes I remember my sister Maureen was very friendly with your wife Mary, all the neighbours you mention were there when you needed them and it is hard to replace them. Yes I remember Dennis and his family in the downstairs flat, Mrs Lloyd was a bit scary if you happen to kick a football into her garden, yes I remember it was the Jones family, they had a son called Gareth, and a very nasty dog, a corgi who would bite you if you were anywhere near. Most of our family are living out of Penycae, just Edna & John and their family remain. It is nice to see people recalling thier lives in Penycae.
Thu Apr 23 10:26:19 2009

Raymond Griffiths (Ray)
Hello Ted Griffiths (Teddy). Yes it was me and my brother Albert living next door to your aunty Mary (Dodo Mary to all the neighbours) and uncle Roger in the 50s. Their son Dennis worked at the Copie brick works Rhos and got married in the 60s, he then went to live in the Victoria Road area of Wrexham. I do not know what became of him since. He had a sister Elenor and she married Jack Wilkinson of Macclesfield, they had two children, Barry and a daughter I do not remember her name. Did you have cousins by the name of Ray and Celine Davies living opposite Miss Roberts' shop in Stryt Issa? Their mam's name was was Grace. My brother, Albert, died 11 years ago. Looking forward to hearing from you again.
Thu Apr 23 10:19:50 2009

Jose L. Alonso, Zaragoza (Espana)
Hello, I was in Penycae in October 1973 and I found a beautiful town, very green meadows with cows and very close to people, I have good memories. I wonder if anyone knows the family who hosted me was Jane E Jones, now we have to be some 55 years.
Wed Apr 22 07:46:37 2009

Neville Jackson
I remember the old white rord in Bryn Eitha were we used to play for hours, and across the roed in the old AirRaid Shelter. We also at that time had the best playground in the area, (down in the Rec.) I used to have a good mate who lived at the bottom of the white road, Graham Evans. I always remember when my Mother met your Mother, that was it, they would yapper on for ages, either on the road or in the old Co-op, and they would put the world to rights, as they say.
When my grandparents lived at the top of the Dryllt, my father's brother was walking home up the Dryllt, but never reached home. He, Frederick Jackson, was found murered. It was all reported in the Wrexham papers on October 18 1913. A boy of 14yrs was later charged by a coroners jury of manslaughter, and was sent for trial. But the prosecution decided not to offer any evidence. Following this, the verdict of not guilty was returned. For about 60 years a small headstone was placed at the side of the road were he was found, but now it has gone. Frederick is buried with my grandparents - Pen-y-cae Church. Next time I will mention a few more dark memories that happened in our lovely village.
Tue Apr 21 11:50:50 2009

Ted Griffiths, Welshpool
I never myself experienced any ghostly activity, but I do know that when we lived there, there were also 3 brothers who lived there,Bob, Stan, & Johnny Roberts, their nickname was Sarah Hannah. I would think that their mother and father were there at some time, the father was in the 1st world war. I don't know what happened to them, and I had a baby sister who died at this address, but don't think this would be your ghost, somehow. Sounds a bit scary, but I can't help you with this. Thanks for letting me know about you living at No14. I was born at No 17, and I often wonder who lives there now.
Tue Apr 21 11:38:23 2009

Ted Griffiths, Welshpool
I remeber you Raymond, you lived next door to my aunty Mary, uncle Roger and their son Dennis. We lost touch with Dennis and don't really know much of where he went to live, he had a sister too, I think she was called Ellen and lived in Macclesfield. Your mother was Lena so I believe, and you had an older brother also? It is good to see Penycae being commented on. I disregard all the negative comments, especially the anon ones, anyway please comment if you do remember me. The New Inn as I remember was occupied by the Morris family nicknamed (Burkes) there was quite a large family.
Tue Apr 14 12:49:26 2009

Dougie Lee from Penycae
Just referring back to Ted Griffiths from Welshpool, I am now living in number 14 Maelor Avenue myself and it's strange knowing someone that lived here before me. We lived in number 23 first for a while but then moved over to 14. Well tonight my daughter came around and the subject came up about ghosts and that. She was saying that she would never stay over in her old front bedroom ever again. She says that she would sometimes to feel someone sitting on the end of the bed and when she would look there was no one there! It is not just her that has felt it, it has happened to a few other people too. I was just wondering if you (Ted) have ever felt anything like this here or know anything that has happened here in this house? Anything would be interesting. Cheers.
Tue Apr 14 10:04:35 2009

Raymond Griffiths
To Neville Jackson and all the other positive contributors to this web page. We are, as Neville said, writing a book, a book of the history of Penycae as remembered by us as now, and our memories from our parents and past stories. Keep it all you positive contributors even if we make little errors in our contributions there will be someone out there to put things to rights as my Mam would say. Yes John Evans ex number 20 Bryn Eitha, my dad was Dick Griffiths of number 8.
Thu Apr 9 10:03:50 2009

Neville Jackson, Pen-y-Cae
Having lived in this lovely village of ours for over seventy years, I'm still proud to be called a 'Woollyback'. I could write a thick book about the history of our village, the good and the bad things that have happened over the years. No one can find fault with this lovely village of ours. Yes one could find fault with an odd one or two people, but you can do that anywhere. I still remind some good Jacko (Rhos) friends about the following: Pen-y-cae many years ago had eight family run coal mines and the population in Pentre Cristionydd got too big. Some families moved further afield and started another small hamlet, this they called 'Rhosllanerchrugog'. Next time I will write about the few black spots in our village.
Mon Apr 6 09:59:24 2009

John Evans
To Raymond Griffiths. Hello Raymond. Yep that's me 20 Bryn Eitha. Was your dad Dick? I remember your mother, Lena as a very friendly, good natured lady. To the other people on here from Maelor Ave, do you remember someone named Keith? I think he lived near the bottom of the Avenue. We used to go to Overton dance hall and I remember him falling on some spikes of the railings surrounding a graveyard, being taken to hospital, and me being questioned by the police for a suspected stabbing! I have great memories of the Youth Club, Kelvin in charge. I recall a few of us breaking in after it had been closed one night, messing about and not realising that by putting the record player on full blast at about 11pm would attract the attention of the neighbours who called the police to evict us. Does anyone remember Tony Burke who used to live in Stryt Isa before moving to Rhos? We were good friends but I think he died young in an accident? Plus 'Gruffy' who used to live in the cottages, demolished in the early 50s, that were opposite 'Mrs Roberts' shop. I met him again in the mid 60s after he had been living in London, I think. I recall him wearing one silver glove, obviously he was an inspiration for Michael Jackson. Other detail I recall, my parents buying their post war 'rations' from the coop in Penycae that was next to the Black Horse. There was a Coop opposite the Wheelwrights in a small wooden building before a new one being built nearby. The working Blacksmith almost opposite Penycae school. All the best to everyone. John
Fri Apr 3 09:58:09 2009

John Davies, Johnstown
To Raymond Griffiths - hi there Ray. I see you mentioned last Nov about a person called Agazoo that was from Stryt Issa and gave things to kids outside the Wheelwrights. Well, I have a pic of this woman with all the kids outside that pub so I shall try and add it on here if poss. Oh, also there are now 140 pics on a famous social site that my nephew has taken with the group called "Penycae magical mystery tour" looks very good too.
Fri Apr 3 09:28:03 2009

Wil, Wrexham.
For Ted Griffiths, Welshpool. I remember your family very well, we lived across the road in the upstairs flat at 33a. Your parents were lovely people. Your Maureen used to babysit and help us with our two children, especially with my wife, Mary, having to lug the pram upstairs while one of Idris, Cross Foxes Co-op workmates had OUR house backing on to Bryn-y-Barcut. Good neighbours there though, Oakleys, Jack and Dennis Lloyd, Bill and Katie Darlington and your family. Made a big mistake moving down to Trem-y-Gardden, but it made me move towards building our own bungalow down below the Wheelwright's. Haven't seen Maureen for ages, but still think of how she helped us when the children were small.
Wed Apr 1 08:49:03 2009

Wil, Wrexham.
When they took the local bobby, who lived in the village, off his big flat feet and sat him on the seat of a car, then the trouble started. Just one policeman kept order in Penycae, and kept it very well. He knew exactly where to go for the culprit whatever happened. However, there's no good looking back, the village has expanded so much that it would take four men to do the same as Mr Williams used to do on his own. Modern bobby wouldn't know where to start! Couldn't find Penycae from Rhos without a Sat-nav and via a chippy anyway.
Tue Mar 31 08:15:33 2009

