Denbighshire Genealogical Records

Denbighshire Birth & Baptism Records

England & Wales Birth Index (1837-2006)

An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Denbighshire Baptisms (1556-1911)

Digital images of baptism registers that can be searched by name. They record baptisms, which typically occur shortly after birth, and list the baptised's name, date of birth and/or baptism and parents' names. They may also list where the parents lived, their occupations and occasionally other details.

North Wales Birth Index (1837-1995)

A growing index of births registered in the counties of North Wales. Records include a reference to the sub-registration district, making it easier to order the correct certificate.

British Birth and Baptism Records (1400-2010)

A collection of indexes and transcripts of birth and baptism records that cover over 250 million people. Includes digital images of many records.

FreeBMD Births (1837-1957)

An index to births registered at the central authority for England & Wales. The index provides the area where the birth was registered, mother's maiden name from September 1911 and a reference to order a birth certificate.

Denbighshire Marriage & Divorce Records

England & Wales Marriage Index (1837-2008)

An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Denbighshire Marriages (1556-1928)

Digital images of marriage registers that can be searched by name. They contain written records of marriages and typically record the name of the bride and groom and date of marriage. They may also record occupations, residences, fathers' names, witnesses and other information about the marriage.

Denbighshire Banns (1627-1926)

Digital images of registers that record the names of couples who intended to marry. They may contain details not included in marriage registers or of planned marriages that never occurred.

North Wales Marriage Index (1837-2000)

A growing index of marriages registered in the counties of North Wales. Records include a reference to the sub-registration district, making it easier to order the correct certificate.

British Marriage Records (1392-2011)

A collection of indexes and transcripts of marriage records that cover over 160 million people. Includes digital images of many records.

Denbighshire Death & Burial Records

England & Wales Death Index (1837-2006)

An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Denbighshire Burials (1570-2004)

Digital images of burial registers that can be searched by name. They contain records of burials, which typically occur a few days after death, and record the name of the deceased and date of death and/or burial. They may also list where the deceased lived, their age, names of relations, occupation and occasionally other details.

North Wales Death Index (1837-1996)

A growing index of deaths registered in the counties of North Wales. Records include a reference to the sub-registration district, making it easier to order the correct certificate.

British Death and Burial Records (1379-2014)

A collection of indexes and transcripts of death and burial records that cover over 140 million people. Includes digital images of many records.

FreeBMD Deaths (1837-1964)

An index to deaths registered at the central authority for England and Wales. To 1866, only the locality the death was registered in was listed. Age was listed until 1969, when the deceased's date of birth was listed. Provides a reference to order a death certificate, which has further details.

Denbighshire Census & Population Lists

1939 Register (1939)

An index to and digital images of records that detail 40 million civilians in England and Wales. Records list name, date of birth, address, marital status, occupation and details of trade or profession.

England, Wales, IoM & Channel Islands 1911 Census (1911)

The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

1901 British Census (1901)

The 1901 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

1891 British Census (1891)

The 1891 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

1881 British Census (1881)

The 1881 census provides details on an individual's age, residence and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows for searches on multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

Newspapers Covering Denbighshire

Rhyl Record and Advertiser (1888-1910)

A weekly newspaper containing local news, family announcements, sports, advertisements etc. It was liberal in politics. Each edition has been indexed and digitised.

North Wales Express (1878-1910)

A weekly newspaper covering local, parliamentary, community and religious news. It contained family announcements. Each edition has been indexed and digitised.

Dydd (1868-1910)

A weekly Welsh-language newspaper the covered political, religious and other news from an Independent perspective. Each edition has been indexed and digitised.

Cambrian News (1860-1919)

A newspaper covering local and national news, sports, leisure, family notices and more. It circulated in north- and mid-Wales. The full text of editions can be searched, and used to view digital images of the newspaper.

North Wales Chronicle (1827-1900)

A newspaper covering the counties of North Wales. Contains numerous notices recording births, marriages, deaths and obituaries.

Denbighshire Wills & Probate Records

England & Wales National Probate Calendar (1858-1966)

Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.

