Although Mold is not mentioned in the Domesday Book, the Normans did leave something behind which is enjoyed by people to this day. Bailey Hill, at the top end of the town, looks down over Mold as it did when a motte and bailey castle stood on the site. Walkers can now enjoy a relaxing stroll to the top and look out over the town and the surrounding communities.
But Bailey Hill was once the scene of a number of bloody skirmishes before the Edwardian conquest of Wales. Some believe Bailey Hill is where Mold's Welsh name Yr Wyddgrug was derived meaning heap, tomb or memorial. Whilst others think the English name Mold is derived from the area's Norman lords, the Montalts. Not too dissimilar is Mons Altus, Latin for high mount.
After the last Norman lord died in 1329, it is said that the castle changed hands time and again and usually to those involved in the region's politics. Mold's bloody history continued with blood spilled even at a town fair. Mold held two annual fairs which were recorded as far back as the 1400s. And in one in 1465, the neighbouring mayor of Chester was kidnapped whilst visiting.
It is said Robert Byrne was captured by a local leader and taken to a house called Tower at Nercwys and hanged. It's said that a battle ensued between the men of both leaders with a number of lives lost. Perhaps the local leader had taken exception to the old law that a Welshman caught within the walls of Chester after dark could be killed.
In Tudor times there was more peace in Mold apart from disturbances as part of the Civil War. By the 19th century Mold began to thrive on its deposits of coal and the town's workforce doubled. But the newcomers had to endure poor living conditions and pay and with their unrest came trouble and the Mold riots. However by the end of the 19th century coal was in decline and town and many of its people found themselves in a depressed state.
Written by BBC Wales NE Web Team
your comments
Sue Vote from Isle Man
Does anyone remeber the Joyces who lived in Mold in the 1940s, or remember a Polish man who worked for Raikes as a gardener?
Tue Apr 14 10:55:14 2009
Gwyn Sheridan, York
My great grandfather, William Williams (born c1864) married to my great grandmother, Harriet (nee Fisher, born c1865) was the publican of the White Lion Inn, High Street, Mold. I understand the building is still standing and is now a fish and chip shop. Does anyone have any information on William and Harriet or the White Lion?
Tue Apr 7 10:01:59 2009
Rhiannon Griffiths, Mold
To Clwyd Wynne, Denbigh, regarding Llwynegrin, Mold. Llwynegrin Hall was built about 1828 as part of the Gwysaney Estate of the Davies-Cooke family. The family of Robert Raikes, founder of Sunday Schools leased it for many years and which gave the name Raikes Lane which runs alongside what is now County Hall, Mold, and HQ of Flintshire County Council. In 1948 the then Flintshire County Council bought the property and surrounding lands for £14,000. Until 1968 it housed the County Architect's Department, The County Health Department and the Children's Department before staff moved to the newly built Shire Hall (as it was called in those days). During the late 19th century it was the home of the Rt Hon Henry Cecil Raikes, MP for Chester, Postmaster General and as stated, Sunday School Pioneer. Following further Local Government Reorganisation Llwynegrin Hall is now the Flintshire Register 0ffice.
Mon Feb 23 08:42:27 2009
Lisa Davies
I am doing some research on the Mold ex servicemens club on Wrexham Street. There have been a few sightings of ghosts there, they are childen. Would anyone hold any info on the history of this place? I would like to find out what was there before the club was built or if anyone has family that lived near there years ago. If you have any info or have seen anything please respond.
Wed Dec 3 08:20:24 2008
Kevin Longley, Canada
I am researching my family tree from Mold. My father was Joe Longley and my mother was Bronwen Longley - both are since deceased and I would like to know of anyone who knew them so I can gather information to piece my history together of what my parents were like.
Mon Nov 24 10:32:42 2008
Nathan Thomas, Gwernaffield
My mum lived on the Bailey Hill at number 4 Hill Grove and it is said to be haunted. Her brother saw a little girl sitting on his bed and it was not my mum because she was also asleep. If anyone else has seen ghosts there please write in the comment box.