Ted Griffiths, Welshpool
I lived in Penycae for 27 years from 1943 to 1970. I first lived in Maelor Avenue, where there were more kids per house than a lot of areas today. Yes, there were squabbles, but we all got on because we had to in order to play in the various outside games we all took part in. It was an education in life and we all got on with all the families. We would get the odd clip around the ear for doing something daft, and that was usually by a neighbour, there wasn't any repercussions because mam or dad would give you another clout for being naughty. I was and still am very proud to be a Penycaeite, I remember Jack Doley and the fatal accident that he had. I remember John Jones, Raymond Griffiths, Gwyneth Griffiths (no relation). We lived across the road at No 14. My dad was called Charlie Grace. I remember Avril too, she lived next door to my Auntie Gwladys. We moved to Cristionydd 1953, where we lived at No 30, it was not so far to go to school after. My mates were Elwyn Jones, Arnold Rogers, Johnny Morris, Jeffery Ankers, Brian Potts, and lots more from around. Penycae will always be in my heart even though I have lived here in Welshpool for 37 years. My brothers and sisters are Edith, Maureen, Edna, Karen, David (Dickie) & John. I still visit Penycae to see my family. OK, it has changed and there are lots more people but it is still my birthplace, and I would have liked it to remain the Penycae of old but time moves on and it must be a decent place to live because quite a lot of you write with fond memories.
Tue Mar 31 08:12:06 2009

David, Penycae
I have lived in the Penycae area almost 60 years and all I can say it has gone to the dogs. There are only two pubs left and there is nothng for the young kids to do apart form drinks and drugs. I used to walk my dog on the 'wrek' for you that are new to Penyae, that's the park. Has anyone seen the film Hot Fuzz? They should have made it here as the police do a good job for some and not for others. That's what I think. If you think the same let others know.
Mon Mar 30 08:47:55 2009

John Jones (Sophie)
Hello Raymond, I have submitted a message twice now thanking you for your info and to say that I do remember your mother (Autie Lena), but for some reason it hasn't appeared. Anyway, let's hope this one works. I also mentioned in my last note that my real father was Jack Jones, or Jack Doley. We lived at that time in Maelor View opposite Jack Hughes's shop. My father was killed in a motorcycle accident back in 1954, that's when my mother (Georgena) married my step father, Jim Sophie, and that's when we went to live up the street to Maelor Ave. I think looking back Bryn Eitha and Maelor Ave were much the same; football on the street, kick the can, marbles on the pavement, and all to the anoyance of the neighbours. Nevertheless, we had some great fun that was inexpensive and we were safe.
Mon Mar 23 09:16:32 2009

John Jones (Sophie)
Hi Kerrison, great to hear from you. It's nice to see that somebody remembers me. Mind it has been near 40 years since I left Penycae, but I still have some good memories of those times.
Fri Mar 20 12:36:55 2009

Raymond Griffiths
To John Evans of Llandudno. A long time since I last saw you, your mam was a good friend of my mam, Lena Griffiths number 8. I worked for some time with your dad, Robert Dan in Southalls on the Wrexham industrial estate, did he ever work at Gresford colliery? I remember you living in number 20 Bryn Eitha, not many people left there now that we would know. I married to Audrey Ellis of Mill Farm Penycae in 1969 and then moved to Borras, Wrexham. The street or white road as known by the residents was a very friendly and enjoyable place to grow up in, safe from all the troubles of today's children. Games of marbles on the street corner by my mams without fear of being run over, football and cricket on Perslow's field until being chased off by the owner. Then the night time collection of kids under the lamp half way down the street again with no fear of strangers. Good memories of a life time passed and never to be experienced again. Looking forward to hearing from you in the near future, also Kerrison Grifiths and John Jones (Sophie) Raymond (Ray) Griffiths.
Thu Mar 19 08:00:30 2009

KERRISON GRIFFITHS, WREXHAM
Hello Raymond Griffiths, it was nice to read your story on 16th March. I am related to you. My mum was Gwyneth {Sophie}and I was brought up in Maelor Aveneue. My taid was Jim {Sophie}. I well remember auntie Lena and your family living at the corner of Bryn Eitha. I am only just starting to look at my family tree. I have some copies of census of Plasbennion and certificates for a couple of relations, including my grandmother, Sophia, who died four months before I was born. She was born 7th April 1887 to Wiliam & Ann Edwards. Also, a copy of their marriage certificate 1879. It would be good to get in touch.
Tue Mar 17 08:44:57 2009

Raymond Griffiths
To John Jones, Sophie of Market Drayton. Hello John. Yes you may well think you know me but not in the the way you think. I am Raymond Griffiths from Bryn Eitha, Penycae, not the Raymond Griffiths from Maelor Avenue. Aunty Sophie was born the daughter of William and Ann Edwards middle row Plasbenion. Ann was the daughter of Thomas Jones and Ann Parry. Ann Jones (Edwards) had a brother born of the same parents by the name of Joseph Jones. Joseph was my Mothers father, so my Mother, Selina (Lena)was a first cousin to Aunty Sophie. This now makes me, and my two deceased brothers Albert and George, like third or fourth cousins to yourself. I have delved into the family history through Ancestry.co.uk for many years and have lots of information that I can impart to you if you so wish. Please do not hesitate to contact me through this web site if you wish to have more information.
Mon Mar 16 09:06:05 2009

John Evans, Llandudno
In reply to some earlier posts, esp Raymond Griffiths. I used to live in Bryn Eitha. My mother was Mary and father, Danny (Robert Dan). If I remember rightly my mother was friendly with Raymond's mother (Gwenny?) and she used to give me Raymond's old Eagle comics. I used to pal around mainly with Joey Evans and Maelor Davies, Johnny Huxley from Afoneitha and Peter Ankers from Cristionydd. There were some great characters around then. However, I got married at 19 and went to live in Wrexham. I recall many of the names mentioned here and have many memories of lots of great friendships from the village and many good times.
Mon Mar 16 08:40:52 2009

Kerrison gGriffiths from Wrexham
Hello John from Market Drayton. It was so nice to read your story - it brought back many memories. Haven't seen you for many years...
Thu Mar 12 07:43:56 2009

Babs, Swansea
To Eileen Davies of Johnstown, I do believe that the Ann you are talking about was my big sis. Edward is our cousin.
Mon Mar 2 10:24:21 2009

Babs from Swansea
Hi, Edward, of Oswestry, wyt'n cofio "stryd Pen-ol"? (I was trying to be polite). It was at the back of Auntie Blod and Uncle Llew's house. I've been back to Tainant a few times. Our Nain and Taid wouldn't recognise Ty Capel any more. Please give my love to the family. I've missed your mam so much. Love to Uncle Til, Myf and Eirian aka "catalogue Box".
Thu Feb 26 08:21:12 2009

John Jones (Sophie) Market Drayton
I am born and bred in Penycae. In fact, Maelor Avenue. Re Avril of Crewe, your mother, Lizzy Anchor, made many a jam butty doorstep for me, and I remember you Avril, Affron, and Annette, and I can still see your dad in the Wheelwright reading a book now. When my stepfather (Jim Sophie) would send me to the outdoor for his Woodbine and bottle of Border brown, Ernie Pring was the landlord at that time, late '50s early '60s. Really nice to see your name come up Avril. It would be nice also to hear from anyone else that remembers me? Thanks for all the good reading on this page, espy yours Raymond Griffiths. I think I remember you but I'm not sure.
Mon Feb 23 09:05:00 2009

Rob Pen-y-cae
Nice to hear about the good old days in the village. Keep it up now. lol
Mon Jan 26 08:45:58 2009

Sharon from Penycae
Just discussing with my dad about the olden days I found out some interesting facts about my family 'the Lees' history. My dad's family were well known in Chrystionedd (soz about spelling) for making and selling home made pop, I think one was nettle pop. He said they used to make it in old bath tubs and people from all over would come just to buy it. He also said that his mam used to sell fruit on a horse and cart and was the first to introduce bananas to the area, how true the banana thing is I don't know. It was also mentioned that on my dad's mam's side of the family who were from Rhos, Cambell Street I think, they were known as the 'mochyns'??? can you really see us as pigs?! ha ha. I enjoy talking about the history of where I'm from but would like to see more pictures especially of the railway that was along Pant Hill.
Mon Dec 29 10:58:40 2008