Welsh Probate Index & Images (1521-1858)

An index to most surviving wills, administrations and inventories proved in Wales' six ecclesiastical courts and the Peculiar of Hawarden. Most documents are available to view online.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills (PPV) (1384-1858)

A index to testators whose will was proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. They principally cover those who lived in the lower two thirds of Britain, but contain wills for residents of Scotland, Ireland, British India and other countries. A copy of each will may be purchased for digital download.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills (Subscription) (1384-1858)

An index and digital images of PCC wills, available on a subscription basis.

British Wills and Probate Records (1163-1999)

A collection of indexes, abstracts, transcripts and digital images of over 5.5 million wills, administrations and other probate records.

Denbighshire Immigration & Travel Records

Passenger Lists Leaving UK (1890-1960)

A name index connected to original images of passenger lists recording people travelling from Britain to destinations outside Europe. Records may detail a passenger's age or date of birth, residence, occupation, destination and more.

UK Incoming Passenger Lists (1878-1960)

A full index of passenger lists for vessels arriving in the UK linked to original images. Does not include lists from vessels sailing from European ports. Early entries can be brief, but later entries may include dates of births, occupations, home addresses and more. Useful for documenting immigration.

Victoria Assisted & Unassisted Passenger Lists (1839-1923)

An index to and images of documents recording over 1.65 million passengers who arrived in Victoria, Australia, including passengers whose voyage was paid for by others.

17th Century British Emigrants to the U.S. (1600-1700)

Details on thousands of 17th century British immigrants to the U.S., detailing their origins and nature of their immigration.

Migration from North America to Britain & Ireland (1858-1870)

A list of over 40,000 passengers traveling from North America to the British Isles. Details of passengers may include: occupation, nationality, gender, age, martial status, class, destination, and details of the vessel they sailed on.

Denbighshire Military Records

Prisoners of War of British Army (1939-1945)

A searchable list of over 100,000 British Army POWs. Records contains details on the captured, their military career and where they were held prisoner.

British Prisoners of World War II (1939-1945)

Details on around 165,000 men serving in the British Army, Navy and Air Force who were held as prisoners during WWII.

British Army WWI Medal Rolls (1914-1920)

Index and original images of over 5 million medal index cards for British soldiers It can be searched by individual's name, Coprs, Unit and Regiment. Due to the loss of many WWI service records, this is the most complete source for British WWI soldiers

British Army WWI Service Records (1914-1920)

This rich collection contains contains records for 1.9 million non-commissioned officers and other ranks who fought in WWI. Due to bomb damage in WWI, around 60% of service records were lost. Documents cover: enlistment, medical status, injuries, conduct, awards and discharge. A great deal of genealogical and biographical documentation can be found in these documents, including details on entire families, physical descriptions and place of birth.

Silver War Badges (1914-1920)

An index to nearly 900,000 military personnel who were awarded the Silver War Badge for sustaining injures. Records include rank, regimental number, unit, dates of enlistment and discharge, and reason for discharge.

Home Office Prison Calendars (1868-1929)

Records of over 300,000 prisoners held by quarter sessions in England & Wales. Records may contain age, occupation, criminal history, offence and trial proceedings.

Central Criminal Court After-trial Calendars (1855-1931)

Over 175,000 records detailing prisoner's alleged offences and the outcome of their trial. Contains genealogical information.

England & Wales Electoral Registers (1832-1932)

Digital images of ledgers recording those registered to vote, searchable by an index of 220 million names. Entries list name, address, qualification to vote, description of property and sometimes age and occupation.

Prison Hulk Registers (1802-1849)

From the late 18th century many prisoners in Britain were kept on decommissioned ships known as hulks. This collection contains nearly 50 years of registers for various ships. Details given include: prisoner's name, date received, age, year of birth and conviction details.

England & Wales Criminal Registers (1791-1892)

This collection lists brief details on 1.55 million criminal cases in England and Wales between 1791 and 1892. Its primary use is to locate specific legal records, which may give further details on the crime and the accused. Details may include the accused's age, nature of crime, location of trial and sentence. Early records can contain a place of birth.

Denbighshire Taxation Records

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

Duties Paid for Apprentices' Indentures (1710-1811)

An index linked to original images of registers recording apprenticeship indentures. Details are given on the trade and nature of apprenticeship. Many records list the parents of the apprentice.

