Rhyl Journal

GENERAL INFORMATION. The name of our town is pronounced as if it were spelt "Bhill" and not,, Rhyle," as we have often heard itpronounced. The meaning of the name has been the subject of much dis- cussion, and several interpretations have been suggested, but there can be no doubt that it signifies a Salt Marsh. In all old seventeenth century documents the site of the present town is always described as either Tywyn yr hftl, or simply yr hftl or hyl, which abbreviated becomes Rbyl. Tywyn means the Strand and hftl is the same as hal or hel, meaning brine, and then the land which brine flows over-a salt marsh. This exactly describes the condition of this district when the sea water ran up the water courses, and frequently flooded the adjoining land. Rhyl, which is situated in the Northern extremity of the lovely and re- nowned Vale of Clwyd, is one of the chief watering places in the Principality. It ie, com- paratively speaking, a modern town, and the population according to the last census was 6474 A little more than half a century ago it consisted of but a few detached dwellings; but owing to the beauty of its position, the Balubrity of its air, the safety of its bathing groand, and its smooth, firm, and unrivalled beach, several miles in extent, it rapidly gained popularity and has become a place of very great attraction and a favorite resort of families and tourists In addition to the attractions mentioned above, Rhyl has many others it is accessible from all parts, being situated and possessing a fine station on the London and North Western Rail. way from Chester to Rolyhead; its hotels and lodging houses provide every accommodation at reasonable charges; it is within easy driving or yeen walking distance are several places of in- terest—such as the Cathedral city of St. Asaph, Rhuddlan, Bodelwyddan, Abergele, Cefn, and Dvserth.

SALUBRITY AND DRYNESS OF THE AIR. Dr. Summerhill, who has written on the ad- an tages of Rhyl from the medical man's point of view, states that it stands almost unequalled or the salubrity and dryness of its atmosphere ta exemption from all kinds of epidemics, and its entire freeness from fogs. The lightnepro the soil causes a rapid evaporation and absorp pioof moisture, so that all traces of rain dis. appears from the surface." The rainfall was much below the average of the United Kingdom, and this is attributed in a great measure to the fact, expressed in common parlance, that the hills on either side the Vale carry the rains to the country." Fogs and mists are practically unknown, and thunderstorms rarely break over the town. According to Dr. Byton Lloyd's report for 1991, the total rainfall during ;,the yearwas only 2j-23, the death-rate among resi- dents and visitors 22'86, higher (owing to influ- enza and children's diseases) than in any year since his appointment in 1880. In 1880 it was 18-18, and in 1889, 15-12.

THE PROMENADE AND PIER. The Promenado extends along theentire front of the town from east to west and is bounded on the south by a long string of terraces facing the sea. Lataiy it has been asphalted over, and other improvements effected. The Promenade Pier is undoubtedly the finest in the Princi- pality, and even amongst those constructions of English watering places there are but very few which will be found to surpass it. Constructed by an eminent firm of Glasgow engineers and built almost entirely of iron, it presents a very light and graceful appearance and reaches out to sea a distance of 750 yards. A commodious Pavilion has been erected upon it years ago, in which, during the Summer months, entertain- ments jelight the visitors morning and evening. In June, 1891, active operations were commenced in connection with the erection of another very elegant pavilion at the entrance, to accommodate nearly three thousand persons. Before the end of the same summer, the Grand Paviliou wasopeced The building is a light& airy structure, and at the back of the orchestra there is ereotedjone of the largest Organs to be found in any such building ia the Kingdom, and which was first erected for the Manchester Exhibition.

THE PROMENADE BAND. The authorities annually engage a Band to provide vocal and instrumental music in the open-air. The music provided is of excellent quality, and affords delight to the thousands of promenaders. The band is supported entirely by the voluntary contributions of residents and visitors.

