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Wrexham (Wrecsam) is the largest town in North Wales. It lies to the northeast of the country, close to the English town of Chester. As a border town it is not as staunchly Welsh as the more northwestern areas of Wales. Wrexham’s origins date back to the 12th century, with the settlement becoming a prominent market town in the Middle Ages. It grew significantly in the 13th century, when the area was split into two parts: Wrexham Regis remained under the care of the local Lord of the Manor, while Wrexham Abbot was given to the local abbey. The town became a significant wool-weaving centre by the 17th century and later became known for the leather industry, whilst remaining a fairly small in terms of population.
Like many towns in Wales, Wrexham prospered most as a result of the Industrial Revolution, becoming home to an iron foundry, colliery and brewery, and gaining a railway. With increased commerce came increased jobs, and the population boomed. This prosperity continued until the 20th century, when the industries that built the town began to decline. At the start of the 21st century, the fortunes of the area appear to be on the rise again. Wrexham is undergoing a substantial amount of urban redevelopment. New housing, retail opportunities and business centres are transforming the face of the area, and there are improved road links connecting the town with Chester and beyond, allowing Wrexham to remain a well-populated economic centre.
Visitors to Wrexham today will find a modern town with proud links to its past. The town centre merges extant Victorian architecture with contemporary buildings, and there are several heritage attractions in the area, including Bersham Ironworks, Erddig Hall stately home and St Giles Church, one of the seven wonders of Wales and burial place of Elihu Yale, after whom Yale University is named. Wrexham is also home to Glyndwr University, a new educational establishment that until 2008 was known as the North East Wales Institute of Higher Education. The university is named for the famous Welsh historic leader, Owain Glyndwr, and illustrates Wrexham’s modern attitude.
Like many towns in Wales, Wrexham prospered most as a result of the Industrial Revolution, becoming home to an iron foundry, colliery and brewery, and gaining a railway. With increased commerce came increased jobs, and the population boomed. This prosperity continued until the 20th century, when the industries that built the town began to decline. At the start of the 21st century, the fortunes of the area appear to be on the rise again. Wrexham is undergoing a substantial amount of urban redevelopment. New housing, retail opportunities and business centres are transforming the face of the area, and there are improved road links connecting the town with Chester and beyond, allowing Wrexham to remain a well-populated economic centre.
Visitors to Wrexham today will find a modern town with proud links to its past. The town centre merges extant Victorian architecture with contemporary buildings, and there are several heritage attractions in the area, including Bersham Ironworks, Erddig Hall stately home and St Giles Church, one of the seven wonders of Wales and burial place of Elihu Yale, after whom Yale University is named. Wrexham is also home to Glyndwr University, a new educational establishment that until 2008 was known as the North East Wales Institute of Higher Education. The university is named for the famous Welsh historic leader, Owain Glyndwr, and illustrates Wrexham’s modern attitude.