Index to Death Duty Registers (1796-1903)

An index to wills and administrations that incurred a death duty tax. The index can be used to order documents that give a brief abstract of the will and details on the duty. It can be used as a make-shift probate index.

Index to the Royalist Composition Papers (1646-1656)

Index to personal names listed in the Royalist Composition Papers that dealt with the estates of royalists.

Denbighshire Land & Property Records

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

UK Poll Books and Electoral Rolls (1538-1893)

Poll books record the names of voters and the direction of their vote. Until 1872 only landholders could vote, so not everyone will be listed. Useful for discerning an ancestor's political leanings and landholdings. The collection is supplemented with other records relating to the vote.

Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem (1236-1291)

Abstracts of records detailing the estates and families of deceased tenants from the reigns of Henry III and Edward I.

NLW Manuscript Transcripts (1200-2000)

A searchable database of thousands of transcribed and abstracted manuscripts, largely pertaining to land.

Landowners of England & Wales (1873)

A list of owners of above one acre of land in England & Wales. Lists a landowner's residence, acreage and estimated gross yearly rental.

Denbighshire Directories & Gazetteers

Slater's Directory of North & Mid Wales (1895)

Historical and contemporary descriptions of settlements, detailing their governance, churches, schools etc.; to which is appended lists of residents, with their occupations.

Slater's Directory, North and Mid Wales (1895)

Historical and contemporary descriptions of settlements, detailing their governance, churches, schools etc.; to which is appended lists of residents, with their occupations.

Cassey's Directory of the Chief Towns in North Wales (1876)

A directory of the region's nobility, gentry, clergy, traders and professionals. Supplemented with a directory of churches and public schools.

Slater's Directory, North Wales (1850)

Historical and contemporary descriptions of settlements, detailing their governance, churches, schools etc.; to which is appended lists of residents, with their occupations.

Pigot's Directory, North Wales (1844)

A gazetteer covering larger settlements, and listing their trade, commercial and professional entities.

Denbighshire Cemeteries

Denbighshire Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Denbighshire's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

Mausolea and Monuments (1500-Present)

Profiles of several hundred mausolea found in the British Isles.

Maritime Memorials (1588-1950)

Several thousand transcribed memorials remembering those connected with the nautical occupations.

Rail & Canal Photographs Catalog (1880-1970)

A searchable database of photographs relating to railways and canals in Britain.

Denbighshire Obituaries

iAnnounce Obituaries (2006-Present)

The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.

United Kingdom and Ireland Obituary Collection (1882-Present)

A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.

Quakers Annual Monitor (1847-1848)

A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.

Musgrave's Obituaries (1421-1800)

This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.

British Medical Journal (1849-Present)

A text index and digital images of all editions of a journal containing medical articles and obituaries of medical practitioners.

Denbighshire Histories & Books

Denbighshire Church Photographs (1890-Present)

Photographs and images of churches in Denbighshire.

Geograph: Photos of the UK and Ireland (2005-Present)

A growing database including millions of photographs of the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Ireland catalogued by latitude & longitude and OS grid reference.

Britain from Above (1919-1953)

Ariel photographs of the British Isles. Browsable by location.

UK & Ireland Historical Postcards (1885-1950)

Over 19,000 postcards depicting places in the UK & Ireland.

UK Photos (1857-2005)

A collection of 220,000 professional photos covering most towns and villages in Britain, and parts of Ireland.

Denbighshire School & Education Records

National School Admission & Log Books (1870-1914)

A name index connected to digital images of registers recording millions of children educated in schools operated by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. Records contain a variety of information including genealogical details, education history, illnesses, exam result, fathers occupation and more.

Teacher's Registration Council Registers (1870-1948)

A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.

Oxford University Alumni (1500-1886)

A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge University Alumni (1261-1900)

A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge Alumni Database (1198-1910)

A searchable database containing over 90,000 note-form biographies for students of Cambridge University.

Denbighshire Occupation & Business Records

Smuggling on the West Coast (1690-1867)

An introduction to smuggling on the west coast of Britain & the Isle of Man, with details of the act in various regions.

British Trade Union Membership Registers (1870-1999)

An index to and images of registers recording over 3.7 million trade union members.

UK Medical Registers (1859-1959)

Books listing doctors who were licensed to operate in Britain and abroad. Contains doctor's residencies, qualification and date of registration.