Fri Nov 21 16:43:41 2008
Ned Kingcott, Kent
My maternal grandfather William Henry Roberts owned Tyddyn, Mold, until he lost his money sometime before 1914. My mother had very fond memories of the area and was always talking about it. Her brother Jack was killed in the Dardanelles Campaign aged 17. My grandfather was a member of the County Council. Unfortunately I have no living close relatives from the Roberts family. If anyone has any knowledge of the family I would be very grateful for any information they may have of the family or of Tyddyn.
Mon Nov 10 09:11:53 2008
Clwyd Wynne, Denbigh
Subject: Llwynegrin Hall Mold
Has anyone got any information about the history of the Hall and where I can access any information please?
Wed Oct 1 09:11:45 2008
David from Mold Civic Society
Jeoff from Connah's Quay; You will still find Price's Row, walk up the alleyway between the Savoy Cafe and the Big Fish in Chester Street. Only the facades of the 2 up 2 down houses built by Price the Blacksmith exist but worth a look.
Lynn Lees; I knew your father well and I do have some photographs he gave me and people may also remember him and your mother being popular singers.
Carol from Edinburgh; The Blue Bell has now been converted to two houses but is still recognisable as the old pub.
Mon Sep 8 13:36:24 2008
Carl Tanner, Townsville, QLD Australia
I just visited your site on the history of Mold and read about the old Mold Castle and the area. You might be interested to know that the area's name of Mold is derived from "mont hault", meaning high hill, as you say. However it is actually a toponymic of a family that can trace its ancestry back to one Eustace de Monte Alto, who came over with The Conqueror in 1066. He was given the land around the region by the Palatine Earl of Chester, Ralph Lupus, for services rendered. The "montalt" moniker comes from the original family name...Eustace de Monte Alto is a descendant of the Lords of Monte Alto in Italy. Eustace's g-g grandson, Aylmer de Montalt moved the family over to Yorkshire in around 1174. I believe the family in Flintshire died out sometime in the 13th or 14th Centuries, but the main branch of the family is still in existence. I'm a descendant of that branch. The castle itself was built by the family...as you already know...but Wikipedia, in its infinite wisdom, credited it to William II, and then in a stub about the castle, gave credit to the family. Sometimes I wonder whether they know what they're thinking! Anyway, Just thought you'd like to know a little bit more about the history than you may have otherwise known :).
Mon Sep 8 09:08:22 2008
Terry Roberts
This is for Andrew Swash and Gerwyn Williams. I have a couple of photos of the tinplate works and also some letterheaded paper for the business.I have been researching my family tree for a few years - the Williams family who ran the Alyn Tinplate works in Mold are among my ancestors. The Williams and Roberts were important families in Mold and my grandfather Henry John Roberts married Mary (Lila) Elizabeth Williams, the daughter of David Williams. There was a chain of David Williams (father/sons) which I've traced to 1810. I'd be happy to swap any information on the family.
Mon Sep 1 09:36:58 2008
Carole Valentine from Edinburgh
To Alison Prince, Albany, Western Australia
My mother was called Hilda Prince and had a cousin Eric who was born in Mold. Eric's Mother (Aunty Polly) ran the Bluebell Inn in Mold and his Father (Uncle Ted) was a barber in the town. The last my mother heard from her cousin was that he was in South Africa.
Mon Aug 11 14:14:03 2008
Matt Foulkes Williams from Denbigh
Regarding John B Foulkes' comment on his surname, I'm a Foulkes Williams but don't know much about where my family came from apart from my taid (John Foulkes Williams) and his family lived near Mold. It would be great if you could let me know anything you've found out. Cheers.
Tue Jul 22 14:31:38 2008
Carole Brearley
Hi there. My great great grandfather George Smith Holliday lived at 11 Gladstone Street, and his wife Mary Ann Davies. I'm visiting Mold soon and wondered if Gladstone Street was still there as I would love to see where they used to live. I think I still have long lost relatives in the Mold area, or anyone else researching Hollidays from the Mold area please get in touch.
Mon Jun 2 09:41:19 2008
Jeff Ashton, Connahs Quay
My grandfather was born in Prices Place in Chester Street 1885. Does anyone know where Prices Place would have been?
