Pwllycrochon History

  The importance of inheritance To truly understand how Sir David and Lady Jane Silence Erskine came to inherit estates and lands across North Wales and the East Neuk of Scotland, we must first travel back to the pivotal moment of their betrothal. Their union not only marked a new chapter in their personal lives but also set the stage for the inheritance that would shape their future and the legacy they would leave behind. In 1818, "Mrs and Miss Williams went to the continent" (Pritchard, 2011) and serious discussions began about building a suspension bridge across the Menai Strait. As part of his duties, Thomas Telford was also asked to survey the route between Bangor and Chester. However, this ambitious project didn't come without opposition. Rowland Williams, a Beaumaris solicitor, presented a petition to parliament opposing the bridge, citing the potential harm it would cause to his ward, Jane Silence Williams - then "a minor and sole owner of the Bangor Ferry ...

  The Erskine's in Wales: Social Influence and Legacy While there are numerous reports of the Erskine family's activities in Wales, most notably during the early 19th century, many of these focus primarily on Sir David Erskine. His role as the Sheriff of Denbighshire in 1823 and Sheriff of 'Carnarvonshire' in 1824 underscore his prominence in North Wales. These prestigious positions reflect his standing in the region and his connections to the aristocracy. In addition to his duties he was honoured with the appointment as Deputy Lieutenant of Denbighshire - Deputy Lieutenants are appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant and come from all walks of life (albeit genteel families) from across the County. Deputy Lieutenants assist the Lord-Lieutenant in carrying out his role as the King's representative.  Furthermore, archive records of Gwynedd identify in correspondence his political leanings and his professed support of Henry Paget, Earl of Uxbridge [Plas Newydd, Anglesey] as w...

  The Marriage of Lady Jane Silence Williams and Sir David Erskine: A Glimpse into Early 19th-Century Aristocracy On August 27, 1821, the picturesque Medieval town of Conway (sic.) witnessed a marriage that, though modest in its public celebration, marked a significant union in the early 19th-century Welsh aristocratic and gentry families. Lady Jane Silence Williams (19) and Sir David Erskine (29) nuptials were reported across local Welsh and Scottish newspapers, as well as London society publications. However, the brevity of the announcements—merely listing names and locations—reflected the relatively understated nature of the event as was typical of the era, a stark contrast to the elaborate weddings of later years. A Simple Yet Elegant Union The Georgian era, in which Jane Silence Williams and Sir David Erskine were married, was characterised by its simplicity in wedding traditions. Unlike the elaborate ceremonies of the Victorian period, which popularised the tradition of the b...

  Unveiling the Mysteries of Lady Erskine's Early Life Lady Erskine's life is a fascinating tapestry woven with threads of history and mystery. Yet, despite our best efforts, some details about her early life remain elusive. One of the most puzzling aspects is the scarcity of records from her childhood. Born in 1802 to Rev. Hugh Williams and Mary Playford at Plas Isa in Conwy, Jane Silence Williams would later become Lady Erskine. However, beyond her birth year, we lack specifics, including her exact birth date and baptism records. The Missing Records of Rev. Hugh Williams Rev. Hugh Williams, a prominent figure in Conwy, served as both the Vicar of St. Mary's Church and the town's Magistrate. Given his dual roles, one would expect a wealth of documentation pertaining to his activities and family. Surprisingly, the archives are almost empty of his paperwork. This absence is particularly curious, as the Vicar of St. Mary’s would typically keep meticulous records. What we ...

  Exploring the History of Pwllycrochon: From the Conwy family to the Williams family (1691 - 1808) Conway / Conwy - place name and family surname Pwllycrochan / Pwll crochan/ Pwllycrochon/ Pwll y Crochon/ Pwll y Crochan all used interchangeably throughout the years. Pwllycrochon , an estate nestled between the parishes of Llandrillo and Colwyn (now Old Colwyn), has a rich history dating back to at least the 1600s. Originally associated with the Conwy/Williams family, this estate witnessed significant transitions over the centuries.                                                            Plaque in  Llandrillo Church According to local historian Norman Tucker ( 1894-1972) , "Rhiw," meaning slope, might have been the site of a farm called "fferme y Rhiw" held by David Lloyd Conwy in 1572. This farm likel...

In 2006, I first encountered the name Lady Erskine, not realizing that 15 years later, this name would lead me into an in-depth research project aimed at saving a historic building from demolition. Fast forward to 2021, I was serving as a local councillor when "Erskine Cottage" appeared on a list of planning applications. The proposal involved partially demolishing school buildings, razing Erskine Cottage, and constructing 93 homes on the playing fields. Curious about this mysterious Erskine Cottage on Pwllycrochan Avenue, we turned to Google Street View during our meeting. The screen revealed what the school referred to as the "workshop," and I instinctively protested its demolition. My fellow councillors turned to me in surprise, and I was given the chance to explain my stance. I revealed that this seemingly dilapidated building housed a remarkable piece of engineering: a turntable that could be operated with the touch of a finger. I believed this carriage house o...