Listed Public Houses and Hotels in Wrexham County Borough
The Wynnstay Arms Hotel, Wrexham
Introduction
This exhibition looks at an interesting variety of public houses and hotels listed as being of special historic and architectural interest. Their contribution to the borough of Wrexham adds a distinctive character to the area's commercial, social and architectural history.
Wrexham town is famous for its lager with the origins of this in the Middle Ages when it became a fast growing market town. It very quickly became a place of considerable commercial and social importance, of which the introduction of medieval alehouses and hostelries was a critical factor in its development.
A good water supply was essential to the production of beers and ale and Wrexham had a high quality water supply suitable for this purpose. As early as Tudor times (1485 - 1603) local gentry were maintaining town houses in Wrexham. In the 18th century Wrexham became part of the stagecoach route from Chester to Shrewsbury. The need for hostelry and refurbishment became an important factor in the social development of the town and several pubs and hotels of this period still survive today.
The 19th century saw the most exciting and productive period in beer making in Wrexham town. The famous Wrexham Lager Brewery was constructed in 1881-2 by Robert F Graesser, who played a major role in its development. One of the first breweries to be constructed specifically for the production of lager in Britain, the supply of lager to various places including large shipping lines created a strong international image. It sadly ceased production in 2000.
Rural villages in the borough tended to have their own malthouses where there was a good water supply although the trade was on a much smaller scale than in Wrexham town.
All of the public houses featured here have had their interiors refurbished at some time, usually meaning the loss of some original features or alterations. Such alteration has in some cases affected the proportions of rooms or bars. The few public houses that have resisted this recent trend have preserved their individual characteristics and should be enjoyed as such.
The Local Authorities role is to balance the need for commercial change, against the desire to preserve a part of Wrexham's heritage and the essential character of its pubs and hotels.
What is Listing?
Buildings of special architectural or historic interest are listed by CADW through the National Assembly for Wales. In Wrexham County Borough there are almost 900 listed buildings. They are listed for a number of reasons, such as age, rarity, architectural merit, method of construction, famous associations and group value.
Architectural completeness is also a key factor when determining whether to list a building. They become increasingly rarer the older they are. Any building surviving in original condition before 1700 is usually listed. Most buildings built between 1700-1840 will be subject to listing on merit. Between 1840-1945 listing buildings become more selective, and only exceptionally important buildings built after 1945 will be considered for listing.
Listed buildings are classified in three grades to show their relative importance:
- Grade I
Buildings of exceptional, usually national, interest. Less than five per cent of those buildings listed in Wales so far qualify for this grade. - Grade II*
Particularly important buildings of more than special interest. - Grade II
Buildings of special interest, which warrant every effort being made to preserve them.
Before a listed building can be altered, extended, or demolished, it will almost certainly be necessary to obtain listed building consent. It is an offence to alter, extend or demolish (even in part) a listed building. It is always advisable to seek advice from your Local Planning Authority before undertaking any works.
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Contact Details
Wrexham County Borough CouncilThe Guildhall
Wrexham
LL11 1AY
email:
Contact-Us@wrexham.gov.uk
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telephone: 01978 292000
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