Page 168 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

166 BACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN

The William Morgan Bible
Henry VIII’s Acts of Union introduced
in 1536–43 made English the official
language of Wales and marginalized
the Welsh tongue. The scholar and
bishop, William Morgan, created his
Welsh bible using Hebrew and Greek
originals to create an accurate yet
poetic classic. He completed his
translation in 1588 and it was used
to teach successive generations
how to read and write Welsh. The
clarity and power of its language
resonates through the centuries.

0 St Asaph
Above The former St Asaph Union Workhouse Denbighshire; LL17 0RD
and H M nley Hospital building 9 Denbigh This tiny city, set amid glorious scenery
Denbighshire; LL16 3DE with views over the Vale of Clwyd, is
Dominating the town, Denbigh home to Britain’s smallest cathedral.
Castle (open daily) was built in 1282 St Asaph’s Cathedral (open daily) was
under Henry de Lacy, Edward I’s founded in AD 560 by exiled Scottish
councillor. Marvel at the triple- bishop Saint Kentigern. However, its
WHERE TO STAY towered Great Gatehouse with a turbulent history – it was sacked by
statue of King Edward – only grand Henry III in 1245, Edward I in 1282
AROUND DENBIGH Caernarfon Castle has and Owain Glyndŵr in 1402 –
something similar. Even the means that the current
Tan-yr-Onnen moderate
In the country just south of Junction 28 town walls were built to building is mostly 14th
on the A55, this B&B offers modern integrate with the castle. century with more modern
rooms, a sunny conservatory, and serves Walk north down to the additions made by the
homemade bread for breakfast. Burgess Gate, the main gate Victorian architect Sir George
Waen, LL17 0DU; 01745 583 821;
www.northwalesbreaks.co.uk of the town wall with Gilbert Scott (1867–75).
chequered stonework. On Item from Earthworks Importantly, it houses a copy
Pentre Mawr Country House expensive the way, look out for the of the 1588 translation of the
Head east from Denbigh on the Ruthin Pottery, St Asaph
Road, taking the minor road further east tower of St Hilary’s Chapel, Bible into Welsh by William
to the B5429. Turn left and left again to built in 1300, and Leicester’s Church, Morgan, who later became bishop
this historic family home. It has beautiful the remains of Robert Dudley, Earl of here. The revised version, published in
bedrooms, some with four-poster beds Leicester’s unfinished church. It was 1620, enabled the survival of the Welsh
and free-standing baths. There are lovely important because it was the only language and its continued everyday
views, a swimming pool and hot tubs
and home-cooked dinners at weekends. large church built (1578–80) between use in the face of pressure from English.
Llandyrnog, LL16 4LA; 01824 790 732; the Dissolution of the Monasteries The cruciform St Asaph Union
www.pentremawrcountryhouse.co.uk and the rebuilding of St Paul’s Workhouse (now apartments) was built
AROUND ST ASAPH Cathedral in London. in 1838. One of its inmates was five-
Bach y Graig moderate ª Leave on the A525 to St Asaph. Park year-old orphan John Rowlands, who
This 16th-century farmhouse is set in next to the cathedral (on the A525). later changed his name to Henry
quiet countryside, south of St Asaph off
the A541. It has five cosy en-suite rooms
and a beamed lounge with a log fire.
Tremeirchion, LL17 0UH; 01745 730
627; www.bachygraig.co.uk
HOLYWELL
Pantasaph Farm B&B inexpensive
Just off the A55, this highly rated and
peaceful B&B is set in a farm. Enjoy
full Welsh breakfasts, and evening
meals on request.
Pantasaph Farm, CH8 8PL; 01352 713
138; www.pantasaphfarm.co.uk

Right One of the towers of Denbigh Castle, built
to subdue the Welsh
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under £80; moderate, £80–£150; expensive, over £150

162-167_Back_Roads_Great_Britain.indd 166 13/09/18 3:59 PM