Our Archives
Welcome to our extensive archive of historical documents related to Holywell and its surrounding areas. This collection includes projects compiled by our dedicated group, as well as valuable items donated by our community. We invite you to explore these resources and discover the rich history and stories that shape our local heritage. If there's a section of our archive that you would like to peruse in more detail, please contact us to arrange an appointment to visit our archives.
Areas of Holywell
​We have indepth historical studies of the individual areas that make up Holywell. These include Brynford Street, Well Street, The Strand, Fron Park Road, Cross Street, Coleshill Street, plus other areas as shown on the folders pictured below.
Greenfield Valley
Discover the rich history of Bryn Celyn and Greenfield Valley through two remarkable books authored by one our group members, capturing the essence of life in these communities in the 1940s and 1950s, Additionally, we are excited to share a collection of photos that document the mapping of The Greenfield Valley Heritage Trail.
Education
With over 100 years of photographs capturing class groups and sports teams, we offer a unique glimpse into the past. Our in-depth project on the original grammar school, which was replaced by the new comprehensive high school, highlights the evolution of education in our community.
High Street
​Discover the rich history of Holywell's High Street with our in-depth study, showcasing the names and occupations of traders from 1841 to 1911. Our research, based on census data, brings to life the vibrant community that once thrived here. Additionally, explore our extensive collection of photographs and leaflets that illustrate the evolution of shops over time.
Entertainment
​Holywell once had its own cinema, situated at the rear of the Prince of Wales public house, Explore our collection of programmes showcasing the rich history of the cinema, We also have a collection of photographs celebrating local culture and community events. such as processions in the town centre, village fetes, and carnivals.
Holywell Drama Club
Celebrate the rich history and artistic achievements of the Holywell Drama club that brought our community together through the magic of theatre. We are proud to showcase our complete collection of programmes, reflecting the diverse and captivating productions brought to life by this talented group of performers.
Industry
Holywell boasts a fascinating industrial history, dating to the late 18th century with its copperworks in Greenfield Valley. The area thrived with clothing mills during the first half of the 20th century, showcasing its vibrant textile industry. Surrounding Holywell, the rich lead deposits led to the establishment of several lead mines and smelting works, remnants of a once-bustling era.
Maps
We have recently been loaned a large map of Holywell and the surrounding area, dating back to the 1870s. In addition, we possess a collection of ordnance survey maps for various villages in the region. Our research has been further enhanced by access to online maps, allowing us to compile a comprehensive study of Tithes for the area in 1851. This study reveals fascinating insights into how the town was divided among a small number of local landowners.
Medical
​Our collection dedicated to the history of healthcare in Holywell includes information on the original cottage hospital established in 1910, the Lluesty Hospital, and the more recent Holywell Community Hospital. We also showcase studies of various GP surgeries that have served the town since the late 19th century. Additionally, we are proud to feature a book gifted by the family of a local GP Dr. Martin Barry, offering a glimpse into his experiences as a doctor in Holywell from 1960 to 1987.
People of Holywell
​Holywell has been the starting point for several remarkable figures in the entertainment industry. Among them the actor Jonathan Pryce, who was happy to gift the town a copy of his handwritten memoir detailing his early life in this town. Additionally, we are excited to explore the story of Sarah Edith Wynne, a talented opera singer who left Holywell at the age of 12 in 1854 to pursue her dreams in Florence. Her journey is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Holywell and the incredible talents it has nurtured.
Publications
​We are lucky to have a substantial collection of publications outlining the history of Holywell and the surrounding areas. Local historian, David Wilkes, has generously gifted us his latest book entitled, Holywell, The Town and Its People Vol 1, which was published in 2023.
Public Houses, Politics & Royalty
​It's hard to believe that at the beginning of the 20th century Holywell boasted over 20 pubs in the town centre. We have photographs and a potted history of most of them. Obviously, we couldn't disclose the political leanings of the group, but our esteemed leader once had hopes of representing the Lib Dems in Holywell. We have also been worthy of a number of Royal visits to Holywell in the past. Queen Victoria visited the year before she became queen. The King, while he was still Prince of Wales, visited in 1980, and a Royal party from Uganda came to marvel at the sights of Holywell in 1914
Religion - Chapels
Discover the rich religious history of Holywell as we explore the remnants of its once-thriving chapel community. Although at least two derelict chapels stand in the town center today, our studies of four chapels from the Holywell area reveal the enduring spirit and significance of these sacred spaces
Religion - Churches
We are in the process of putting together a comprehensive guide to the churches of Holywell and the surrounding area. We have a collection of newsletters from one local church and a school hymn book from 1965.
St Winefreds & Basingwerk
Our archives contain much material on these two famous Holywell heritage sites. The story of St. Winefred and the renowned healing properties of the well continue to draw pilgrims from far and wide. The ruins of Basingwerk Abbey, nestled in the picturesque Greenfield Valley Park, add to the town's historical allure.
Scouts and Guides
We are excited to share the donation of a remarkable collection of photo albums featuring Brownie and Guide activities from the 1970s to the 1990s. This collection, thanks to one of our dedicated members, highlights the rich history of Brownies and Guides in Holywell and its surrounding villages. We have also compiled a comprehensive history of Scouts & Guides, celebrating their impact on the community over the decades.
Sport
We are thrilled to have an eminent sportsman among our members, who proudly holds the North Wales Youth discus throwing record. His generosity in sharing his private collection of sports memorabilia from Holywell in the 50s and 60s and his expertise has been invaluable in helping us compile a comprehensive study of sporting achievements in Holywell and the surrounding villages.
Transport & Military
Discover the rich history of transport in Holywell through our captivating photo collection, showcasing everything from horse-drawn carts to the town's first omnibus. Delve into the intriguing story of Holywell's brief railway service, featuring images of the beloved Little Train as it made its journey between Holywell town and Greenfield Valley. Although the town remained virtually unscathed during the world wars, it became a refuge for numerous evacuees in WWII, many of whom chose to make Holywell their home. We are in the process of compiling the heartfelt stories of these evacuees and their experiences in our community.