Railway Employment Records (1833-1963)

A rich collection of records documenting those who worked for railway companies that were later absorbed by the government. Records include: staff registers, station transfers, pensions, accident records, apprentice records, caution books, and memos. Records may include date of birth, date of death and name of father.

Royal Navy Medical Journals (1817-1857)

Indexed medical journals from British ships containing personal and medical details of patients. The journals list names, ages, rank/status, diseases, illness duration and notes on symptoms and treatment. Contains details on military men as well as people immigrating or being deported to colonies.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Denbighshire

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1885)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Denbighshire Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

Denbighshire Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Denbighshire's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Visitation of England and Wales (1700-1899)

Over 600 pedigrees for English and Welsh families who had a right to bear a coat of arms.

Debrett's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage (1921)

A dictionary of families elevated to the peerage of Great Britain & Ireland. It includes genealogies and biographical details.

Denbighshire Church Records

Denbighshire Parish Registers (1556-2004)

Digital images of registers that record baptisms, which typically occur shortly after birth; marriages and burials. The registers can be searched by name and can help establish links between individuals back to the 16th century.

Wales Parish Registers (1914-2013)

The parish registers of Wales are a collection of books documenting baptisms, marriages and burials from 1914 to 2013.

Wales Parish Registers (1538-1934)

The primary source of documentation for baptisms, marriages and burials before 1837, though useful to the present also.

The Welsh Church Year Book (1929)

Important information relating to the church, including jurisdictions and names of ministers, archdeacons etc.

Crockford's Clerical Directories (1868-1914)

Brief biographies of Anglican clergy in the UK.

Biographical Directories Covering Denbighshire

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1885)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Crockford's Clerical Directories (1868-1914)

Brief biographies of Anglican clergy in the UK.

The Concise Dictionary of National Biography (1654-1930)

A directory containing lengthy biographies of noted British figures. The work took over two decades to compile. Biographies can be searched by name and are linked to images of the original publication.

Denbighshire Maps

Maps of Denbighshire (1607-1860)

A collection of digitalised maps covering the county.

UK Popular Edition Maps (1919-1926)

Detailed maps covering much of the UK. They depict forests, mountains, larger farms, roads, railroads, towns, and more.

Ordnance Survey Maps of Wales (1868-1954)

An interactive map featuring four OS map editions published between 1868 and 1954. To load a map select the menu tab on the far right, select the edition you wish to view and zoom in to a locality.

Ordnance Survey 1:10 Maps (1840-1890)

Maps showing settlements, features and some buildings in mainland Britain.

Parish Maps of Britain (1832)

Maps of parishes in England, Scotland and Wales. They are useful in determining which parish records may be relevant to your research.

Denbighshire Reference Works

Wales Research Guide (1538-Present)

A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in Wales.

Parish Register Abstract (1538-1812)

Compiled in 1831, this book details the coverage and condition of parish registers in England & Wales.

Building History Research Guide (1066-Present)

A comprehensive guide to researching the history of buildings in the British Isles.

Surname Origins (1790-1911)

A service that provides advanced and custom surname maps for the British Isles and the US.

British Family Mottoes (1189-Present)

A dictionary of around 9,000 mottoes for British families who had right to bear arms.

Civil & Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction

Historical Description

Denbighshire runs parallel to Flintshire, and is bounded on the north by the Irish Sea, on the east by Cheshire and Shropshire, on the south by Merionethshire, and on the west by Caernarvonshire. From the last it is only separated by the river Conway. The extreme length is forty-eight miles, its greatest breadth not above eighteen, and in the middle much less.

It comprehends about 410, 000 acres of land, almost the whole of which is in a state of cultivation: and may be computed at 150, 000 arable, and 250, 000 of pasturage. It is divided into six hundreds, viz. Bromfield, Chirk, Isaled, Isdulas, Ruthin, and Ial; and contains one borough town, Denbigh, and five market towns, viz. Abergely, Llangollen, Llanrwst, Ruthin, and Wrexham; fifty-seven parishes; 13, 078 houses, and 64, 420 inhabitants. Its principal rivers are the Clwyd and Conwy; the former passes through the vale of the same name; the latter is the boundary between this county and Caernarvonshire.