THE TOWN HALL- The town is governed by a body called The Rhyl Urban District Council, and there are 38 members, A. L. Clews, Esq., being this year's Chairman. They have a C.erk (Mr Arthur Rowlands), a Medical Officer of Health (Dr A. Eyton Lloyd, J.P.). a Surveyor (Mr Good- all), a Sanitary Inspector (Mr R J Hughes), a Gas and Water Manager (Mr Leonard G. Hall). The town buildings, consisting of a market hall on the basement, an assembly room (capable of holding about 1200 persons) and officee, are situated in the centre of the town, the main entrance being in Wellington Road and Queen Street to the East, aud Water Street to the West of the structure. On the South side there is a clock tower, the clock itself being illuminated. The building was opened in 1876, and has cost about C8000. The general market is open daily, and the corn exchange o Tuesdays.

PLACES OF WORSHIP. Like most Welsh towns, Rhyl abounds in churches and chapels. Church of England.—The Parish Church (Welsh Services) and St. Thomas' (English) are situated close to each other on grounds neatly kept and abutting on Russell Road, Paradise Street, Bath Street, and Clwyd Street. In the latter, daily ae well as Sunday services are held. There is a celebration at 8 o'clock every Sunday. This church is the handsomest building in town, and with its fittings it cost about £ 25,000. It is in the Early English style, built in 1861, from plans by Sir Gilbert Scott. The height of the tower to the clock vane is 203 feei, and in the chancel and nave there is accommodation for over 1000 worshippers.—St. John's, Welling- ton Road, close to the Summer Gardens, was built in 1886, mainly to accommodate the increasing influx of visitors into the town. The cost amounted to Y,5300, and all the seats are free.- St. Ann's, Vale Road, was opened in 1895, having been erected on the cost of Mrs Nicholson, Nithsdale-The Vicar is the Rev. Dan. Edwards, M.A., Surrogate for granting Marriage Licenses, Persondy, Russell Road. English Congregational Chapel (Christ Church) Water Street, Mr Ingham Minister. English Wesleyan Uhapel, Brighton Road.— Rev. Lefroy Yorke, the Manse, minister. English Baptist Chapel, Sussex Street.—Rev. D. G. Lewis, paetor. English Presbyterian Chapel* Princess St.— Rev, J. Yerrier Jones, Minister. St. Mary's (Roman Catholic), Wellington Road.—Rev. Father Parker, Mission Priest Lluesty Mair. Some eminent ministers act as supplier frequ- ently during the summer months. Welsh Cal- vinistic, Wesleyan, Baptist, and Independent chapels are also to be found in the town.

EDUCATION FACILITIES- Rhyl is amply provided in the matter of edu- cation, elementary, middle-class, and superior. There are five National Cchool departments and five British, in different partft of the town, and a small Roman Catholic School. There are several institutions for the education of the children of the better classes, both boys and Sirla and the excellency of the education given, combined with the salubrity of the air ar.d the acknowledged healthfulness of the place, combine in drawing pupils from all parts of the kingdom. The place has been chosen by the Joint Education Committee as the vocale of an Intermediate Education School now open.

POSTAL SERVICE. The Postal arrangements tor the town are most admirable, and the convenience and com- fort of visitors are well attended to. The central Post Office, erected ooly a few years since, and situated in High Street, is a very fine building of its class. The Pillar Boxes are studded all over thp town at most convenient places. There are four deliveries on week days-VIM., at 7.0 and 11 in the morning, and 1.30 and and 6.30 in the afternoon, and a similar numypr of collections. Letters may be posted at central Post Office until 9.30 p.m. for London, the South, Manchester, and the North, etc..fr even up till 9.50 p m., by payment of an extra d. stamp. The Telegraph Office is open from 8.0 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Sundays there iu a delivery of letters at 7.0 a.m., but no delivery of parcels.

