Public explore rare buildings

Construction of the town walls began in 1282

Some Denbigh's most historic buildings have opened their doors to the public as part of Wales' largest celebration of architecture and heritage.

The event forms part of the National European Heritage Days, which give people the opportunity to explore buildings not normally open to the public.

The Castle Hill gateway in Denbigh

The event is being held on Saturday and Sunday from 1000 BST to 1600 BST.

Buildings open to the public are:

• Bronyffynnon, 24 Bridge Street
• Burgess Gate, Castle Hill
• Denbigh Town Walls
• Leicester's Church
• Kavick's, 23 High Street
• Gwasg Gee, Chapel Street
• St Mary's Church, Henllan Place
• Pendref Chapel
• Capel Mawr
• St Marcella's Church, Whitchurch Road, Whitchurch, Denbigh

Construction of the listed town walls began in 1282 and encompassed the old town and castle of Denbigh.

The walls include the vast 15-metre high Goblin Tower, built to protect the only reliable water source for the castle.

Also open is the gatehouse, Burgess Gate, on Castle Hill, which was the principal entrance to the old town.

It was built between 1282 and 1294 by Henry de Lacy, earl of Lincoln, and possibly designed by King Edward the first's master mason, James of St George, the leading military architect of his day.

There will be a warm welcome for residents and visitors to sample some of the town's rich heritage and traditional buildings

Gwyneth Kensler, councillor

Councillor Gwyneth Kensler said: "We are delighted that Denbigh is leading the way across Wales with the number of buildings open to the public.

"There will be a warm welcome for residents and visitors to sample some of the town's rich heritage and traditional buildings".

A visit to Leicester's Church, built by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and favourite of Queen Elizabeth, is also available.

Work began on the church in 1578 but was suspended in 1584 as Dudley's unpopularity grew and it was incomplete at his death in 1588.

Extremely rare

Meanwhile, Bronyffynnon, built in 1581, embodies an extremely rare stone built town house - probably the sole surviving example of its type in Wales.

Denbighshire County Council along with several other groups helped organise the event.

It has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, WDA, Cadw and other sponsorship.