I have identified over 50 pubs named as operating in Mold town and many of the surrounding villages also had multiple public houses and/or beer houses. The selection of six images from the Mold and District Civic Society Community Archive highlight the hidden history all around us.
In the 1920's Alf Mather ran The Bowling Green Hotel, now the site of DM Jones Electrical, Wrexham Street. He classed himself as the 'oldest bottler in the district', namely of Worthington's Pale and Light ales, Guinness's Extra Stout, Devonshire Cyder and Stone Ginger Beer.
The Bowling Green Hotel was probably the last of the purpose-built pubs in Mold and, as well as the bowling green after which it is named and situated at the rear, it also boasted a dancefloor.
The town also had a number of breweries, some of which were attached to hotels. The name on one of the bottles said 'Old Glanarafon Brewery Bottling Stores of Alf Mather'. It was located next to the Baptist church in Wrexham Street. Alf Mather lived in the adjacent Glanrafon House.
The use of the building has changed over the years and at one time housed the offices of the Mold Gas Company replacing the previous gas and water company offices at Ty Ucha.
The Liverpool Arms, High Street, is pictured here prior to its demolition in the 1950s along with a variety of shops and also 'The Feathers.'
In a 1928 Mold guide, 30 pubs are listed as operating in the following five main streets; Chester Street, High Street, King Street, New Street, and Wrexham Street.
Many people passing one landmark building on New Street may not realise it was once a public house called the Sun.
In fact, it was one of six pubs in New Street between the old Assembly Hall, now the Lloyds TSB Bank, and the garage.
The others were the Cross Keys, now Y Pentan; Royal Oak, first home to Mold Rugby Club when games were played on the 'Rec'; Black Horse, West Cheshire Brewery and Vaults (site of Taylor's Tiles); and the Ruthin Castle, still very much a traditional pub.
Another pub worthy of note is the Sun Inn, Rhydymwyn. In 2000, the village suffered from extensive flooding and the RNLI in-shore lifeboat was called in - it can be seen in one of the photos outside the pub. The pub never re-opened and the site has now been developed for residential housing. 
Can you help?
David is researching the history of the pubs of Flintshire. Use the form below if you can help.
your comments
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John Boardman from Witney
I think you have found the right pub - I looked at a map from 1879 and Pontybodkin, Coed Talon, and Black Diamond are all close together. Also, nearby is an "Oil Works" - Anna Maria's husband's occupation in various censuses is "Oil Refiner".
Tue Sep 30 08:08:19 2008
David from Mold Civic Society
Response to John Boardman. The reference to Coed Talon could be correct because a lot of the directories don't always differentiate between adjacent locations and sometimes smaller hamlets/villages will be listed against the nearest town.
Wed Sep 17 14:37:32 2008
John Boardman, Witney
To David from Mold Civic Society: not sure about Pontybodkin, some notes mentioned Coed Talon, don't know if that makes a difference! I am contacting the few family members left who might know something more specific. I have a photo of the landlady and her husband, and some photos of their children, particularly ones born in Flintshire 1870s. Will forward more details when I find them.
Tue Sep 16 08:25:49 2008
Julie, Channel Islands
My GGGG grandfather James Stephenson married Eleanor Hughes in Holywell D Sec 7 1833 and are shown on 1851 census as being publican at 130 Chester Road, Holywell. On 1861 census shown as publican of Miners Arms, Brynford (could be Brynford Hill). If you have any information on these public houses or areas or the name of James Stephenson I would love to hear from you.
Thu Sep 4 08:45:23 2008
David from Mold Civic Society
Reply to John Boardman of Witney. I have not found a pub called the Feathers in Treuddyn but there is one in nearby Pontybodkin. This was described as being located opposite the Railway Inn behind a row of stone cottages. It also did not feature in the 1897 register of licensed premises so I can't cast any more light on this. I would be interested in the photographs and further information and BBC Wales webteam do have my contact details.
Wed Sep 3 08:27:52 2008
John Boardman Witney
My GGGrandmother, Anna Maria Small, is recorded in the 1871 and 1881 censuses as "Beerhouse Keeper" at No 1 Kings Place (Feathers Inn) Black Diamond, Trydddyn. Was the "Feathers Inn" a proper Public House, or one of the "front room" beersales houses? If anyone is interested I have some details of their later movements, and one or two photos.