Heulwen Hession
Like Wil, I visited Wrexham museum yesterday and was very disappointed. To any potential visitors, I'd say don't waste your time.
Tue Dec 23 07:30:51 2008

Wil, Wrexham.
Called in at Wrexham Museum, (no comments please) Thursday 18/12/08 to see the "exhibition" about Newtown village on Penycae mountain. A short film showed two people picnicking by an old fireplace at the site but little else, and the sound, even via the headphones, was unintelligible. Maps showing the location were too small a scale to be able to pinpoint the village's position. As someone who lived close by and spent many hours picking whinberries and 'beating' there it was a little disappointing. Anyone else been to see the exhibition?
Mon Dec 22 08:41:56 2008

David Norman
I am trying to locate a Tyn y Coed Chapel that was supposed to be in Pen-y-Cae during the 1930s. Do any of the older resident members remember this Chapel? I have been reading your comments and I have found that a number of you are extremely knowledgable of the past history of Pen-y-Cae.
Thu Nov 20 08:12:02 2008

Raymond Griffiths
To all concerned. So nice to see the photo of the New Inn, Stryt Issa, on the top of this page. It would be nice if we had more old photos of Penycae pubs, schools, chapels and houses etc, especialy of the old areas of Penycae, Stryt Issa, Pentre Cristionydd (or Penrtri) as Nevil says it should read. Sorry, but as an old Penycae boy I do not have any to contribute. I would suggest the Nevil's translation of Pen-y-Cae into English is probably the best that can be done, as it is difficult to translate Welsh directly to mean something sensible in English. The name probably arrived from before the time that Penycae was a parish in its own right and came under the umbrella of the parish of Ruabon in an area known as Dinhynlle Uchaf. In this area Penycae would have probably been the last and highest of any of the noteable settlements of the time. This information can be verified in the publication 'Remembering Ruabon'. If anyone has any comment that may either support this suggestion or any comment to right any errors please feel free to make an entry on this site.
Mon Nov 17 08:28:58 2008

John Davies, Johnstown
Hi friends, now coming back to the pubs of Pen y Cae. Well, here [top] is a picture of the New Inn that was situated in Stryt Issa that was oppopsite the Bricklayers Arms. Also, as you can see there used to be a Caergwrle Ales Brewery, this was run by the Duckett family which are still in the village. But here is a new bit of interesting info if you just look and think. Pen y Cae got its name from the Williams Wynn family due to the point that from his house and where the church is situated, it is at the top of the field for were we get the name from in WELSH PEN-Y-CAE - top of field, as Mr N Jackson mentioned.
Fri Nov 14 13:43:49 2008

N. Jackson
Pen-y-Cae, I'm told is in English "Top the Field". Pen-y-cae was part of Ruabon until 1894. The oldest part of the village is Pentri Cristionydd. Pentre was spelled with an i.
Mon Nov 10 09:12:41 2008

Jan Lloyd - Gresford
I grew up in Penycae and have very fond memories. My father Victor Evans still lives there and I know the village has changed but it is still lovely and friendly. No matter where you live, there is the odd bit of bother but Penycae is no different to anywhere else. Penycae means Top of the Field.
Mon Nov 10 08:23:20 2008

Raymond Griffiths
To Will, Wrexham & John Davies, Johnstown. You are correct in assuming that James Matthews was the last innkeeper of the Anchor pub in Pentre, Penycae. This family were the publicans from about 1930 to June 26th 1953, when a spark from the chimney set the thatch alight and the fire reduced the pub to ashes. This information was passed to me on this website by Avril Crewe, the grand daughter of James Matthews. With regard to the pub on the old Mill Lane that led to the Mill Farm from the direction of the 'concrete triangle', my inlaws the Ellis used to live at the Mill farm from 1955ish to 1978 and the two senior brothers of my wife, Edgar and Bill distinctly recall a door and window bricked up in the wall just before the old barn on the mill lane (now converted into a residence) behind this wall grew a large pear tree in what appeared to be the outline remains of a building that was not part of the Mill farm. Maybe there is someone else out there that can positively recall this pub. A friend of mine also recalls a two storey stable or barn on the opposite side of the path from the Anchor backing on to the river, I can only recall this a pile of rubble in the '40s, apparently the top floor of this building was used by the local hard boys for boxing bouts. The little lady living in the small house attached to the Wheelwrights arms was named Freda and the Ann (Agaxxx) recalled at the New Inn was locally known as Ann Agazoo.
Mon Nov 3 10:07:49 2008

John Davies from Johnstown
Now here is a question that may have many answers: Can anyone tell me what PEN-Y-CAE is in English? Also, how did the village get its name as I have an idea how the name came to be but would like to hear any other thoughts on this.
Mon Nov 3 09:00:40 2008

Eileen Davies, Johnstown
To Edward from Oswestry. I wonder if your Nain and Taid living in Ty Capel, Tainant, were Mr and Mrs Williams. My close friend Anne was their grand-daughter and always said we were related somehow. I'd love to know more about them to see if they tie in with my family tree. Would you be able to help?
Fri Oct 31 10:06:06 2008

Wil, Wrexham.
John Davies. Many thanks for the info. I can now visualise the locations you mention. I recall a tiny little lady living in the tiny house on "street" next to the Wheelwright's, always a greeting and a huge smile. The "old little shop" was once Mrs Ellis's chip shop mentioned by Raymond Griffiths. Strange that there were so many pubs along that route from street via Pentre to Bridge Street and just the two, the Black and X-Foxes, between Mrs Minton's school and Maelor Avenue. Due, probably, to the older established houses in Stryt Isa, Pentre etc. Saturday nights a renowned local pub pianist would leave his coat in the Queens, his stick in the X-Keys and pint on the piano in the Black getting paid by all three! I remember a row of four houses on Copperas corner facing what was the golf club and wondered whether there may have been a pub there at one time? I should have remembered Duffield's chippie and Miss Francis in the P.O. plus Cliff Roberts on the "bacon side" in the Coop. "Half a pound of bacon please, sliced on number four" (Mam's Divi number 9727). Used to pass the tap on Church Street on the way to top school where we learned about bees, (not birds, just bees) and how to "double-dig" Walter's garden. Happy days of yore!
Mon Oct 27 08:56:14 2008

John Davies from Johnstown
To Wil of Wxm. The Eagles was just past the Wheelwrights on same side up Stryt Issa just after the old little shop that closed last year or so, where now are 2 newish houses built just set back off the road just before where the Bricklayer's Arms was. Also the other pub that I'm not sure of its name was in Pentre where the triangle shape is now were the road used to go around. Well just there near the entrance to the old Mill that has now gone. Hope that info gives you what you need Wil.
Thu Oct 23 09:57:34 2008

Wil, Wrexham
For John Davies and Raymond Griffiths. Could you please give exact locations for the Eagles and 7th pub (Jack Everton's house?). I'm aware of all the others. Sgt Major in the terriers kept the Wheelwrights, Twm Burke (Morris?) and tragic family, plus Anne (Aga***), two daughters and Bob Hoy all lived in the de-licenced New Inn. Gave Alice a rare laugh when I came off my bike outside her house while she was scrubbing the step. Were the Matthews family the last keepers of the Anchor? Mrs Edwards and then her son, Willie, kept the Cross Keys and Frankie Davies followed Sinah Williams in the Queens Head. Mrs Edwards' grandson(?) played for Bolton Wanderers during, I think, the Nat Lofthouse era. My mother, and Mrs Shone, lived in half of the Bird in Hand before we moved to Plas Du and Mrs Shone to Gelli Wen. Mrs Rees's daughter was bedridden near an ever-open window in the other half. Jim Lewis, with a lighted fag in his ear and a half-pint on the bar for me when I was off work long-term sick, kept the Black Horse, then Herb Blackwell. Good pub in those days. Don't know what it's like now, haven't been in since Twm Alley's son and his wife moved in. I too lived in Cristionydd in an upstairs flat with two very small children after Idris, Cross Foxes, wangled one of his Co-op workmates into "my" house backing on to Bryn-y-Barcut. Remember the "sheriff" keeping the Cross Foxes? So much jewellery on his hands that any trouble had died down before he took it off to deal with it. A well known local tenor used to be encouraged by John Jesse to sing there before he took it seriously. Penycae then had lively pubs, good schools, thriving Post Office, billiard hall, scouts, Aelwyd, football team, Powells, Bessie Davies' and Twm Thomas's shops, plus full Church and Chapels, oh yes, and a policeman who lived in the village, clouted me for scrumping.
Mon Oct 20 08:47:28 2008

