Questions about history
Contributors have a range of questions relating to local history. Can you help with the answers?
People's recollections
Mike from Gwernymynydd - 'Evylypwll' in Denbigh.
Alan from Manchester - Chemical pollution in Cefn Mawr.
Mike from Gwernymynydd - Toll house in Gwernymynydd.
Mark Simmons, Croydon - Camp for Polish troops
Patrick from Nottingham - Boys' home in Rhosllanerchrugog?
Lisa from Mold - The Dolphin, Mold.
Tess from Flint - Picture of Flint Castle.
Cris from Mold - Mines between Prestatyn and Dyserth.
Steve from Towyn - Little Venice, Rhyl.
Dan Gorman - Cross Street School, Cefn-y-Bedd.
Rob L. from Sydney, Australia - Air raid sirens in Hawarden.
L. Stones from Bronington/Fenn's Bank - Fenn's Old Hall.
Rowena Kerswell from Acrefair - Acrefair railway crossing.
Gwyn from Rhosllanerchrugog - Albert Lanky's medal.
Jackie from Sutton Coldfield - History of Old School, Pistyll.
Camille from Rhyl - Rhyl orphanage.
Kevin from Much Wenlock - Rhyl theatre memorabilia.
Pam from Canada - Canadian war graves.
Joan Jones from Acrefair - 'Tom and Jerry' houses.
Mike Mitchell from Brighton - Ponciau Bank brickworks.
If you've got answers to these queries,
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Mike from Gwernymynydd: "On the 1851 census my great grandfather John Roberts, is from 'Evylypwll' Denbigh. This is obviously not the correct spelling. Family tradition has always said it was in the Bylchau area. Can anyone please help?" Click to help
Alan Moorhouse from Manchester: "Does anyone have any information about genetic disorders caused by chemical pollution at Cefn Mawr in the 1880s? Photos of the town show it used to be susceptible to toxic clouds in the high street." Click to help
Mike from Gwernymynydd: "I was wondering if anyone had any information or images of the toll house/turnpike in Gwernymynydd, next door to the Swan Pub?" Click to help
Mark Simmons, Croydon: "Can anyone shed any light on a camp for Polish troops apparently in the Ruabon area that was used 1946-1948?" Click to help
Julian, Wrexham: "Wynnstay Hall was sold to Lindisfarne College in 1949, but the Army huts, which had been used by the Royal Engineers during the War, had been turned into a settlement camp for about 40 mid-European families, mainly Polish, Latvian and Italian. After becoming naturalised, they were eventually dispersed, some settling down locally in Ruabon. This might possibly be what Mark is referring to."
Patrick from Nottingham: "My father-in-law John (Jack) Bonwick enlisted in the Royal Welch Fusiliers in May 1927 and I have reason to believe that he had been living in a boys' home (or something similiar) in Rhosllanerchrugog prior to enlisting. On demob in 1935 he gave his address as 94 Hill Street, Rhosllanerchrugog. I have visited and there is not now such an address. Was there ever a boys' school/orphanage/home in Rhos at or near the address? I'd welcome anything you could tell me. I've scoured many, many websites with no success to date!" Click to help
Lisa from Mold: "I am trying find out some local history about The Dolphin, High Street, Mold, directly opposite St Mary's church. I know little other than half of the building is Grade II listed and possibly used to be a Court House. I would love to have some old photos or learn some of the history of our pub so we may display it." Click to help
Tess from Flint: "I was just wondering if you know of anywhere I could get an artist's impression of how Fflint Castle would have looked in its 'hey day'. Having grown up in the town I remember how it was in the 60s and have told my child about it. Would love to be able to travel back in time to see the original." Click to help
Cris from Mold: "I am doing a little research into any of the mines between Prestatyn and Dyserth. This includes Fish Mine & Talargoch. Does anyone have any photos at all or stories connected with local mines?" Click to help
Sean Mason from Meliden: "I've done a bit of research on the Talargoch lead mine and would love to share any information with you and see what information or pictures you have. I am currently developing a website dedicated to Meliden including the history of the lead mines. Take a look at www.meliden.org.uk Look forward to hearing from you."
