Wrexham
A small but perfectly formed group of members met our guide, Phil Philips in Queens Square on a rather cold but dry morning. He started by showing us photographs of the area before the destruction and rebuilding towards the end of last century. One of the older buildings remaining is the former library now the town council’s IT department. We then wended our way around the old markets originally named after the areas around England that the traders came from and down narrow thoroughfares and alleyways. Our guide pointed out numerous things which had formerly gone unnoticed by many of us. He showed us the site and old photo of the former cockpit and also where the pole had been outside the Wynnstay hotel where the bear had been tied for baiting. After a morning packed with interesting facts and sights, too numerous to mention, we finished outside St Giles church where we examined the tomb of Elihu Yale with the very unusual epitaph which he composed for himself. I will certainly return to Wrexham but keep my eyes looking up not just focussed on the next retail outlet before hurrying back home. Many thanks to Francesca for arranging the morning.
We then warmed up with very welcome hot soup and roll, followed by macaroni cheese, quiche, ham and salad, cake and a hot drink provided especially for us by members of the church. The vicar then gave us a very interesting and detailed history of the church and pointed out many things of interest. He very kindly showed us a very early silver gilt chalice still in use today, a first edition King James Bible, a first edition Danish New Testament and a first edition Parry Welsh Bible. These are all normally kept locked away.
Next time you visit look up to see the old doom picture, flying angel musicians and try to find the head of a devil and panels depicting the green man.
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I was so disappointed not to join the visit due to ill health.
Suzanne
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