N. Jackson
My taid used to tell me about the old pub by J Everton's house, always a lot of trouble there. One very busy chip shop was the one in Chapel Street opposite the entrance to Maes-y-Nant. I remember 11 shops in the village, plus the Post Office, a barbers, chemist shop and the old popular Co-op. The old houses on Church Street did not have running water in the houses, but a tap in the wall across the road. After watching Pen-y-Cae FC playing football on Plas Ucha field, we always used to call at the old tap for a drink, and being told off if we left the tap dripping. What wonderful days they were.
Mon Oct 20 08:45:08 2008

Raymond Griffiths
To John Davies. Many thanks for your update on the pubs of Penycae. This will put another village record straight for all to view in the future. If any one else can add to this record of village pubs, shops (the chip shop in Stryt Issa run by Mrs Ellis in the '50s, for example) or any other things of interest - please feel free to make your entry.
Fri Oct 17 09:06:52 2008

John Davies
Hi all from the village. I was born and bred in Pen-y-Cae and my parents, brothers and sisters are still in the village. So I come to the question about how many pubs were in the village, well Raymond mentioned 10 but to be exact there were 13 pubs in total: 1st Wheelwrights, 2nd Eagles, 3rd Bricklayers Arms, 4th New Inn (this pub was run by the Duckets family who are still part of the village), 5th Royal Oak, 6th Anchor, 7th (not sure of name but was situated in front of Jack Everton's house down Pentre), 8th The Red Lion, 9th Cross Keys, 10th Bird in Hand, 11th Queens, 12th Black Horse, 13th Cross Foxes. Well I hope any of you older ones could confirm that this info is correct. Also Pen-y-Cae is a lovely village to live in as I lived there from 1960-1990. For the thirty years I spent there, we all as neighbours knew each other well and we respected each other and helped in different ways. I lived in Cristionydd from a child and have many memmories of good people, such as aunty Jane (Goff) as we used to call her, George and Mia, Aggie and John Jesse, plus others. Well I shall leave it there but if anyone would like to know more please ask .
Wed Oct 15 09:21:47 2008

Olivia Price-Hurt, Vancouver
Reading your comment about the "Prices" in Drefechan, I am the daughter of the late Lloyd Price. Now there is only one sibling left Florrie (Jones) my aunt. I lived in Drefechan until 1988 before moving to Vancouver, Canada. My brother Allan and mother still reside there. What a wonderful place Pen-y-cae was for me growing up, I brought my children to visit a month ago and to me it still gives you the closeness of a village and community not like they are used to here in a city. Lets give Pen-y-cae some credit.
Mon Sep 22 08:54:43 2008

Fed up farmer
To rob I have a small holding in Penycae which is infested with rats and the odd stoat. I could do with your help.
Fri Sep 19 15:34:08 2008

Rob, Pen-y-cae.
That is because of the rise in scrap value. On another note do any local farmers / large land owners have any land on which I can hunt with a .22 air rifle? Rabbits, rats, squirrels, pigeons and crows. Just leave a message and I will get in contact.
Thu Sep 18 08:09:07 2008

Wil, Wrexham
For Rob, Penycae. I submitted a response to your entry, including a warning on the latest antics of the local thievery, nicking catalytic convertors from cars. [You can find the comment here]
Tue Sep 16 08:36:05 2008

Rob, Pen-y-cae
Come on, why do people hide their names when they knock our village down? If they don't like it here why don't they move, and see how they get on in a different place. To me it is a good place to live. We have got most things in easy reach.
Mon Sep 8 09:29:36 2008

Edward from Oswestry
I grew up in Tainant, Penycae, in the 1960s and have many happy memories of my childhood. The summers were most definitely longer and there was a real sense of community then, Hartwell's shop with Togo the dog, my nain and taid in Ty Capel, Jordan's in Ty'n Pistyll, Walter and Elsie and Towser the dog, Aunty Polly Evans in Nythfa, Hazel and Malcom in Bridge Cottage, Mr Brown (followed by the Lloyds) in Bridge end Farm and many others. It was a lovely place to grow up and we all pulled together.
Fri Aug 1 09:44:48 2008

Wil, Wrexham.
R.D. Williams, Elwick. I'm sorry to have to agree with you about the negative comments, but it seems to be the way of the "modern" world, and Penycae is no different from other places. "Scouts" survives but all too few, my own grandchildren included, persevere into later teens. I recall the several Prices, Drefechan Farm, Gelli Wen and the Dryll. All related but most of them have passed away or moved elsewhere. Salem Chapel, magnificent building. Today's entire congregation could sit in the "Set Fawr" next Sunday and there would still be room for more. Church is the same and Groes Chapel closed some time ago. Would another "Revival" with Sunday school and Band of Hope etc. be the answer? I'm afraid not. The "milk-snatcher" from Grantham, and her materialistic government put paid to that. Got to stop now or I'll be edited again for saying too much, Cheers to all, Wil.
Wed Jul 30 11:14:42 2008

RD WIliams, Elwick
Interesting reading the comments. Negative comments but no offers of what to do about Penycae abound. Moving on, my late wife, Eluned Jones, was related to the Prices and "Fighting Fred" was her uncle. Somewhere along the line, her family built Salem and she was privileged to sit in the set fawr, three times on a Sunday! I used to play in Sam's snooker hall, where you had to use a shortened cue on one table because of a brick pillar being in the way. Kyffin, I remember as a large man with a small horse and cart who took milk passed the Grammar School every day - and sold cigarettes to the boys!
Wed Jul 23 09:24:13 2008

Neville Jackson, Pen-y-cae.wxm
I used to go with old Mr Griffiths the farmer many times into the old mill in Pentre. Up to the top floor, (three floors). He would show me all the wooden levers to push. One to start the big water wheel, another to start the turn of the big stone rollers to grind the corn. Another to work the winch which would wind the full bags up through the three trap doors, another one to lower the full bags back down. The mill was built in 1696, and around 1807 was made much bigger. If you went there today up to the far end,you can still see some of the old big square stones that was used to divert the water into the pool. Halfway up the pool opposite Morgan's farm you can still see the old cutaway which was used for the overflow of water. Opposite this was the first school in Pen-y-cae, a bungalow today. The pool was also used for Baptism before they built Salem Chapel in 1878. Towards the late '40s the ground floor became a blacksmith, the first of three in the village.
Wed Jul 9 15:15:23 2008

Concerned, Penycae
Quite a number of people have many concerns about Penycae as a village.I feel it's true that the youngsters do often cause a problem especially through alcohol. We have to blame their parents but, of course, you cannot expect them to rectify the situation, that's too much to ask. I suggest that if you are being troubled by these youngsters call the police. I have been forced to, and I hate doing this, and I've found the police very helpful if they are able to attend right away, which is not always possible because of the many pressures they have on their time. However, if we all called the police to situations that we are unhappy about then this pressure would ensure that the police did take the situation seriously. Plesse don't feel bad about calling the police. The "buck" has to stop somewhere. Come on Penycae, sort them out!
Wed Jul 9 11:06:48 2008

Raymond Griffiths
Sandra Western, Australia. Please come to visit Penycae if ever you return to Wales. You will find lots of areas as you remember them, not all as bad a some contributors describe. I remeber Penycae in the '40s & '50s when us boys were terrified of three people and made sure we kept well out of their way, they were namely your grandfather Mr Almond, reservoir keeper (resevoy to us unkept lads), Mr Jackson, gamekeeper Rhos Mountain (Neville's grandfather) and M. Williams, the policeman, a very firm and fair man. If the youngsters of present day Penycae had these people to contend with then they would certainly be a great deal more respectful to the community. Neville will verify we had our village tearaways but even they were kept in check by these few (important) people. Respect was the name of the game. Please Sandra, if you have the chance, pay a visit to the UK, visit Penycae you will be welcomed by all the older generation of Penycae and maybe the younger generation also. I went to school with Peter and Herby Almond, I believe these may be your relatives.
Wed Jun 4 09:18:59 2008

