Morgan Ditchburn

One of the questions I am often asked on my tours of Conwy is: who was the last monarch to stay at Conwy Castle? The answer is: the unfortunate Richard II. His final visit to Conwy took place in August 1399, during a dramatic episode in the political history of medieval England and Wales. Within a matter of weeks, Richard would lose his crown, Henry Bolingbroke would become Henry IV, and the course of English history would change. What makes the story particularly fascinating is that part of...

Conwy, a town steeped in history and charm, holds many stories within its walls. Among these stories are the tales of inns and taverns that once thrived here but have since vanished or changed beyond recognition. Following the success of the Ale & Old Things Tour, a new project has launched to explore these lost pubs. This adventure invites visitors and locals alike to uncover some of Conwy’s hidden gems and connect with the town’s rich social history. The Inspiration Behind the Project The...

Something quite interesting has come into my possession. The sale catalogue for the village of Trefriw! Did you know that much of Trefriw was sold off in 1895-96 (including a ghost!), ending centuries of dominance by the historic Gwydir Estate? For generations, the parish of Trefriw was shaped by the powerful Gwydir Estate. Originally built up by the Wynn family of Gwydir Castle, the estate passed by marriage in 1678 to the Barons Willoughby de Eresby - then on to the Earls of Ancaster....