Mon Sep 1 09:25:30 2008
Owen from Newcastle
Response to Petra Woolfries: I've been told that my grandmother, Constance, was the youngest daughter of a Captain Humphrey Davies who ran the Black Lion, Mold. I'm guessing we must be related? Do you know anything more about the HDs? I know next to nothing.
Wed Aug 6 12:54:28 2008
Danny from Mold
Does anyone have information on the O'Neill's who have lived in Milford Street, Mold, for at least the past 140 years, and any information on the (digger) Davies would be great thanks.
Thu Jul 3 08:30:21 2008
David from Mold Civic Society
Response to Anne of Mold; I am grateful to Neville Dunn who has researched Richmond House in Chester Road and came up with link to the Simons. In an 1840 trade directory for Mold is a R. Simons of High Street and he is described as a beer retailer and had connections to the Lloyd Jones & Co Brewery of 29 New Street (Taylor tiles and currently being demolished). Josiah Simons (possibly the son of R?) was known locally as 'Jos the Pop' because the beer and mineral waters he sold from a brewery he managed. Hope this helps and if anyone can add anything else to the Simons family and business interests we would like to hear from them.
Tue May 13 08:36:04 2008
Anne Jones, Mold
I have found whilst digging in the garden a glass with Lowsby the Vaults Mold etched on it and earthenware bottle with J Simons barm beer Mold on it. Has anyone got any information on the age and locations of the companies?
Mon May 12 11:16:52 2008
Lorrae Jones, Swansea
Response to David. Yes, it is a recent book so the info you have given me is well worth looking into. Thanks a lot, Lorrae.
Thu May 8 08:08:27 2008
David from Mold
Reply to Stuart; I don't have any information or photographs on the Ritson family but John Trematick of Caergwrle has written on Caergwrle and Hope so he may be able to help.
Wed May 7 08:54:22 2008
David from Mold
Response to Lorrae. Are you referring to a recent book? George Tattum, a reporter with the Chester Chronicle, brought a book out in 2007. Hope this helps.
Wed May 7 08:54:05 2008
Stuart Ritson, Cambridge
Morning David, I can't help you with your research but you may be able to help me with mine, I'm interested in any photos/information on the Ritson Family who were based in Hope and Abermorddu in the 1800s and early 1900s. They farmed Llywn Owen farm in Hope and worked at Caergwrle Station. Also, they ran a grocer's shop and cafe in Abermorddu. The shop is no longer there but if you, as part of your research have come across any pictures or information, I would be interested to hear.
Fri May 2 08:59:48 2008
Lorrae, Swansea
Does anyone out there know the title of a book written by George Leonard Tattum on the area of Mold? I am researching my TATTUM ancestors of the area. Any info would be great. Thanks.
Mon Apr 28 09:55:54 2008
Julie Sumner
I read that the Cross Keys, Church St, Connah's Quay, was knocked down in 1914 on police recommendation - cannot find any information to suggest why. I worked there for 25 years and ran it for six. I would love to know when it was firsrt built.
Mon Apr 28 08:33:45 2008
David Rowe of Mold
Petra, Do you know over what period your Grandmother ran the Black Lion? Also, if you have any further information I would greatly appreciate hearing from you.
Fri Apr 25 14:16:39 2008
Petra Woolfries
My grandmother ran the Black Lion hotel part of which she sold to Woolworths. Her name was Jane Emma Humphrey Davies.
Fri Apr 25 09:32:34 2008
Aquilla from N Ireland
In 1875 a brother of my great great grandfather Thomas Wilcock resided at The Kings Head Inn in Mold, his name was John Wilcock. Hoping I can get over sometime to research my family tree. Thomas died age 38 of the consumption, leaving behind his wife Esther and quite a few children. He was a local policeman
Mon Jan 28 08:27:35 2008
David from Mold Civic Society
Colin. Always trust your father he was correct. If you have any stories or information/photographs on the pub they would be greatly appreciated.
Thu Jan 17 12:40:26 2008
Colin Egerton, Penyffordd
Hi David. My father was brought up in Llong. He always told me the building which is now Blackwell's stonemasons was a pub called the Ship, llong meaning ship in Welsh. Can you confirm or deny this? I would be very interested to know.