Neville Jackson
Sandra - no, Pen-y-cae village is not bad, like any other village it does have a few idiots. I have lived here for nearly 70 years, and I would not change it for any other place. Yes, I remember the Almonds, keeper of the two reservoirs and his old three wheeler, he used to go everywhere in it. Oh and he used to chase us if we were up to no good.
Tue Jun 3 08:45:13 2008

Sandra, Western Australia
I lived in Drefechan and Penycae from about 1948 until I went nursing in Lancashire and went to school in Penycae and Ruabon Grammar. Taid and Nain were the Almonds at the Reservoir. Has Penycae really got as big and bad as it seems from some of your writers? It is my dream to come back and visit.
Mon Jun 2 10:17:34 2008

Wil, Wrexham.
For:- Olivia Price Hurt, Canada. During WW2 I lived just down the road from Drefechan Farm, in Plas Du, and grew up with your father, Lloydie. If you read my entry on this site for Wed. 12th Dec. last year all the agricultural activities mentioned took place at Drefechan Farm. I recall your grandmother, also May, Howell, Douglas, Florence and your father, he was just a little older than me. Howell was one of, perhaps, five people in Penycae with a car. Exciting rides as the car rarely had brakes. Douglas survived Army service but died tragically all too soon. Florence lived across the road from me in part of (Edwin?) Parry's farmhouse. Her husband (Tudor?) came home from the war and eventually became Registrar of Births, Marriages etc. for Wrexham. Our cildren's births were registered by him. Your father dug out the footings for my current home many years ago. We made countless trips together up to the "top fields" to fetch the calves down, sheltering in the van body up there in the, very often, rough weather. Ah well, happy were the days as a youth in the countryside. All the best, Wil.
Wed May 28 08:40:51 2008

Martin Clegg
Gaynor from Bristol, thanks again, I must take the time to download Google Earth so that we can see the images of house remains.
Tue May 20 07:18:26 2008

Web Team
Message for N Jackson; We've tried replying to your email address a number of times but there appears to be a problem. Thanks for your excellent contribution - but it is too long to be used on this page and we were trying to contact you to ask that you post the memories on Memoryshare section. Thanks in advance.
Mon May 19 08:40:52 2008

Gaynor from Bristol
Hi Olivia, give me a call when you are home. It is nice to know that you also have happy memories of living in Drefechan but I also remember Tainant, where I went to chapel and school in Penycae and Rhos. It was a very safe place to grow up and I could go around the area as long as I was home before dark from my friend Heulwen's house across the field. I also remember Geoffrey Thompson's father as the gamekeeper living in mountain lodge. Geoffrey was bitten in the mouth by my uncle’s (Tom Price) dog while they were dipping sheep by Pant Glas.
To Martin Clegg, have you visited Newtown mountain lately? From Google Earth you can see the outline of old house remains on the edge of the forest.
Tue May 13 08:51:54 2008

Olivia Price Hurt, Vancouver, Canada
I know most people originally from Drefechan would have known my father Lloyd Price and Uncle Howell Price. I have so may memories from my childhood about Pen-y-cae. I am looking forward to my trip home in the summer with my children. I know that it has changed in the 4 years since I have been there but would love to hear more stories.
Mon May 12 07:54:33 2008

Webteam message for N Jackson
N Jackson: Please contact the webteam regarding your message for this page as we are unable to email you due to a problem with your email address.
Mon May 12 07:48:09 2008

Poacher Tom
I have lived in this peaceful village all my life and as a lad growing up I've spent a lot of time and intrest in the country from tickling trout from the stream that runs through Tai Nant to ferreting the banks and hedges up the seven styles and as growing up around all the old chaps that have all had the same similar background as me. So, when I was a younger I always used to pester them for tips and stories about how they used to catch their quarry and about their stories of getting chased by Tony Jackson or his father, Tom, the old game keeper and I've got all that to thank to this beautiful, peaceful village - Penycae.
Fri May 9 08:38:25 2008

Olivia Price-Hurt, Vancouver, Canada
I lived in Drefechan, Penycae for 25 years, moved to Vancouver 20 years ago. My family still live there. My father lived in Drefechan all of his life. What a wonderful place to grow up in as a child. I am also related to Gaynor from Bristol.
Tue May 6 08:43:14 2008

Phil Edwards
My family originate from Pen y Cae, my taid being Tom Edwards (Tom Tainant) and my great taid Charles Herbert Edwards who, I understand, ran a taxi service in Pen y Cae many years ago.
Wed Apr 23 08:24:11 2008

David Ithell, Penycae.
How dare you say bad things about this village, if you don't like it here, move!
Mon Apr 21 08:33:36 2008

Glyn Farmer, Pen-y-Cae
Has anyone got any old photos of Pen-y-Cae please or any history of it? I live in one of the oldest houses of Pen-y-Cae, a timber frame house in Church Street.
Fri Apr 4 09:53:58 2008

Laura, Pen-y-Cae
I have lived in Pen-y-Cae all my life and I never want to move. People are always friendly and kids will be kids wherever you live. You have beautiful countryside on your doorstep, there's so many great things to talk about I don't know where to begin: the schools are great, teachers and pupils are so friendly and always a pleasure to talk to, most people know one another and it's not somewere where you're afraid to walk down the street at night. There are so many more things I don't think I would have enough time to write them all. I love to hear all of the other great things other people have to say so please reply :)
Thu Mar 13 09:06:18 2008

Wil, Wrexham
For:-Lorraine, Penycae. Notices were published quite recently regarding Wrexham Unitary Development Plan up to 2021, including the former Penycae Golf Club site. These notices indicated sites for potential future residential development, in other words submit a plan for multi-housing and it will be granted. This is not new as Wrexham CBC is intent on attaining "City status" by residential expansion and is even allowing factory demolition to provide space for housing which locals cannot afford because there aren't any decent wage-paying jobs available. No factories, no jobs, new housing sold to commuters from all points north of Chester. I would imagine that info. re Afoneitha Colliery and the Foundry mentioned previously may be of assistance to your college assignment. My experience with Aberystwyth is such that I know they would be most helpful to you
Tue Mar 11 09:30:25 2008

Gaynor from Bristol
Sorry George I don't have any photos of the shop only happy memories of spending my pocket money there in the late fifties early sixties before it closed. I can't remember who lived there then but they had a dog called Togo.To Martin, when walking from the direction of the reservoirs you keep to the bottom of the valley going towards Pant Glas following the river. Just before the end of the forestry, turn to your left then half way up you will find the remains of the houses, that is if they have not be destroyed. They were on a flat area with lots of walls still remaining in the mid sixties when I last looked.I have had another look at the 1901 census. At that time 27 people lived in six houses, in the mountain, and 4 in Clock Ty Rhewi. It will be interesting to see the 1911 census, when it is released, as I believe all the people left when the top reservoir was opened in 1902. My nain never mentioned there being a church or chapel there, but she did say that lots of people were there on weekends to take in the fresh air, drink the fresh water and have picnics.
Mon Mar 10 16:32:18 2008

Lorraine from Penycae
Thanks Wil, for the info. What's the plan for housing? I heard there was some local opposition. I thought Penycae was a conservation area so development was restricted? But you've got to wonder, with all the houses springing up on any bit of spare land round here.
Mon Mar 10 09:21:31 2008

George Sutherland from Tainant
We live in the house what used to be Kyffins Shop. Would really appreciate any information and pictures of the old shop.
Fri Mar 7 08:41:13 2008

Martin Clegg from Wrexham
Thank you very much, Gaynor. That adds quite a lot to what we knew about New Town Mountain: I believed that the area was initially planted with conifers more recently than that. We haven't found any surviving trees from fruit orchards there, but there are two overgrown cherry trees looking out of place, beside the track up to New Town Mountain from the direction of the reservoirs. It would also seem that the last person to inhabit the settlement was alive much more recently than we thought. I'd just like to say again that I'm very keen to discover anywhere that I can find photographs of the settlement, from any time. I understand that at one time there was a chapel and a church there and that summer fetes were held at New Town Mountain partly in an effort to get people away from the pubs for a while.
Wed Mar 5 12:07:00 2008

