The Victorians saw huge changes in their lifetimes. These changes were inspired by how Victorian people saw and judged the world around them. Their values left their mark on Wrexham and the surrounding communities. The following pages explore some of those values: the importance of learning, philanthropy, morality, loyalty, hierarchy, industry and progress; how these values affected the lives of local people, who benefited and who suffered.
Related:
Wrexham - the big town story
your comments
Max Jenkins, Blackburn, Lancs.
Re. Co. Sergeant Charles Howell. I've found him on the 1881 census at 23rd, Brigade Depot, Hightown, Wrexham. He was born 1854 at East Barnet, Herts. His wife was born 1862 in the East Indies. They had just had a son Charles J., born at the Barracks. Hope that helps. P.S. I was born in sight of the barracks, back in 1927.
Tue Jun 16 08:14:58 2009
Michael Howell, Wickford, Essex
My great grandfather, sergeant Charles Howell, served in the 23 foot Royal Welsh Fusiliers at Wrexham barracks and also lived at the barracks with his wife, Elizabeth Dinah Howell, approx date mid 1800. Would anyone please have any more information on my ancestor? It would be much appreciated, many thanks.
Thu Jan 15 10:25:02 2009
John Lindsay - Cheshire
My ancestor was John Randles, the bootmaker b. 1798 in Wrexham. His wife was Mary Bennett b. 1802 and they had at least twelve children including Ebenezer. One of Ebenezer's younger sisters, Jane, was my great grandmother. John Randles published a book of verse he had written, which was distributed to members of the family only. Jane wrote the introduction to the book, giving some family background. I am at present reseaching my family history and have, this week, been able to view John Randles' Will of 1874 at Aberystwyth.
Mon Aug 11 14:18:59 2008
Christine Williams from Wrexham
I am trying to find out the history of Oaklawn, Fairy Mount, of Fairy Field. We live in a property there but would like to see images from the Victorian times.
Mon Jul 14 08:21:30 2008
Babs Owen, Acerfair
Is there anyone who has old photoghraphs of Cambridge Terrace, Talbot Road, Wrexham, from 1881?
Fri Jul 11 10:06:41 2008
John Basset Williams from Wrexham
I never knew or thought about how hard it would be when three years ago after my father died and I started to research my family history. I knew nothing about it, my father never spoke of it. I acquired a large family bible that was my great grandfather's and was surprised to find written inside it the following: John Bassett Williams born Wrexham Nov 1848, father William Williams, mother Catherine Bassett. After three years I am still trying to find John's birth certificate, his parents' marriage certificate or anything about his younger life in Wales
Thu Aug 9 09:53:54 2007
Geoff Evans, Wrexham
Dear Robyn Randles, Ventured into Wrexham town centre last Thursday with the intention of photographing the present day site of your forebears Boot & Shoe Shop. Unfortunately it is no longer there! The street known as York St was a narrow hilly road that joined the High St, at 90 degrees and some years ago properties at the western side of this road along with several adjoining properties in the High St were demolished to widen the York St, High St junction. So unfortunately it seems that I've drawn a blank, unless some re-numbering went on prior to this; I'll look into that when I have a moment.
Mon Jul 30 08:05:46 2007
Robyn Randles - Melbourne, Australia
Dear Geoff Evans, Thank you for interest and research to my request. I am sure they would be related as John Randles seemed to take all his family into the business. I am thrilled you replied as it is difficult to just tour Wrexham but you never know one day we will can track down the Welsh relatives and find out more information of the generations before John Randles and Census 1841. My Dad too was in the RAAF. Thank you. Robyn Randles, Melbourne, Australia.
Tue Jul 3 09:54:25 2007
Sylvia Sutcliffe Winstanley, Brussels
I have an interesting photo of a young woman, Miss Rose Winstanley, who performed at the Empire Wrexham on 21 March 1908. She is probably a relative of mine, perhaps my great aunt (I found the photo in my grandfather's album, with a press cutting about her performance). My grandfather was a professional photographer, living in London at that time, and later in Sheffield. The cutting reads: "Contralto Vocalist and Instrumentalist, Introducing her Original Waif Song, with Whistle Solo, Concludes Empire, Wrexham, To-night. Full till October" and is annotated by hand "from the Sun(?), March 21 / 08". Is there anyone in Wrexham who collects theatrical memorabilia, and with whom I could share this rather fetching photo? I have a good copy scanned and ready to send.
Fri Jun 29 08:59:48 2007
Geoff Evans Wrexham
Robyn, There are still a number of Randles in the Wrexham area, particularly common in Gresford. I was in school with a Donald Randles, and a John Randles, who I later met when I was in the R.A.F. when he was a Met Officer ( Civilian ) working on the same station. These may or may not be branches of your family. In the 1886 Wrexham Directory there is a "John Randles family and bespoke bootmaker" and he traded at 22 High St Wrexham, though not there now.
Mon Jun 4 08:35:48 2007
Geoff Evans
Frank, With the name on the clock face that is most likely that of the clock or watchmaker who usually constructed the instrument. In the 1886 directory of Wrexham there is an Edwin Owens a watchmaker trading at 18 Townhill Wrexham. I think that this later became a firm of Wilks Jewellers & Clock & Watchmakers, but I'm not 100% sure on that, I'd need to check out the address.
Mon Jun 4 08:35:18 2007
Frank Grosso, Carlsbad, CA U.S.A.
I recently bought a large wall clock made by the Welch, Spring Co. of Bristol Connecticut. The name on the dial is E. Owens, Wrexham. I have been told the clock came from a pub in Wrexham. Would anyone know if E. Owens owned a pub some time in the middle of the 1800s?
Thu Apr 5 08:30:09 2007
Robyn Randles - Melbourne Australia
Our great, great, great grandfather was John Randles and his wife was Mary. They had several children but we are related to their son Ebenezer who came to Australia. Our son Robert Peter Randles is his fifth generation. John was a Boot Shoe Maker in 1851 and employed 16 staff. I was wondering if there is still an old world shoe store there today in Wrexham or family who would like to know about the Randles in Australia.
Fri Oct 20 09:21:48 2006
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