DISTANCES TO PLACES OF INTEREST. *Rhuddlan 3 miles, *St. Asaph 6 Bodelwyddan 6 'Denbigh 12 *Abergele 6 *Colwyn Bay 12 •Prestatyn 5 Newmarket 6 *Llandudno 20 Dyserth 4 Cefn Rocks and Caves 9 Gwrych OastleJ 7 Llyn Helig 9 St. Beano's College. 9 *St. Winifred's Well 14 Those places denoted by an asterisk ca f;e vieited by train. Breaks run daily from the High Street, Market Place, &c., to Bodelwydfflan, St. Asaph, and Dyserth. Hackney carriage stands will be found in several of the raain streets, and there are fixed rates of charges by the mile or the hour. Luggage removers, authorized by the local authority, have stands near the railway station and the town hail. Their rata of charges are affixed to the vehicles. Bath Chair-men are similarly accommodated with stands, close on the promenade.

TRAIN SERVICE- Nearly all trains running over the L. & N W. Railway stop at Rhyl, the station being placed in the first class according to the Company's designation. Frequent trains ron up and down the Vale of Clwyd, through a most charmiBg country.

THE BOTANICAL GARDENS- These grounds are situate over the Gladstone Bridge, about half a mile from the Town Hall. They cover about seven acres of ground, are well planted with fruit trees and shrubs. The rustic walks, sheltered by trimmed hedges, form a pleasant lounge for visitors, to whom the grounds are open dailv. Fresh fruit and flowers are obtainable be grounds, and the place is a charming resort for pic-nic parties.

VALE OF CLWYD- This renowned valley has been so higaiy eulogised, that strangers may find its beauties ail to satisfy the anticipations with which they approach it. It presents a scene of rich cultiva. tion and tranquil beauty. There is certainly much to gratify and delight tourists. Watered through its whole length by the River Clwyd, it extends from about four miles south of Ruthin to the coast of Flintshire, about 24 miles wiftile in breadth it varies from about 2 to 6 or 7 tniies. It is bounded on both aides by hiils of moderate height, those on the East side being the jnutt lofty and conspicuous. At the south it is closed in by mountains, and at the North it is open co toe sea. The iand which lies near to the nyer is level, cultivated, and fertile, in most patts producing corn of good quality. The plain trd portions of the slopes aro well woodeu, and -sic peaceful cottages and cheerful homesteads sug- gest ideas of serenity, comfort and contentment. Elegant villas, and in some instances, ttCeiy mansions grace the river's side, or repope if I'e shelter of the neighbouring hills To obtat" a full view of the valley, it is desirable to asoeud someof the neighbouring heights or porttias of it may be seen:to advantage from the castle of Rhtiddlan and the Cathedral of St. Aeaph. Burke, in his "Beauties, Harmonies, and Sub- limities of Nature" says that of all tho vales in England and Walep, that of the Olwyd is most rich, The now peaceful Vale of Clwyd has been the scene of warfare and carnage, farod many are the conflicts which might be reoordad.