Gaynor from Bristol
I used to live on a farm above Tainant and I went to Copperas school, then Grango. My friend and I use to play hide and seek in the old houses remains, on Newtown/Penycae mountain before they sold the area off in 1960 and planted conifer trees. I also used to go and pick fruit from the old orchards where there were plenty of apples and damsons. There were about seven houses in the mountain before they were demolished. I believe this was done to protect the water runoff into the new Penycae reservoir that was built below the houses. The last person to live in the houses in the mountain was William Thomas Ellis, he was my Sunday school teacher at Tainant chapel. The house on Newtown mountain was called 'Cloc Ty Rhewi', the frozen clock house, as it was felt to be so cold there that the clock would freeze.The houses can be seen on an old ordnance survey map of the area and the names of the people who lived there can be found in the census.
Tue Feb 26 09:21:25 2008

Wil, Wrexham.
For Lorraine, Penycae. Penycae Golf Club is a comparatively recent creation on the field you mention, the recent WCBC local development plan indicates it to be a possible future site for housing. At the Copperas end of the field and along the banks of the Eitha there are shale deposits similar to colliery spoil. Then at the Ruabon end was a foundry in the field and on the left going towards Ruabon after passing Wynne Hall. Note:- "Foundry House" on the left in the sharp right hand bend. I was researching some Drefechan, Tainant, Penycae history myself a couple of years ago and found the following from: www.rcahmw.org.uk/cgi-bin/user/ahmwww/ database/search Wynne Hall Spelter Works, Wynne Hall Colliery, Afoneitha Colliery (Copperas end of the field?) and Christionydd Colliery. The site above is The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales which is in Aberystwyth (01970 621200) and they are very keen to help. Also worth a try is Clwyd Powys Archeological Trust which is the "Record Originator" for each of the above collieries etc. Hope this helps, any problems leave a message on this site. Good luck with your assignment, Wil.
Wed Feb 20 09:37:08 2008

Lorraine, Penycae
Hello. I am hoping someone could supply some information to assist in a college assignment. I am interested in the history of the land on the corner of Afoneitha and Copperas Hill that used to be part of Penycae Golf Course. I know it closed around 1999 but when was it created? Also any previous details on the use of the land (presume it was pasture) or any other details. Many thanks if you can help.
Thu Feb 14 08:21:33 2008

Martin Clegg
Thanks Wil, that is useful. If anyone else has any information or memories about Newtown Mountain we'd love to hear them. Thanks, Martin & Sue.
Tue Feb 5 11:40:49 2008

Raymond Griffiths
To Avril Crewe. Sorry for the misinfomation regarding the Anchor in Pentre, Penycae. I was recalling memories from my youth, age 7 to 9 and am now well past retirement, age can play tricks on one's memory. The only name that I could recall in relation to this pub was Lizzy, a name that my mam would use very often in my time as a junior. If anyone else can correct my comments on the pubs past and present of Penycae please feel free to make amendments so that our history can be recorded correctly. Apologies and regards. Raymond.
Thu Jan 31 08:31:38 2008

Avril Crewe
Re the mention of the Achor Inn, Penycae. I should like to correct the information held about it. My grandfather James Matthews, with my grandmother Mary, was the landlord from about 1930 to 1953 when on June 26th a stray spark set the thatch on fire. Their youngest daughter Elizabeth was my mother and she was always known as Lizzy Anchor but she never ran the pub.
Wed Jan 30 13:14:17 2008

Wil, Wrexham.
For Martin Clegg and Sue Challis. In Penycae turn right at Salem chapel into Bridge Street, past entrance to bottom reservoir and up the hill to 4 houses, Maesydd, fork in road at Penymaes. Take left fork and keep going past Gelli Wen and Drefechan Farms. Keep to road and through a gate at bottom end of top reservoir. Carry on 1/2 mile alongside reservoir and through two more gates. Look for a concrete slab on the left to cross the stream. Don't follow the stream, follow the path up the mountain and what's left of Newtown is to the right of the footpath as soon as you reach the top. I don't recall seeing anything there except for the footings of the old "tai siamber?" (houses built overnight with chimney smoking by morning). Lovely area and loads of whinberries in season, grouse-beating, swimming in "coloured waters", walk to Llan via Keepers lodge, Eglwyseg, Elizabethan manor house and over or around Castell Dinas Bran. Saturday dance till 11.30pm in Llan Town Hall, walk J***** J**** home to Fron and then home to Drefechan via the Aqueduct and Cefn. Bored? Nothing to do? Never!
Mon Jan 21 08:40:53 2008

Martin Clegg and Sue Challis from Wrexham
Would anyone who reads and writes on this page be able to tell us anything about New Town Mountain? I realise this is no longer talking about Penycae itself but I believe there was a settlement of a certain size near the base of Ruabon Mountain for much of the 19th Century, even having a chapel and church for some of that time. We would love to find out any photographs or read stories about life on the mountain.
Thu Jan 17 08:09:41 2008

Wil, Wrexham
Rich of Wrexham. TAINANT:- Garfield Kyffin's "shop", if you knew Tainant you'll understand the "". More like a youth club! Lads would gather there for a sly cigarette and pop and crisps. Charlie Holland lived next door. Nothing to do? Sunday night regular race from Kyffins, two or three lads up past the chapel onto the mountain, back via the Dryll and Drefechan. Rest of the gang in the opposite direction, sometimes with a white sheet to scare the other lot half way. Nothing to do? Jones family, had a smallholding just above the chapel, lost a son, Herbie, one of my brother's mates, at an all too early age. Down the hill by the phone-box, Arthur Brown's farm on the right, his son, Emrys, a big lad, went into machine (crane, bulldozer) operating. Over the bridge look up to the left and see Isaac, London and Manchester insurance man's house with the firewatcher's hut next door. Whist Drive every weekend in winter time. Come early or you won't get a seat! Nothing to do? Round to the right along the river, Frank Coffin, the roadman's house up the bank on the left and Hughes' farm a little further along on the right where Philips's bus used to turn around and take you to Rhos. If there was less than three feet of snow in winter it got there! Saying nothing about Thomas, Pen-y-maes and Fred, Gelli Wen getting thrown out of the Queen's Head for threatening to fight each other, they were both in their seventies! Milk the cows (what's a milking machine?), muck out, tread the hay, fetch the calves down, feed everything, help hold the pig down for the slaughterman (the local postman), great, liver dinners for a week, stack the corn sheaves into "stooks". Keep out of the way of the guy shooting rabbits as the corn was cut, seven or eight men with scythes. Nothing to do? Good job there was no television, it would have had to go back because we didn't have time to watch it! Whatever DID happen to marbles, hopscotch, 20ft. communal skipping ropes, tin can footy with jacket goalposts, tree swings and hoops? Whatever happened to Band of Hope, Sunday School and Chapel? NOTHING TO DO? Happy Christmas!
Wed Dec 12 15:02:16 2007

Raymond
Hello all you Mr Anonymouses in and around Penycae. You all seem to have nothing but negative comments. I challenge you all to come out from your anonymous protective cover and put your names up front so that all the positive people in and arround Penycae can re-direct you in your thoughts or even challenge you up front. We seem to have gone back to the 1940s and the secret war with you people.
Tue Dec 11 08:32:06 2007

Anonymous 2
I lived in Penycae nearly all of my life, until moving from there a few years ago. I have to agree with a lot of the negative comments I have read, Penycae not a very nice village to live in. I think the only positive is that the beautiful countryside and walks are on the doorstep! The people are very negative and you'd be lucky to see anyone smile.
Mon Dec 10 08:58:20 2007

M. Evans-Jones from Penycae.
You may wish to contact a Victor Evans, my grandad, and resident of the village for all his 86 years. He was an active member of the history group and has got a substantial folder of local history.
Thu Dec 6 08:15:18 2007

Rich of Wrexham
Plenty of comment on Penycae and Rhos but nothing on Tainant?
Tue Nov 27 09:21:12 2007