Thu Jan 17 11:20:59 2008
Graham Morris from Wolverhampton
Hi David, Thank you for your offer of the the photograph, it is much appreciated. I have last week made contact with a lady in Canada who is also a descendant of Thomas and Jane Davies "Rainbow". On her last visit to North Wales she made a quick visit to the pub and spoke to the present innkeepers who gave her some infomation about the pub, as yet I do not know what info she obtained from them, when I find out from her I shall pass on anything of use to you. I have forwarded the link to this site to her and no doubt by now she has accessed this page and may herself pass on anything of relevence.
Wed Jan 9 10:21:42 2008
David from Mold Civic Society
Graham, I have a photograph of the Rainbow in the early 1900s if you would like a copy. If you let me have your e-mail address I will send you a copy.
Mon Jan 7 11:53:54 2008
Graham Morris, Wolverhampton
Hi David, I stand corrected. 1851 Census for Arddynwent, Nerquis, "Rainbow" Thomas Davies, Innkeeper. 1861 Census for Arddynwent, "Rainbow public house" Thomas Davies, Publican. Appears to be due to the boundary changes over the years where I came unstuck. Further investigation on my part shows it is Gwernymynydd.
Thu Jan 3 09:43:48 2008
David from Mold Civic Society
Graham. Are you sure on the Rainbow at Gwernaffield as the Rainbow is in Gwernymynydd?
Wed Jan 2 13:19:17 2008
Graham Morris from Wolverhampton
Hi David, thank you for the info. I have now found the 1881 census for 31 High St Mold "Ropers Arms" which shows that Thomas and Mary Bartley were the Licensed Victullars. Following the death of his wife Mary, the 1901 census then shows him as a Farmer in Mold. The parents of his wife Mary (Thomas and Jane Davies) who were the innkeepers of "The Rainbow Inn" Arddynwent, Gwernaffield. (A previous email to you) were a farming family before running a pub. A distinct change of lifestyle.
Wed Jan 2 10:31:07 2008
David from Mold Civic Society
GrahamFurther to my earlier e-mail Thomas Bartley was the licensee of the Ropers Arms, 34, High street, Mold in 1883 and 1889. Hope this helps
Mon Dec 31 08:52:27 2007
David from Mold Civic Society
Graham, The Ropers Arms was at number 34, High Street, but I haven't found a pub at no 36. Numbering could have changed or indeed they may have lived at 36. If I come across anything else I will let you know. The pub name could have been derived from the Trevor-Roper family who lived at Plas Teg in nearby Pontblyddyn. Incidentally, No. 36 is now a charity shop for Claire House.
Tue Dec 18 08:14:14 2007
Graham Morris from Wolverhampton
Hi David Rowe, My ancesters Thomas and Jane Davies who were innkeepers of the Rainbow Inn Arddynwent, Gwernaffield, in 1851/61. I have now discovered that their grandaughter Mary married a Thomas Bartley. According to the 1891 census, Thomas was a licensed victullar residing at 36 High Street, Mold. I would be interested to know if this address was a pub in Mold and what was the name of it?
Mon Dec 17 08:25:30 2007
Lorrae Jones, Swansea
David, thank you for your help and information. I have ordered the book and am looking forward to recieving it. Once again thanks for taking the time to help.
Wed Dec 12 08:46:05 2007
David from Mold Civic Society
Lorrae, The book does have an ISBN Number 1-901780-18-X so it should be available to order from a bookshop. If you have difficulties try the Flintshire County Library in Mold or Flintshire Record Office in Hawarden as they probably have it for sale. I do not have any details on the mill but the Record Office should be able to help.
Wed Dec 5 07:55:02 2007
Lorrae Jones, Swansea
Response to David. Thank you very much for the information it's great to have some verification. Could you tell me if it is possible to purchase Leeswood Past and Present if so do you know who published it? As we are on a roll would you know where I could find information on Pontblyddyn Mill? My great grandparents lived there in 1901.Your help has been invaluable, many thanks, Lorrae
Sun Dec 2 16:22:26 2007
David from Mold Civic Society
Response to Lorrae
In the book 'Leeswood Past and Present' Colin Astbury describes the Queens Arms as being in Wrexham Road, Pontblyddyn, and is now a house. He was told that it had been a cafe after closing as a pub. In the mid-late 1800s it was leased John Beirne a brewer of Wrexham and had two beds for travellers. Hope this helps.
Fri Nov 30 08:22:57 2007
Lorrae Jones, Swansea
I am tracing my family tree and my great grandparents Robert John and Elizabeth Tattum lived in Pontblyddyn. When they died in 1927 and 1928 respectively they were residing at The Old Queens Arms, Pontblyddyn. I assume from the name it was a pub, is there anyone out there that could confirm this and any information on it would be gratefully appreciated.