BODELWYDDAN CHURCH. Bodolwyddan Church is not far from t:ce castellated mansion known as Bodelwyddan Hall. The Church is a modern specimen of decorated Gothic architecture, and one of the most beautiful and exquisitely finished churches n Great Britain. Its tall white spire 202 teet high can be seen for miles around. The iisst stone of this church was laid by th Dowager Lady Willoughby de Broke (the donor) in 1ö6, The Church was designed by the late Mr John Gibson, of Westminster. On entering, itert visitors' attention is at once attr«cted by thP transcendent beauty of the interior, whtcj:, is richly adorned with a profusion of carvings and windows Of Ftained glass. The eat-tern window is tho most beautiful, and together with the others in the chancel, represents a series of evants in the life of our Lord. The font cost S300. It is sculptured out of a block of Carara marble, and represents two cf Sir Hugh and Lady Williams' little girls bearing a shell. The cost of the building was £60,000. The parson- age and fine schools are close by, all erected through the munificence of Lady Willoughby The present Vicar is the Rev. Canon Owen Jones. Several brakes, &c., leave Rbyi at frequent intervals during the day, and on Sun- days for service. The uausl route followed by carriage drivers to Bodelwyddan Church turns off to the right after crossing the Railway Bridge at Rhuddlau. The road rune under a canopy of trees and is a very pleasant drive. RHUDDLAN. Rhuddlan, anciently a place of magnitude and importance, retains no features of its original character, except its ruined castle, and a few other interesting remains of antiquity. It is situated near the confluence of the rivers Clwyd and Elwy, about 3 miles from Rhyl. Edward I. gave to Rhuddlan the privileges of a free borough, with various immunities, design- ing thereby to reconcile the Welsh to the ascendency of their conquerors. It was here that he succeeded in the politic stratagem which induced the Welsh to acknowledge his infant son, born at Carnarvon, as Princa of Wales. Here also was passed the celebrated iav called the Statute of Rhuddlan, which, after re- citing many curious particulars relative to Welsh customs previous to Edward's conquest, enacted new regulations for the government of Wales. There is still standing part of tbe wall of the house in which Edward held his council or Parliament. This old wall has been wrought into the gable of a row of small bouses and affixed to it is a tablet, with the following infoription:- This fragment Is the remains of the Building Where King Edward the first Held big Parliament, A.D. 1283, In which was passed the Statute of Rhuddian, Securing To the Prinaipality of Wales Its Judicial Rights and Independence. Between the town and the sea is an extensive tract of low land called Morfa Rhuddlan, .B., the Marsh of Rhuddlan, where in the year 796, a dreadful battle was fought between the Saxons under Uffa, King of Mercia, and the Welsh under Caradoc, m which the lattev, after an obstinate conflict, were defeated with great slaughter. All who were made prisoners were cruelly ad indiscriminately put to death, and nearly all who escaped frem the hands of >&e Saxons perished in the marsh, from the influx of the tide. The popular Welsh air, Morfa Rhuddian, distinguished by the plaintive sweetness of its melody, was composed in IOm- memoration of this disastrous event. RHUDDLAN CASTLE. Rhuddlan Castle is a quadrangular structure of red sandstone, with s'* massive towers fiank ing lofty curtain-walk. It has evidently been a fortress ot great strength, with little of arebs- tectural beauty or grandeur. The fosse, easily traced, enclosed a large area, and within this was a Priory of Dominicans, some relics of which as well as other antiquities, ale to be 8e6 in Rhuddlan Church. Archaeolog-iaH are not agreed as to the period at which this castle Waa erected. Two reputable authorities. Poweli and Camden, ascribe it to Llewelyn-ap-Sitsyllt, who reigned in Wales at the commeneeg>eDt gf 11th century, and made this the place of his residence. In 1063 it was attacked and burned by Harold of England. Subsequently, being restored, it became the scene of many historical events, proving that by both Normans and Britons, the possession of this fortress was deemed of great importance. In 1399 it was seized by the Earl of Northumberland, previous to the deposition of Richard II., who was brought hither on his way to Flint, where he was treacherously delivered into the hands 0 Bolicgbroke. In the civil wars Rhuddlan was garrisoned for the king, but was surrendered to Gen. Mytton in 1646 and soon afterwards by order of the Parliament, it was dismantled. Tho Royal Eisteddfod was held here in the autumn of 1850. Visitors are permitted to enter the grounds on payment of a nominal fee. Rhuddlan Church, restored within the past twenty years, is well worthy of a visit, as is also the old "Abbey,"about half-a-mile beyond the Castle and now a farmhouse. ST. ASAPH This city is small, but agreeably situated on a pleasant eminence, near the northern extremity of the fertile Vale of Clwyd, between the rivers Elwy and Clwyd, not fir from their confluence. The hill on which the city stands is called Bryn. Paulin, from having been made a place of encampment by Paulinus, the Roman general, on his way to Anglesea. The See is very ancient, having been established in the sixth century by Kentigern, Bishop of Glasgow. Being driven from the north by persecution, and (seeking refuge here, he was protected by Cadwallon, who aided him in building a church, and founding a college or monastery, in this place. Being recalled to his original charge, he nominated as his euccessor a pious scholar named Asa, from whom both the church and town received their deBigoation. Asaph assumed the title of Bishop, and dying in 596 was interred in bis own