Denbigh Castle saw many conflicts including fighting between the Welsh and the English and attacks during the Civil War. The town and castle are located on a steep hill, giving great views over the surrounding countryside and the hills of the Clwydian Range.

In Tudor times Denbigh flourished, and became one of the most prosperous towns in Wales, well known for its craftsmen such as glove makers and saddlers. Today, it is still a busy market town.

The town has many interesting buildings including the birthplace of Henry Morton Stanley, the journalist and explorer who was sent to find Dr Livingstone. Reminders of the old town walls which once enclosed Denbigh are also still to be seen.

The Library, Museum and Arts Centre, is a great place to find out more about Denbigh's long and fascinating history. It is located at the heart of the town in a building dating from the 15th century which was once an old market hall.

Meanwhile, Welsh culture has long flourished in Denbigh. The Welsh playwright Twm o'r Nant wrote his Interludes here and one of Wales' most famous novelists, Kate Roberts, lived in the town from 1935. Thomas Gee founded the publishing house Gwasg Gee in Denbigh in the 19th century. Today, the language centre Popeth Cymraeg/Welsh Unlimited offers opportunities to learn Welsh and other services to Welsh learners.

In 2001 Denbigh hosted the National Eisteddfod of Wales. The same year also saw the opening of Denbigh Community College, part of Llandrillo Learning Network, which provides opportunities to attend both day and evening classes.

Written by BBC Wales North East web team