Denbighshire is situated within the diocese of St. Asaph, excepting the vale of Clwyd, which is in the diocese of Bangor. The air of this county is very salutary, but being continually agitated by the winds which blow over the snowy mountains, is thought sharper than that of its neighbouring districts. The soil is various in Denbighshire, but the rugged and mountainous character of Wales is conspicuous, though softened by a considerable mixture of fertility and beauty; but the west side is in a manner entirely barren. At the south-eastern extremity the banks of the Dee afford fine pasture and meadow land, where cheese is made equal to the best Cheshire. Northward is the hundred of Ial, hilly, productive of grass, and abounding with cattle, yet bare and dreary to the view. On the western side, the county becomes more uniformly alpine, with frequent small lakes and deep narrow vales interspersed amidst naked mountains. The northern part towards the sea is more level, forming part of the extensive plain of Rhuddlan.

The products are chiefly corn, cheese, and cattle; it also participates with Flintshire in some lead mines, near its borders, and has others in the south-western part, together with coals, besides is well wooded with old plantations, and extensive new ones, which promise in a few years to render their possessors rich, and the numerous estates as valuable as they are at present beautiful. Of manufactures wool is the principal, and from it a great quantity of fine and coarse cloths are made, and likewise stockings.

Denbighshire has two representatives in the British senate, viz. one for the county and one for the borough of Denbigh.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

DENBIGHSHIRE is a maritime county in North Wales, bounded on the north by the Irish Sea, Flintshire, and a detached part of Carnarvonshire, on the south by Merionethshire and Montgomery, on the west by Carnarvonshire, on the south-east by Shropshire, on the east by a detached portion of Flintshire, and on the south-east by Cheshire. The county in form is very irregular, and the extreme breadth from Bettws y Coed, on the western border, to Iscoed, near the eastern boundary, is about 40 miles; the total area is 423,477 acres. The surface for the most part is mountainous, but it is frequently diversified by scenery of picturesque beauty and fertility. The elevated district in the eastern part of the county is formed by the Clwydian and Hiralthog range of mountains, which with the dependent hills also form the greater part of the elevated wastes occupying so much of every other district of the county. The Clwydian range enters within the north-eastern boundary from the vicinity of Ysceifiog, in Flintshire, and continues to Bryn Eglwys, when it curves to the south-west and connects with the Hiraethog range; this range extends from above Derwen, on the southern border of the county, to Eglwys Bach, on the river Conway, and forms a most extensive and dreary waste of moor and heathland, varying in breadth from 4 to 8 miles and about 25 miles long. The county is watered by numerous rivers and small streams, the principal being the Dee and the Clwyd; the former flows through the southern part of the county from near Glydyfrawry to Erbistock, when it continues its course, on the borders of the counties of Denbigh, Flint (detached), and Cheshire, as far as Aldford,-being joined near Holt by the river Alen, which has its source near Llandegle,-and after flowing northwards to Bagillt, in Flintshire, turns suddenly to the south-east and enters the county again near Gwerysllst, and then flows eastward to its confluence with the Dee; among the other feeders of the Dee are the rivers Ceiriog and Teirw, which rise in the Berwyn mountains, and after their confluence flow through the Glyn Vale, joining the Dee about 2 miles west of Erbistock. The river Clwyd descends northward, from a small lake among the hills on the southern border of the county, through a rich and spacious vale, being joined in its course by numerous streams from the mountains on either side-its chief tributary is the Elwy, which rises in the western portion of the county and takes an easterly direction to Gwgfair Uchaf, when it turns sharply to the north and flows through St. Asaph, in Flintshire, to its confluence with the Clwyd about a mile south of Rhyddlan. The Conway river forms the western boundary of the county and is fed by many small streams from the mountains. The most notable of the many valleys distributed throughout Denbighshire is the Vale of Clwyd, which is watered by the river of that name and extends from the coast to above Ruthin, a distance of about 24 miles; the vale varies in breadth from about 2 miles to 7 or 8, and is bounded on both sides by mountain ranges, the most lofty and conspicuous being on the eastern side. The land lying near the river is level, well cultivated and fertile, in most parts producing good crops of cereals; the slopes are generally well wooded, and there are extensive pastures. Numerous villas, and in some instances stately mansions, grace the river banks, or repose in the shelter of the neighbouring hills.