Cathedral. The first building which was of wood was consumed by fire in 1282. A more substantial edifice was soon after erected by Bishop Anian, and this was nearly demolished during the wars of Owen Glyndwr. It was partly rebuilt by Bishop Redman about 1480, the choir remain- ing unfinished until about 1770, when it was completed by the Dean and Chapter. In the Parliamentary wars the edifice was desecrated and greatly injured being used as a barrack and hospital for the Military, and even is an office and stable for the postmaster. The present Cathedral now appears after the restorations of Sir Gilbert Scott. It is the smallest British Cathedral. The usual crucifix form plan is followed out with centre tower- The nave is of five bays and has aisles-an addition wanting in the rest of the Church. In the monuments, the following ere worthy of notica:-An Altar-tomb, supporting a cum. bent figure in episcopal robes, in memory of Bishop Dafydd ap OwaiD, who died in 1502 a full length figure of the late Dean Shipley, in white marble, raised by a subscription of X600 an Altar-tomb which record the decease of Bishop Luxmore in 1830; and a mural tablet to the memory of the gifted poetess, Felicia fiemans, who resided near during a great portion of her life. Among the prelates of this diocese may be especially named Bishop William Morgan, an eminent linguist, the prin- cipal translator of the Welsh Bible printed in 1588, and a contributor to the English version of Elizabeth's reign. In April this year a handsome monument to Bishop Morgan and his woadjutors was erected in the Cathedral yard. Dr. Isaac Barrow, who educated his nephew of the same name, distinguished as a mathema- tician inferior only to his friend Sir Isaac Newton and Dr. Samuel Horsley, of great celebrity, as an Oriental scholar and Biblical critic. From the summit of the Catbedral tower a good view is obtained of the Vale of Clwyd, with the castles of Denbigh and Rhuddlan, and a long lice of seacoast. TREMEIRCHION. Here, about three miles from St. Asaph Rail way Station, is situate the Jesuit College of St. Beuno, on the side of the hill range, a prominent object from the lowlands. Tbu students are numerous. Not far off is St. Beuno's Well, and the bone cares recently explored under the direction of one of the learned s ci^tiee. CEFN ROOKS AND CAVES. Cefn, the seat of Mrs. Williams Wynne, has a beautiful situation on the banks of the Elwy, to the west of tbe railway between St. Aeaph and Trefnant. The neighbourhood is worthy of ba ing explored, on account of its deep picturesque glen-, its holy well, aLd its fovsiliferous caverns; and it is presumed that few tourists, if any, will regret the time and trouble thus expended. To these seenep, the biographer of Mrs Hemans re- fers in tbe fcllowing items: Thotio who only know the neighbourhood of St. Asaph from tra- velling along its highways, can be little aware hew much delightful see? ery is attainable within walks of two or thiee miles distance from Mrs Hemans' residence. The placid beauty of the Clwyd, and wilder graces of its sister stream, the Elwy, particularly in the vicinity of" Our Lady's Well," and the interesting rocks and caves at Cefn, are little koown to general tourists." Our Lady's Well," orFfynnon Fair, is a fine spring, enclosed within an angular wall, formerly roofed. Tho water, which flows copiously, was long and generally deemed, sacred, and reputed to possess powerful, if not miraculous, efficiency in the removal of bodily diboases. Near to the spring are the ruins of a small cruciform chapel, of the 15th century, dedicated to the B essed Virgin Mary, which originally encloeed the well. Tbe limestone rocks are perforated in different directions with magnificent caverns of great exo tent. In some parts of them the roof is more tban 40 feet in height; and in one place, at the base of the rock, near the river Elwy, there is a natural arch 36 feet high, which extends in depth more than 60 feet. From these oaverna have been removed at different times immense quan- tities of bones and bone-dust; and various fossil remains have been discovered, which have been examined and described by Professor Buckland. The holy well and caves, with the beautiful vale of Elwy, may be made the object of an excursion from Rhyl; and vehicles run here and back daily. DENBIGH. No visitor to Rhyl should fail to visit this ancient town, which is but twelve miles distant, if only to see its old Castle, magnificent in its decay, and from which a most extensive flew f the Vale of Clwyd is to be seen, and a grand ne withal. Outside the Castle walls is to be eeeu the uncompleted edifice which was begun by the Earl of Leicester in 1579, and said to be intended for a cathedral, instead of the church at St. Asaph. Other objects of interest are the North Wales Lunatic Asylum, Howell's School, and Whit- church. DYSKRTH AND NEIGHBOURHOOD. Dyserth is four miles from Rhyl, and the path thereto through the fields provides the pedes- trian with a very pretty walk. Dyserth church possesses some interesting features, among which may b3 reckoced a very old window. This east window, sometimes callod the "Jesse Window, is said by some to have formed a part of Basingwerk Abbey. A cross, of enrious workmanship, is also to be found in this church yard. Near to the ruins of Dyserth Castle are the famous old lead ore and blende mines of Talar. gocb These extensive mines are now closed, and have been for the last few years, owing to the low:price ruling for the lead ore, and the large quantity of 16ad ore which is new im. ported into this country. Formerly these mines ranked i-mong the most productive in the king- dom, and gave employment to hundreds of the scattered population of the district. Pennant records the fact that old Roman implements were found in the crevioes of the rook above the present workings.