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Steve from Towyn: "For many years now, I've been trying to find out the true story of 'Little Venice' in Rhyl. I believe this used to run underground between the Marine Lake, the prom end, and went to the Queen's Hotel/Theatre- now called Scruples- and the Queen's market. I found out from work men that built the Scruples night club that there were still remains of the old theatre somewhere in the building, and there was a tunnel like a canal or river as well. Unfortunately, I didn't get another chance to speak to them to find out more. If anyone out there could help please get in touch." Click to help
Dan Gorman from Cefn-y-Bedd: "I am looking for anyone who can shed some light on the history of Cefn-y-Bedd - especially the old Cross Street School. Did anyone go there as a child or have any photos of it? I believe it was still in use as a school until 20-30 years ago." Click to help
Mike from Gwernymynydd: "For Dan Gorman re Cross Street school, it closed down about 30 years ago and the children came to Abermorddu CP. One of them became my best friend, but sadly I don't think he has any pics. Perhaps Abermorddu school can help?"
Rob L. from Sydney, Australia: "I recall being 6 years old in the early sixties, and hearing from my bedroom, each summer night, an air raid or warning siren at the same time each night- 8 or 9pm. I lived on Wood Lane in Hawarden, just south of the old Parry Farm. It backed onto the old railway embankment. Can anyone tell me where this siren was located and who kept on testing it right up into the 60s?" Click to help
L. Stones from Bronington/Fenn's Bank: "Does anyone know anything about Fenn's Old Hall at Bronington/Fenn's Bank? How old is the Old Hall? Where did the name come from? Is there any historical evidence?" Click to help
Rowena Kerswell from Acrefair: "Just wondering if anyone has memories of the area that I live in. I own 14 King St in Acrefair - which is one of the 2 semi detached houses at the end of Maelor Terrace. Was there a railway crossing on the road somewhere? I would be grateful if someone would share their memories with me and my family."
Gwyn Morris from Rhosllanerchrugog: "I have been told that my grandfather (Albert Evans - known locally as Albert Lanky) was awarded a medal that was presented to him at the Stiwt. I have been unable to find any information so far. If anyone knows anything I would be most grateful."
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Jackie from Sutton Coldfield: "Can anyone tell me where I can find out about the history of The Old School, Pistyll."
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Camille Hardy from Rhyl: "I would like to know about an orphanage that burnt down in Rhyl (1800s?) and now is the street Islwyn Ave. The reason is that I live in the street and would like to see old pictures and information."
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Kevin Langford from Much Wenlock: "Does anyone have any memorabilia associated with the Coliseum and Gaiety theatres' summer shows in Rhyl? Please get in touch."
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Pam Watts from Maple Ridge, BC, Canada: "We watched a TV programme on Knowledge Network here in British Columbia. It was on Canadians stationed at Kenmore (sic) - could it be Kinmel Bay ? - in North Wales during 1919. The dead are buried at St Mary's Church there. Having lived in S. Wales till '66 we have never come across this before. Is there any info on this either on this site or in a book?"
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Les Broad from Bylchau: "Re the 1919 riot at Kinmel, there is one book I have come across - 'Kinmel Revisited' by Bob Bridge. It is available from www.deunantbooks.com".
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Elvet Pierce, Lixwm: "Pam's query is almost certainly referring to the Canadian soldiers who 'rioted' at Kinmel camp in 1919, apparently because they were kept in the UK long after the war had ended. Some were shot during this riot and buried in Bodelwyddan church. It is also possible that more deaths occurred during the 1919 'flu epidemic, but this may be a smoke screen for what really happened. See also more in the World War Two section on this site."
Anonymous writes: "Could you be referring to the Canadian graves at the Marble Church - aka St Mary's Church - at Bodelwyddan, which is near Kinmel Bay?"
Joan Jones from Acrefair: "While researching my family history on the 1891 census for Acrefair, I came across 'Tom and Jerry' houses, which were after Black Lion Row. Can anyone tell me what Tom and Jerry houses were?"
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Julian from Wrexham: "During annual fair weeks anyone could purchase a special licence and turn their home into a shop selling cheaply made and quickly brewed beer. These beer shops were known as 'Tom and Jerry houses' although I can't think where the name originates!"
Mike Mitchell from Brighton: "Evacuated from Liverpool in 1939 I stayed with various foster parents. I stayed in a council house near Ponciau Bank brickworks nr Rhos. what happened to the brickworks? Is is it still there?" Click to help
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