The railways in Denbighshire are the London and North-Western, Great Western and Wrexliam, Mold and Connah’s Quay. The Chester and Holyhead line of the first-named runs through the places on the coast, and by a branch which leaves the main line at Llandudno Junction, in Carnarvonshire, and passing along the Conway Valley, serves the parishes on the western border. A branch from Rhyl, in Flintshire, enters the county about a mile north of Trefnant station and runs to Denbigh, whence the Denbigh, Ruthin, and Corwen line continues southwards, giving communication at the latter place with the Great Western system. Wrexham, near the eastern border, is an important railway centre, the lines of several companies converging at this place; the most important is the Great Western, whose Chester main line, which enters the county about half a mile south of Chirk station, and after passing through Cefn to Ruabon, whence a branch runs to Llangollen, Corwen, Festinoig, and Dolgelley, passes through, and continuing to the north-east through Gresford and Rossett, leaves the county about a mile and a half north of the latter station. The London & North-Western Co. have a branch running in a north-westerly direction through Flintshire to Denbigh, and also a short line to Brymbo. Wrexham is the terminus of the Wrexham, Mold, and Connah’s Quay railway. The Glyn Ceirog Tramway Co. have a line through the Glyn Vale to Llansaintfraid, Glyn, Ceroig; the starting-point can be reached via Preesgweene station on the Great Western main line.

The mineral productions of the county are various and important, consisting chiefly of coal, iron, and lead ores, slates, limestone, and freestone. The coalfield is in the neighbourhood of Wrexham, the principal colleries being at Brymbo, where the seam is 15 feet thick, Ruabon, Minera, Acrefair, Cefn, and Black park, near Chirk. Iron ore is found in connection with the coal strata; the ore is of excellent quality, and great quantities are raised, particularly at Brymbo. There are several lead mines, and limestone is found in abundance. Flannels, coarse cloths, and stockings are manufactured to a considerable extent. Barley, oats, and potatoes are grown on the uplands, and in the rich valleys wheat; the pastures are extensive, and dairy farming is followed to a considerable extent.

Denbighshire contains 88 civil parishes, and parts of six others, and is in the diocese of St. Asaph, archdeaconries of St. Asaph and Wrexham. St. Asaph archdeaconry is subdivided into the rural deaneries of Denbigh, Dyffryn Clwyd, Llanrwst, Rhos, and St. Asaph; Wrexham archdeaconry into the rural deaneries of Bangor-is-y-coed, Edeirnion, Llangollen, Mold, and Wrexham. The county is in the North Wales Division of the North and South Wales and Chester circuit, and has 1 court of quarter sessions and is divided into 9 petty sessional divisions; the boroughs of Denbigh and Wrexham have separate commissions of the peace, but no separate court of quarter sessions. The municipal boroughs are: Denbigh, the shire town, population in 1891, 6,412; Ruthin, where the assizes and quarter sessions are held, contained a population in 1891 of 2,760; Wrexham, 12,552. The chief towns are: Abergele, Denbigh, Llangollen, Llanrwst, Ruthin, and Wrexham.

The registration districts are:

NoNamesAreaPopulation in 1891
618Wrexham68,32761,795
619Ruthin99,08312,938
620St. Asaph99,19228,954
621Llanrwst119,81413,011

Parliamentary Representation of Denbighshire

Denbighshire formerly returned two members for the undivided county, but under the provisions of the Redistribution of Seats Act, 1885, it is now divided into two divisions with one member for each.

No. 1.-The Eastern Division comprises the sessional divisions of Bromfield & Ruabon, the municipal borough of Wrexham & the parish of Chirk.

No. 2.-The Western Division comprises the sessional divisions of Chirk Lower (except so much as is comprised in Division No. 1, as herein described), Chirk Upper, Isaled, Isdulas, Ruthin, Uwchaled & Uwchdulas & the municipal borough of Denbigh.

It also includes the Denbigh district of borough, consisting of the contributory boroughs of Denbigh, Holt, Ruthin & Wrexham.

Military

Wrexham is the depot of the Regimental district, No. 23 (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers), which is composed of four battalions:-the 1st & 2nd battalions the Royal Welsh Fusiliers (23rd Foot) & the 3rd battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers (Royal Denbigh & Flint Militia), 4th battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers (Royal Carnarvon & Merioneth Militia; headquarters at Carnarvon). For further particulars see pages 119 & 453.