Raymond Griffiths
To Sheila Green. I do not have any photogrphs of Penycae school but I do have a book published to commemorate the opening of the new school in 1985. This book has a diary of events during the school's time from its opening in 1908 to the opening of the present school. You are welcome to have the book for your exhibition if you wish. I attended this school from 1944 to 1953 and enjoyed all of my time there. During the heavy snow fall of 1947 I was only one of a handful in attendance. Miss Roberts was the head mistress of the infants on my arrival with Miss Jones in charge of the younger infants. I remember the arrival of Mr Miles and Mr Donald Parry. Miss Ruby Ellis and Mr Mitchel were in charge of the intermediate classes in the junior school. My mother attended from 1912 to her leaving with written permission prematurely, to go into service. My brother also attended from 1935 to 1945. This school has been a great asset to the comunity of Penycae with the dedication of its teaching staff giving their all. I wish you all good luck with your venture.
Wed Nov 21 09:36:53 2007

Anon
When I was a child it was a nice small community. I remember the old green grocers and post office near the cenotaph and Mr Benson's shop, the summer fete with the old pram races, the 77 jubilee on the Groesfan green etc, etc. I have MANY happy memories and felt lucky to grow up in such a nice safe community. It was a great place to be. Two parts of my family are still there. I moved into Wrxham four years ago and, to be honest, I find Wrexham less trouble and less hassle than the last 10 years of living in my so called home village. With getting attacked near Pont yr Afon one night that was me finished. It's true about the teenagers who have something to prove. Drink, drugs, fight, tracksuits, heroin, shouting abuse at passers-by, threatening behaviour. I totally agree - the majority of residents are good people but the minority have nothing better to do than try to assert macho authority on anyone in range. Nine or 10 new estates have been built since I left Grango school in 1988, making space for too many outsiders to bring in their offspring to ruin it.
Tue Nov 20 09:19:18 2007

Sheila Green, Acrefair
Pen-y-Cae Infant School is 100 yrs old 2008. I would like to do a display of old photos in our hall for a 'then and now' exibition. Please contact me via the school. We also wish to do a centenary calendar with some of these pics too so if you can be of any help I would be very grateful.
Thu Nov 15 08:41:57 2007

Raymond Griffiths
To John Carter. You are correct in assuming there to be about ten public houses in the old vilage of Penycae. This is a list of my memories from the early 40s.
1. Wheelwrights arms, location as now and being run by a man named Jack Simon ( Jack Si.) up to the late 40s.
2. Bricklayers arms, located left hand side of Stryt Issa just below No. 12 & 14 (Not serving beer in my time and occupied as a house with a family named Evans in one part and Edwin Lloyd & family in another part.)
3. The New Inn, located right hand side Stryt Issa oposite the new bungalow just before the first house of Cae Gabriel.(Not serving beer my time and ocupied as a house by a family called Tom & Alice Morris with their four children.)
4. Royal Oak, located left hand side Stryt Issa, the house where the hair dresser used to be. (Not serving beer in my time and was ocupied by a lady named Miss Roberts and was a small general store.)
5. The Anchor, located Pentre, left handside over the bridge oposite Pen y Bont house, this was still serving beer untill a fire detroyed it in the early 50s, run by a lady nick named Lizzy Anchor.
6. The Cross Keys, located right handside top of Hill Street at its junction with Hall Street & Chapel Street, oposite the war memorial, run by Eddy Edwards until its closure in the late 60s.
7. The Hand, located left hand side top of Chapel Street at the end of Bro Awelon with its gable end to the road and the back onto Salem Chapel cemetery. (Not serving beer in my time. I cannot remember who lived their before it was pulled down in the 50s.
8. The Queens, located right handside lower Bridge street, first house over the Bridge, still serving beer up to the late 50s and run by a family named Williams.
9. The Black Horse, location as now but only half its size and in my time being run by Jim Lewis and his wife up to the late 50s.
10. The Cross Foxes Copperas, location as now and being run by a lady named May and her husband Idris Hughes up to the late 50s.
Can I just make a mention to Rhys and John of Penycae, many thanks for your positive comments about the village, I was born and bred here from the early 40s until I married and left in the late 60s, I still regard this as my home and realy feel sad for those negative thinkers who can see problems but refuse to face up to them and make good of whatever they can.
The mister anonymous of the village should identify themselves and stand up and be counted or sit back and make no comment, these people should read the comments of the other local villages and understand that these webpages are intended for the good of all not just a page for a slanging match between individuals.
Tue Sep 25 09:03:02 2007

John, Pen-y-cae
I also live in Pen-y-cae and I can't believe some of the negative comments being posted on here. It is not without its problems (like anywhere) but the community spirit here is as good as anywhere. The people referred to on the bench across from the pub are just kids - I have never had any trouble from them. Where do you expect them to go? I would not move from Pen-y-cae as we are very lucky compared to most places - most people are friendly, rolling countryside and mountains on our doorstep, 2 nice pubs, a village shop, a post office, churches, streets you can walk around safely, 2 great schools...the list goes on.
Mon Sep 24 15:22:00 2007

Rhys, Pen-Y-Cae
I have lived in the village for 18 months now and feel strongly enough to comment on what I've just read on these pages. I spent the first 37 years of my life living in a place called Blackley, North Manchester. As a kid I can remember never locking a door and always knowing my neighbour. That sense of community has gone now with social depravation and the influx of immigrants. On moving to Penycae I was struck on how the village reminded me of my home town all those years ago. I have had friends visit from Manchester and they cannot believe how peaceful and quiet the village is. What I'm trying to say is trust me, Penycae is Nirvana compared to Blackley on a Friday night! Be grateful!
Fri Sep 21 08:15:10 2007

Raymond Griffiths
To Dilys Wynne Griffiths. In reply to your request for information about the old mill Pentre Cristionydd, Penycae. I was born 1941 in Brtn Eitha Penycae a short distance from Pentre and only remember the mill and farm being occupied by a family named Catheral. Mr Cateral moved from the mill in about 1955 and my wife's family the Ellis' moved in to the mill house with the land being farmed by another farmer. I can only remember Hugh and Idwal Griffiths living up what we called Mill Lane when my wife's family lived in the mill house, next door was Len Smith and his family then Annie Mary Reid, then Idwal and Hugh Grifiths. Idwal's and Hugh's house was only accessible by a foot path after Annie Mary's house. There are two photos of the mill lane and mill on the website of Francis Frith the post card distributers. The mill as you described as falling down in the 80s is not entirely true, the mill was permitted to deteriorate and pulled down as was the same demise of Cristionydd farm house, a house dating back to Elizabethan times. Since my wife's family left in about 1978, the mill house and the barn has gone through extensive renovation, the mill house still looks the same on the outside but the barn and the Mill Lane area are now completly different with the properties now of a much higher value. I hope this information is of some use to you.
Fri Aug 31 08:34:31 2007

Raymond Griffiths
To Marion Hebblethwaite, Witney. There is a memorial plaque to Jonathan Rogers in the village hall, Penycae. Jonathan married Lorraine Williams and they both lived in number 39 Bryn Eitha during the late forties, they had two children at this time and then moved to live in the new prefabs in Maes y Nant, Penycae. They emigrated to Australia with Jonathan being in the Royal Australian Navy. After the tragedy on board Voyager, Lorraine returned to Penycae. Lorraine's ashes are interred in Penycae Church cemetery. I think they eventually had four children. I am not certain of their whereabouts now. Good luck with your research. The village hall at Penycae can be located near the junction of Hall Street and Hill Street.
Thu Aug 30 08:05:29 2007

Kat, Penycae
I find this conversation absolutely hilarious. And yes, most of it is true really. I'm under 16, and don't feel at all safe walking round or getting the bus home due to the rough people. There's always a group of people sitting on the bench opposite the pub who look like they may attack you at any time, so yeah, if you want a nice community spirited place to live, don't come to Penycae cos there's nothing to do, rubbish schools, rough people, and no community spirit.
Tue Aug 28 11:29:29 2007

Philip
I've lived in Penycae for 30 years. I feel top of Penycae is a nice place while Afoneitha needs to be bulldozed. What a rough place!
Mon Mar 26 08:56:43 2007

SUPERMAN
People who do not live in Penycae can't try to say what it is really like. It is an absolute dive and should all be bulldozed. The young people often go to drink on the 'line', or just even walk the streets drinking and causing havoc. It always ends up with someone getting hurt or things getting vandalised.
Fri Feb 2 13:33:17 2007

Anon from Penycae
I have lived in Penycae for 19 years and believe me it is nothing special, the social behaviour is really appalling and intolerable. I can't wait to move away from here. Goodbye cruel Penycae world.
Tue Jan 30 11:54:09 2007

