Lying right on the border with England, Wrexham county boasts some truly unique sites to explore. The Welsh county is not only the home to multiple ‘Seven Wonders of Wales’ – St Giles’ Church, All Saints’ Church and the village of Overton-on-Dee, but it also houses beautiful estates and an Industrial era aqueduct. Historically the region was heavily associated with the coal mining and brewing industry. These may have largely disappeared, though Wrexham still remains an important site of manufacturing in the United Kingdom.
Here’s our pick of 10 of Wrexham’s historic sites which you shouldn’t miss.
1. Chirk Castle
Chirk Castle is one out of many fortifications built by the English King Edward I to break Welsh resistance to his conquest. This imposing medieval landmark was bought up by the Myddelton family in 1595. The main building is a mixture of different periods, with some of its interiors originating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
With over 480 acres of parks and gardens, the estate provides excellent views for visitors wishing to wander around. The main house itself is open to the public as well, with a cafe and gift shop being provided by the estate.
2. Erddig Hall
Work on this impressive estate began in 1684. The original owner, Thomas Webb, managed to bankrupt himself with the creation of Erddig Hall, forcing him to sell the property to John Meller in the early 1700s. The coming centuries saw many alterations made to the Stuart era home. The interiors are richly decorated showcasing the wealth and splendour that existed in Erddig Hall.
Visitors can find the estate near the market town of Wrexham. The grounds and main building can be explored throughout the year.
3. St Giles' Church
Located in the town of Wrexam, St Giles’ Church is considered to be one of the most magnificent religious buildings in Wales. It was described by Sir Simon Jenkins as ‘the glory of the Marches’. The main body of the building was erected in the early 16th century, though it contains multiple earlier works of art, for example statues and carvings dating back to the 14th century. The church tower is seen as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Wales’.
4. Chirk Aqueduct
The Industrial Revolution left a lasting imprint on Wales, with Chirk Aqueduct being one of the visually most stunning ones. The navigable 21 metre high structure was designed by civil engineer Thomas Telford and completed in 1801. In 1848 Chirk Railway Viaduct was built right next to the aqueduct.
5. All Saints' Church
All Saints’ Church, located in the village of Gresford, is another site that belongs to the ‘Seven Wonders of Wales’. The 15th century site has some of the best preserved medieval stained glass in the country. Some parts of the structure are from an earlier 14th century church.