Tue May 13 08:56:09 2008
Lynn Lees originally from Mold
To David Rowe: my father kept The Ruthin Castle in New Street in the 1970s. He was a very popular Moldavian and many people knew him by name (Bob Anderson). Unfortunately he passed away in February this year, however, if I can be of any help...
Mon May 12 08:31:01 2008
John B Foulkes, Mexico
My father, Edward John Foulkes Williams, was born in Mold in 1905. He had 3 brothers - obviously passed away years ago. I wonder whether I have relatives in Flintshire. I will be very grateful with your comments
Mon May 12 07:48:42 2008
Myf Ellis, Southampton
My g.grandfather lived at 11 Gladstone St, Mold early 1900 a widower with his daughter Elizabeth, single at 38 yrs, sons David and Norman were there too. I know it's a long way back - any help?
Thu Mar 27 16:22:38 2008
Nick, Web Team
Regarding surnames, I came across a handy feature on family history website, ancestry.co.uk, which plots the migration of people [via their surnames] across the UK using census records.
Fri Mar 7 09:01:26 2008
David Champkin, Bedfordshire
Interesting to read about a Champkin surname in North Wales. Def the surname comes from Bedfordshire and, I think, maybe of French origin.
Fri Mar 7 08:58:34 2008
Adelle Glover (COX family), Wigan
My great/g grandfather, Jesse Cox, was born in Mold in 1867. He married a girl from Southport, Louisa & had 2 children; Esther born:1897, Annie born:1899 (1901 census). They settled in Wigan, probably because of the coal industry and he was registered as a Coal Hewer on census. I know nothing else about him, my grandma used to tell me about him and how he used to sing the Welsh National anthem, I would love to know more. I am currently waiting for his birth certificate, but if anyone has any connection I would love to know.
Mon Feb 4 09:25:38 2008
Sheila Davidson, Wigan
My g.g. grandfather William Hughes was born in Mold in 1823 and married Mary Jones b. 1828 at St Mary Mold in 1848. The family moved to Wigan no doubt because of the mining industry which existed at this time. My great grandfather Thomas was born in Mold in 1850 and married Elizabeth Cubby in Wigan in 1872. Their daughter Elizabeth born in 1882 was my maternal grandmother. Is any of this original family still in Mold?
Thu Jan 3 16:54:24 2008
Clive Weed,Penyffordd.
Second reply to Robert Cox. Life has some interesting coincidences. I am not related to the Champkin name but to Damaris Davies whose descendants lived at 4 Bro Alun, Mold.
Re comments from Mary McFarlane. However, the name was then Standring (1940) via female descendants.
Mon Dec 24 09:28:33 2007
Robert Cox, Pawleena, Tasmania
My very sincere thanks to Mary McFarlane for all that information on lead mills and to Clive Weed for information on the Champkin connection. Is he by any chance related to that family?
Tue Nov 27 09:16:40 2007
Mary McFarlane nee Lee
I was born in 10 Bro Alun Lead Mills, Mold. The cottages I remember were just by the entrance to Benny's Field, which was owned by said Mr Benny, and which you went up the side to go down the meadows and the River Alun where, as kids, we played for hours. Did it rain in those days? These were white washed cottages. No 1 was Mr and Mrs Jones, daughter lived in 12 Bro Alun; 2 Anthea Barlow and her mum and brother Colin, I think his name was; not sure about 3 but end one had Taid Bryan and his wife who kept a very nasty cockerel...big thing it was - used to sit on the wall and chased eveyone. We lived in the posh council houses when not in Rhyl at my dad's mum's; 18 of them; no2 Cradock Roberts and his wife; no4 Mrs Davis and husband with her daughter; no6 Pete (Sack) Williams and wife Ann Ellen beautiful lady she was; no8 old Mrs Williams who had a dog who used to lift the mat to get a wee at the front door :)Inside she had some great royal pictures on her walls of the old king and queen; no10 my Nain Sarah Jones or as she was known (Sarah Sticks) with my mother Harriet and kids when she wasn't in Rhyl. Nain killed King St 1960; no12 Edie Conway John and Glyn Conway. Also, see no1 the cottages - her mum and dad; no14 Elias Anderson and Sarah nee Jones, my