Marion Hebblethwaite, Witney
I am researching Jonathan Rogers Gc who died in the Voyager tragedy in Australia but who came from Pen-y-Cae and wonder if there is a memorial to him in the village or perhaps in the church where he was married.
Tue Jan 16 10:42:09 2007

Anon
I do not feel that you should hang on my every word as I was merely telling you my opinion. The reason why I used statistics was to support my opinion. Please feel free to argue with the evidence but it is all true. Yes, you should be grateful that I am not a yob like some of the other kids of the village and I can see that the small minded mentality of blaming everyone else except parents and the children themselves for the way in which they behave and not the influence of those who have moved in. I was and am not saying that you are not intelligent, I have not written this to get into a personal arguement. We merely disagree about the extent to which the problems are and know the term social and economic deprivation is not ridiculous when applied to Pen-y-cae as Pen-y-cae is classed as a ward of its own. If the village is so great and all of these newcomers are to blame why have over 1,000 people left since 1991? I would like to know your theory on that one. By the way it is up to YOU to ensure your child is brought up how you would like, not the government.
Tue Jan 16 08:26:43 2007

Anon
To the person who commented about the kids from Rhos, Johnstown and Afoneitha being worse than the kids from Pen Y Cae I don't think so. And the last time I looked at a map Afoneitha was in Pen y Cae. All kids are not the same so please don't tar them with the same brush.
Mon Dec 4 09:56:24 2006

Anon
This has nothing to do with you being 'under 30', this is the trouble now with the government, our kids have been brought up to look at statistics for everything, they cannot understand anything unless there is a percentage attached!! No, this village is not deprived to what it used to be, in fact we are earning far more now than we were back in the 70's and 80's, there was 1 college to 'better ourselves' but if your family never had money then you never had the oppurtunity, at least kids of all social standing can attend college thanks to the over generous grants from the goverment, 'just look at the statistics' we had a government scheme for around £25 a week but did we stand on street corners drinking, taking drugs and giving verbal abuse?? no, we had little but we pulled together which brings me around to strangers moving here and their kids being brought up in the same way as city kids do, our kids, and by the way i also have 2 teenagers who have in the past been part of the 'crowd'. yes these teenagers can be a menace but again i still say and many people will agree that Penycae is still not as bad as the other villages! also where do 'older' kids get off thinking because they are not bad like some others that we should be happy and hang on their every word just because they have statistics and they don't hang around with the youth of today, are we suppose to be grateful that you do not cause a commotion??and by the way'social and economic deprivation' is a ridiculous statement to make about a small village like this. the trouble with you lot now is you had it too damn good growing up, being 'poor' does not mean that kids are bad, it is the way they are brought up or because our teachers cannot discipline them when they need to be mixing Penycae kids(meaning kids whose parents/grandparents were born here) with outsiders has not helped this village, not lack of money so please don't think you can lecture me! i may not have had as many opportunities as you but i am still an intelligent woman in her own right and have lived in many different places.
Mon Nov 20 10:27:36 2006

Jane, Penycae
We moved to Penycae in summer 2004 due to my work relocation. I have found Penycae to be warm, friendly and a proud mixture of people. As in any area you have good and bad parts and those of opposite sides of a spectrum in the belief of what life can give. Most areas have a problem with youths that are bored and parents who don't take the responsibility of ensuring they have something to do or somewhere to go. A young person is a true reflection of what is around them and we lead by example. There is lots to do in the summer time and a lot of extra things put on by the local council which make the area a very family friendly place to be. Of course there is some trouble and wayward behaviour but mostly people whatever age have been welcoming, caring and very approachable. The village is situated in an ideal location to get easily to Oswestry, Wrexham, Chester and the gorgeous beauty spots well within 45 minutes drive. I have lived in many places from Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale, Lancaster, Manchester, Leeds and some of the surrounding places... Penycae has proved a place I am very happy raising my family in and proud to be part of the community and I blame most of the problems on alcohol and boredom as in most places within the UK.
Mon Oct 30 11:44:37 2006

ANON
In response to your anonymous comment and actually I don't care if you do know who I am as what I am saying is a genuine opinion and one which I am not ashamed of. I can comment because firstly I am not a kid and just because I am under 30 does not mean that I am not entitled to an opinion and secondly because I am aware of the groups who are the troublemakers as I am young and so therefore will be more aware than others of a more mature age and I can safely say that having interacted with the youths of the area and yes being one myself that social deprivation is high leading to poor qualifications and low ambition which later results in troublemaking. If you still do not agree then I suggest you visit the neighbourhood statistics website and view the official evidence for yourself and also read the Estyn reports for the local school, I have and they don't make impressive reading. Yes, it is mainly down to lack of regional and national government investment but the pride has gone from the village and there doesn't seem to be the work ethic which was once present. I suggest you educate yourself on the subject and look at the facts. People are misled by perception and the other places you mentioned are not as socially deprived as Pen-y-Cae, the statistics will show you that. I apologise if how I have worded this appears cheeky but I just think that it is about time somebody removed the rose tinted glasses and realised the facts. That is the only way things will change and I feel that you should be grateful that a young person has taken an interest in improving the area as noone else is.
Thu Sep 7 16:57:07 2006

Williams
I have lived in the small village all my life (38) years. I must say that it's nothing like it used to be. My Nain and Taid's front door was never locked and friends and family would walk in and out anytime day or night. Today is much different and I think it has a lot to do with the price of houses in the area which I find are quite expensive but people from away find cheap. When I had my paper round in the early 80s I could name almost every person from Chapel Street, Bro Awelon, Hall Street, Groesfan, Cristionydd and down to Copperas and Plas Benion today though is much different. Small villages knew each other, now I don't even know half of the people on my own street of Copperas Hill. I do say hello but don't always get a reply from some. Where has our community spirit gone? I will tell you what I think - the same place as the Welsh language, it's been diluted into the scouse, mancs and cockney who all live in our once beautiful and peaceful village who some feel because they live near to Ruabon mountain that they have to own a big 4x4 car and take up all of Hall Street when they speed up and down. Well that's me done for now. Look forward to see some replies. 31. 8.06 Fe godwn ni eto.
Fri Sep 1 16:55:59 2006

Dilys Wynne Griffiths from Channel Isles
I am trying to find out some information about Pentre Mill, Penycae, where my family were corn millers from 1860-1948. Their names were Hugh Griffiths and Idwal Griffths. I understand that the mill fell down in the 1980s. Does anyone know anything about the mill?
Mon Jul 10 10:21:04 2006

Mark Williams, Penycae
I'm looking for some old photographs of the Old Post Office 54 Chapel Street, Penycae if anyone can help. Thanks
Mon Jul 3 11:23:23 2006

Anon, Penyace
In regards to 'Anonymous' comments, you are a kid yourself so how can you possibly comment on the village? I am 40 years old and have lived here all my life as my parents, grandparents etc have, yes this village has become a bit of a pain at weekends as kids your age are around making a nuisance of themselves but I know for a fact it is not as bad as you make it. As for Llan, that is worse than here with unruly kids, Rhos, Afoneitha and Johnstown kids are even worse again but I can assure you that the majority of the residents are decent people, it's actually more strangers' kids who have appeared over the last 10 years who are the troublemakers. I would say to anyone who wants to move here that you're better off here than the other villages I mentioned.
Wed Jun 28 16:57:36 2006

Anonymous
I have lived in Pen-y-Cae all of my life and I wouldn't recommend moving to Pen-y-Cae if you do not like yob culture with poor schools, social and economic deprivation. I have witnessed and experienced many newcomers into the area and have seen the children be sucked in to the local culture where drinking and smoking, immoral behaviour and unruliness are prominent. Don't get me wrong there are many perfectly pleasant, honest, upstanding residents but they seem to be outnumbered by those who are not so. I would recommend somewhere like Llangollen if you wanted the North Wales area. Hope a young local's view (I'm 17) has helped.
Mon Jun 19 10:46:06 2006

Louise from Cardiff
My family and I are looking to move to Penycae and would like some feedback of how friendly the place is to non locals and whether there are local facilities for a young family. Cheers Louise
Wed Jun 1 16:00:37 2005

Ioan from Pen-y-Cae
A little bit here.. http://www.bala.wel.sh/ a little bit there.. http://www.clwydfhs.org.uk/churches/Penycae/
Thu Dec 30 11:56:47 2004

more from this section

more from North East Wales