Wed Nov 28 09:49:03 2007
David from Mold Civic Society
Can anyone provide the background to the annual Galun Walk?
Mon Sep 3 08:45:19 2007
David from Mold Civic Society
Response to Ann Allen, St Helens. Thank you for your response and assistance, we will forward contact details.
Thu Aug 16 10:07:05 2007
Ann Allen, St Helens
Many thanks to D Rowe + C Edwards.Hannah Murphy nee Blackshaw married James Murphy 1898 she was born c1872. Can't find a direct link but possible part of the extended family. Regarding the Hawarden Castle pub it is shown in Greenall Whitley archives as being open from 1866 to 1953. More info from directories too much to write here but could post c/o Civic Society or email if you could give address.
Mon Aug 13 12:23:54 2007
Linda from Woodbridge
Anyone know if Denise Smaje (Hughes) is still in Mold? Tell her Linda says hello from Woodbridge or better still email me.
Mon Aug 13 10:10:46 2007
C Edwards, Chester
In response to Ann Allen, a relative of mine thinks that Hannah Murphy kept the pub/boarding house or the 'bottom lodge' as she knew it, with a Mick MacDonagh, and that they had a long-term lodger called Tom Price. Our Geraghty ancestors lived in Milford Street for many years. If we find any further information will forward it on.
Wed Aug 1 08:05:20 2007
David Rowe - Mold Civic Society
Response to Ann Allen from St Helens. I have not yet found any detailed information on the Hawarden Castle but in the 1900s Hannah Murphy's Boarding House was a well established house at 82 Milford Street. Could this be the same family? I am aware of a relation of one relative of Hannah Murphy still living in Mold. Milford Street was in an area called Bedlam and was known for its boarding houses. Housing workers, many of whom were of Irish descent, and in 1888 of the ninety houses in Milford street four were licensed lodging houses along with three pubs including the Hawarden Castle.In Margaret Joy's book on the history of St David's R.C. Parish an entry in 1881 refers to a 13 1/2 year old Mary Maddocks acting as a monitoress for the school mistress. I hope this of interest.
Mon Jul 23 12:11:31 2007
Pete: Yr Wyddgrug
Marc a terrible legacy but the Leeswood last time I was in there is still open, it lacks the ambience of the old smoking jacket days but there you go. Shame that they can't shut down Wetherspoons, it's killing the drinking locally.
Fri Jul 20 09:34:12 2007
Ann Allen from St Helens
My gggrandma who was born in Mold c1822 ran the Hawarden Castle Public House at 82 Milford Street Mold in the late 1800s. Her name was Mary Maddocks. Her daughter Christiana Murphy later took over the license. Any info about either of them or the pub would be appreciated.
Mon Jul 16 10:31:16 2007
Marc, Wrecsam
In the past 25 years the Mostyn (down the street past the top of town chippy), Market Vaults (High St), Black Lion (now Woolies), Leeswood and Derwen (both Wrexham Rd) have gone...gawd, I'm getting old!
Thu Jul 12 09:37:45 2007
David Rowe from Mold
John, If you can find a trade directory for the area around that time it does give the names of the landlords.The County Reference Library at County Hall contains a variety of such directories so you may be in luck. Alternatively, try the Record Office at Hawarden and they may be able to help.
Mon Jul 9 14:27:07 2007
John from Liverpool
Hi, My gggrandad Edward Hughes lived in Gwernaffield certainly between 1860 and 1882. From the baptism records of his children he was a (lead) miner 1860-1865. He had twins in 1868, and was down as a publican. By 1870 he was back at mining. Has anyone an idea where I could look to see which pub he had about 1868?
Fri Jul 6 14:59:25 2007
Graham Morris from Wolverhampton
I have found out through researching my family history, that my ggggrandparents, Thomas and Jane Davies, were the innkeepers of the Rainbow Inn, Arddynwent, Gwernaffield, Mold. According to the census returns of 1851 and 1861 and then the 1871 census shows their daughter Harriet and husband Thomas Davies as the keepers.A lady that I correspond with who shares with me the same Davies family recently asked me if I had heard of a lady, one of the Davies family, who once ran the Sun Inn at Rhydynmyn. I would be interested to know her name.
Thu Jul 5 15:42:16 2007
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