mother's sister, with two kids Tommy and Betty - Betty still lives there; no16 Nobby Bryan wife and kids; no18 Mr Carney who took in lodgers, (and thought the council very good for providing boiler for his soups - free); no20 Robert Oldfield and William Oldfield brothers to (Sarah Sticks); no22 Ginny Lloydd alias Nain Lloyd with son Billy - nice man who could make a knife fit and sharp enough to shave with. She had a wonderful collection of old love mags and loaned them out to girls like me :) and a brass horned record player - no mp3s for her; no24 Annie and Nelly Baker - sisters who fell out now and again and walked different ways to town save speaking to each other, also had a brother in the Navy, Mick Baker; no26. Thomas Jones and wife and kids son of Sarah Jones (alias Sticks) known as Tommy Swop, great man for the s/h goods; no28 Mr and Mrs Kite and daughter; no30 Mr and Mrs Thomas Hughes and kids. He had a really good garden worked hard in it. His dad known as Dan Fluke from Connah's Quay; no32 Mr Joe Rowlands and wife Annie with kids; no34 John Evans and wife Edith with son Georgie; no36 Mr Johnny Salisbury, wife Elizabeth and two daughters, Jane and Mary Salisbury. There were also a row of houses just offset from the cottages most folk unknown as such. So ends the history lesson of Bro Alun Lead Mills Mold. Any help to the lady who was asking?
Mon Nov 26 09:26:22 2007
Clive Weed from Penyffordd
Response to Robert Cox, Tasmania. Damaris Davies born 1819 in Ruthin married Joseph Champkin, an engineer from London. They moved to Bersham and had a son also called Joseph who married Maria Jones in 1875. Joseph jnr and Maria moved to Mold. Joseph and Damaris also moved to Mold and lived near Wrexham Road.
Mon Nov 26 08:41:36 2007
Alison Prince, Albany, Western Australia
My father, Eric Royston Prince, was born in Mold 4th Nov 1916. I believe his father was a hair dresser and/or pub owner. I would love to hear from anyone with information about my father's early life in Mold or about his parents.
Thu Nov 22 09:03:31 2007
Andrew Swash, Mold
Response to Gerwyn Williams. There was indeed a Tinplate works at the Alyn site in Mold. It was part owned by a Mr David Williams of Torfaen, South Wales. It would appear that he and his partners acquired the site and he re-located to the area in around 1878 and appears to have run ro around 1935 when the then proprietor and son of David Williams passed away. This man was my great grandfather. Good luck with your research.
Wed Nov 14 14:21:20 2007
Joy Flemington
My father Albert Brunt, born in Caergwle, Wrexham, March 1 1922, lived in Llwyn Nercwys then went in the Royal Navy in WWII. He attended the school in Nercwys. If anyone has any more information would be gratefully appreciated.
Fri Nov 9 12:42:59 2007
Jade Blythin
This is very interesting, and it is also good to know you can find history on your local town on a web page.
Thu Nov 8 14:44:00 2007
Robert Cox, Pawleena, Tasmania
My grandmother, Emma Jones, was born in Mold in 1885 in a house or row of houses called the Lead Mills or Lead Mines. Can anyone shed any light on where it was, please? Her mother was a Champkin, and I'd be pleased to hear from anyone who knows how this Bedfordshire/London name came to be in Mold.
Mon Nov 5 09:13:52 2007
David Rowe - Mold Civic Society
Reponse to Gerwyn Williams. Alyn Tinplate works operated on a site on the Denbigh Road now occupied by the Synthite works. The buildings at the front of the site belong to the old tinplate works. Prior to the tinplate works a Cotton Mill operated on the site. Photographs of the works can be found on the Mold Community Archive CD-ROM.
Tue Jul 3 14:03:30 2007
David Rowe, Mold
I am currently researching Flintshire pubs and would like to hear from anyone with any stories, photographs and memorabilia.
Thu Jun 28 16:28:25 2007
Gerwyn Williams
I would be most grateful if anyone could tell me if there were any Tin Works, ie, hand rolling mills in the greater Mold area in 1891. This would help me research a family history for a friend in the USA.
Fri Apr 20 07:35:08 2007
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