Rhuddlan’s name is derived from the Welsh words Rhudd and Glan, which translate to Red Bank. The town is full of history, and is believed to have had inhabitants over 3000 years ago.
The battle of Morfa Rhuddlan took place in 796. It was immortalised in a national Eisteddfod competition ode held in Rhuddlan in 1850, by Ieuan glan Geirionydd entitled “Cyflafan Morfa Rhuddlan”.
Following a well remembered year of 1066, the Rhuddlan Mint produced silver coins during the reign of William the Conqueror.
Also, a Dominican Priory was founded circa 1150s which was situated where Abbey farm stands today. In the wall of the barn, there is an effigy of Anian de Schonan, a knight of the thirteen century built into it.
There are some iconic buildings still standing after 700 years, such as St Mary’s Church and the Castle.
As you approach Rhuddlan from North, South, East or West, the Castle is visible to all.
Our most prized building, our castle built by Edward I in 1282 which took over 4 years to complete. After the Castle was built, a royal charter was granted by Edward I to the people of Rhuddlan.
This charter, named the ‘Statue of Rhuddlan’, gave Wales judicial rights and independence. Part of the charter is inscribed on a tablet that is now in the wall of Parliament House – a house in the very centre of Rhuddlan.
St Mary’s Church, built in 1301, is high above the River Clwyd. The river played a vital part in defending Rhuddlan in those days, being used to transport goods. The river being tidal meant ‘large’ boats could come up the river from the Irish Sea.
Although Rhuddlan is very historic, it has also grown to become a bustling town whilst managing to retain its village appearance and hospitality. It also holds various 21st Century ‘must haves’; an 18 hole golf course, a bowling club, a community centre, and a recently refurbished library, which incidentally has a room named after one of Rhuddlan’s very own – Philip Jones Griffiths was born here, and went on to become a renowned photographer and journalist.
Through his journalism and photography in the Vietnam War in the 1970s, he helped to bring that war to an end sooner. It was often said that his journalism rocked the American Government to its foundations. There is a plaque on the house he was born in on Hylas Lane.
There is also a war memorial with the names of all who fell during the two world wars from our village on our community centre wall.
We are lucky to boast 2 play areas for children, alongside a school that is in sight of our wonderful Castle. We aptly named the school ‘Ysgol – Y – Castell’.
Villagers have access to a variety of shops available within a mile of the centre of Rhuddlan.
A trip to the beach adds another 1.5 miles to your shopping trip.
A unique cake shop, clothes shop, and a range of spa treatments lie in the heart of our village.
Visit our three pubs: The Kings Head, The New Inn, and The Castle Inn, all of which serve good beer and two of which serve food.
And of course, we must not forget our fast internet access. That’s truly a 21st Century must have.
Written by Rhuddlan Local History Society.
Edited by Nikita Bliss Thomas.
