Q: Pam Dowdall from Preston: "In the census of 1881 my great grandfather John Roberts was living in the black and white house, Wynnstay Estate, Ruabon. Is this house still there?"
your comments
Christine Madsen
As a child I played in the Wynnstay park. We entered though the lodge gates by Bodtyllen Row. I am told that nobody is allowed in there now. What a shame, we had many happy hours roaming in the park. I am talking 50 years ago, so sadly times have changed.
Fri Apr 3 10:00:32 2009
Christine Randall, Suffolk
An update to my last post:- I have just spoken to an older relative and found out that sometime after 1901, Harry Higgins and his family moved to 'Black and White' and Harry worked as head groom on the estate. They still lived there in 1919-20 when 2 of his grandaughters were born there, but I belive Harry died shortly after this, and don't know if the family remained here or not. It was this house that may have blown up. Hope we can piece this puzzle together between us, Christine.
Tue Mar 17 08:50:37 2009
Christine Randall, Suffolk
I have also found my great grandmother and her parents and siblings living on the Wynnstay Park Estate, at 3 Bodyllton. Her father is Harry Higgins, he is listed on the 1901 census as age 37 years and a Traction Engine Driver. The Black and White house mentioned is listed on the same census page, occupied by Charles Almond age 48 and family. I would love to hear from anyone who knows more about the estate and a story I've been told about Harry's house being used as a explosives store, and it blowing up! Thanks, Christine.
Mon Mar 9 10:11:44 2009
Merfyn Davies (Rhyl)
My mother, Glenys, lived in the 'Black and White' with her family from 1926. Her father was head wagoner on the Estate. The family (12 children, of whom mum was the 11th) moved from Montgomeryshire, where Watkin Williams Wynn had another property. Although mum is now 83, she loves to share stories of her childhood on the Estate. Her parents later moved to 1 of the Estate's lodges (when my grandfather was retired). She remembers the army using the 'Black and White'. We have been to Wrexham Museum, Ruthin Gaol and Ruabon Library, trying to gain information on the 'Black and White' house but it doesn't seem to appear on any old maps.
Mon Feb 23 08:50:44 2009
Richard Dean, Biddulph, Staffs.
I'm interested in the history of the largely derelict Home Farm at Wynnstay and would like to contact anyone who worked there or knew it before the oldest buildings were demolished. Old photos of the buidings would be marvellous too.
Tue Jan 16 11:00:16 2007
Pam Dowdall from Preston
Thanks for your comments Rachel - if anyone can tell me if the house is still there I will go and visit.
Pam
Thu Dec 28 09:24:09 2006
Rachel Bowen, France
I was born in Ruabon and my grandmother (Nain) used to take me for walks in Wynnstay Park. A favourite walk was past 'Black and White'. The last time I went there, a very long time ago, it was not in a good condition. My grandparents also lived in this house at one time, after 1901, when my grandfather was in South Africa during the Boer war, and he did not marry my grandmother until after his return (both were in Ruthin at the time).
I did hear that 'Black and White' had been renovated, but I don't know any more about it than that.
Sincerely, Rachel Bowen
Fri Nov 24 11:57:45 2006