THE most nutritious, TH!Z most nutritious, GRATEFUL-COM FCTI NG. gPZ4 Oft f7 COCOA BREAKFAST AND SUPPER. New Goods for Spring Wear. DANIEL EVANS AND CO., CENTRAL BUILDINGS, HIGH ST. and MARKET ST., RHYL, Are now showing in all Departments of their Establishment THE LATEST NOVELTIES AND CHOICEST CREATIONS: Charming New Styles in Ladies Millinery, The Leading Modes at Moderate Charges. A SPECIAL DISPLAY OF ALL THE Newest Dress Materials & Costume Cloths for Spring Wear, Including the Choicest Home and Foreign Productions. Dressmaking by experienced hands. Ladies' and Maids' Costumes a Speciality. Fit and Style Guaranteed. NOW IS THE TIME! To get your Pictures Framed. We do every description of Framing in the cheapest Gilt or the best Fine Art Mouldings, at the lowest possible Prices and by thoroughly competent workmen. To get your Pictures Cleaned, or the Frames Renovated. We undertake every description of Cleaning Engravings, Oil Paintings, Prints, &c., and Repair any damaged Frames at a trifling cost. To get your Frames Re-gilded. This is a Special Feature with us, and we have every facility for turning out first-class work. The best English Gold is used, and only skilled workmen employed, Estimates free. Call and See our Stock of Mouldings and Compare our Prices. A. & I-I. SANDOE, Bodfor Street & High Street, Rhyl. PHOTOGRAPHY I ERNEST JONES, Vale of Clwyd Studio, 27, QUEEN ST., RHYL. Best Work. Orders promptly completed Established 1840. JAMES DO WELL & SON, Furnishing Ironmongers, Wellington Road, Rhyl. For allkinds of BRUSHES and every HOUSE- HOLD REQUISITES the Inhabitants of Rbyl and district will find this House to their advantage. Royal Daylight White liose Oil Always in Stock, And Delivered in any Quantity. INCANDESCENT GAS fy LAMPi CHIMNEYS. ALSO GAS AND LAMP GLOBES. 256 I The Pioneers of Cheap Bopt Repairing. The London Boot Repairing Co., 3 MARKET STREET, RHYL The Best, Cheapest, and Quickest Boot Repairers In Town. Gents Boots-Soled and Heeled as 6d Ladies' Ditto do. is 6d Children's Ditto do. from iod Visitors' Boots Repaired while you wait. Please note oui only Address in Rhyl 825 3 MARKET STREET THE NORTH WALES ASPHALTE PAVING COMPY. Undertake all Classes of granolithic paving work SPECIALITIES-—ParapetsjGcirden Paths, Car- riage Drives, and Stable Yards. Terms moderate and work guaranteed. Esti. mates and specifications on application to Hugh Roberts, Fern iBank, Rhyl. (Sao