Denbigh County Council

Local Government Act, 1888, 51 & 52 Viet, c, 41.

Under the above Act, Denbighshire, after the 1st April 1889, for the purposes of the Act, became a separate and distinct administrative county (sec. 461 b), governed by a County Council, consisting of chairman, aldermen & councillors (the number of councillors being determined by the Local Government Board), to be elected in manner prescribed by the Act (sec. 2).

The chairman shall, by virtue of his office, be a justice of the peace for the county, without qualification (sec. 46).

The police for the country are under the control of a standing joint committee of the Quarter Sessions and the County Council, to be appointed as therein mentioned (sec. 9).

The coroners for the county are elected by the County Council, and the clerk of the peace appointed by such joint committee, and may be removed by them (sec. 83-2).

The clerk of the peace for the county is also the clerk of the County Council (sec. 83-1).

The administrative business of the county (which would, if this Act had not been passed, have been transacted by the justices) is transacted by the County Council.

Meet at Denbigh.

Clerk to the County Council, Llewellyn Adams, Ruthin County Treasurer, Major Marcel Couran, Bronduffryn, Denbigh.

County Surveyor, Richard Lloyd Williams, Park street, Denbigh.

Coroners-Denbigh District, Evan Pierce M.D. Salusbury place, Denbigh; deputy, James Caithness M.D. Woodland, Ruthin road, Denbigh; Wrexham District, Win. Wynne Evans, 1 High st. Wrexham; deputy, John Charles Davies, Rhosllanerchrugog, Ruabon.

The following Table shows the acreage under each kind of crop & the number of horses, cattle, sheep & pigs in Denbighshire, as taken from the Agricultural Returns, 1893:

CropsAcresLive StockNumbers
Corn & cereals49,090Horses used solely for agriculture7,374
Roots, cabbage, vetches & other green crops13,997Unbroken horses5,382
Clover & grasses39,699Brood mares1,392
Permanent pastures164,502Cows in milk & calf26,788
Bare fallow686Other cattle, 2 years & above10,873
Market gardens533Other cattle, 1 year & under 215,782
Nursery grounds23Other cattle, under 1 year15,752
Orchards235Ewes kept for breeding127,217
Mountain & heathland59,502Other sheep, 1 year & under 273,160
Woods & plantations17,961Other sheep, under 1 year111,162
  Sows kept for breeding4,389
  Other pigs19,496
Slater's Directory of North and Mid Wales (1895)

Most Common Surnames in Denbighshire

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Wales
1Jones8,3921:114.92%1
2Williams3,8901:243.52%3
3Roberts3,7641:258.16%6
4Davies2,8561:332.56%2
5Evans2,2661:413.05%4
6Hughes2,2621:416.10%8
7Edwards1,2181:774.32%11
8Thomas9851:951.39%5
9Smith8791:1063.43%12
10Owen8281:1133.84%15
11Parry7901:1186.29%24
12Lloyd7541:1245.08%21
13Morris6651:1403.42%18
14Griffiths6491:1442.20%10
15Lewis6301:1481.57%7
16Taylor5221:1794.02%22
17Ellis4331:2156.76%34
18Price3921:2381.97%17
19Brown3271:2852.89%26
20Wright3121:2996.26%51
21Jackson2991:3127.40%73
22Johnson2961:3154.66%35
23Wilson2751:3394.53%39
24Rowlands2561:3644.22%40
25Morgan2541:3670.74%9
26Rogers2511:3713.49%31
27Pierce2491:37420.60%286
28Richards2351:3971.44%20
29Turner2331:4004.56%47
30Pritchard2281:4092.87%30
30Walker2281:4094.83%54
30Wynne2281:40917.35%259
33Green2261:4124.25%46
34Owens2161:4314.98%62
35Robinson2021:4614.29%55
36Harrison1931:4835.47%82
37Thompson1911:4884.29%60
37White1911:4883.06%38
39Baker1841:5073.30%42
40Rees1781:5240.72%14
41Vaughan1741:5364.14%67
42Foulkes1651:56514.39%296
43Ward1641:5684.42%79
44Allen1601:5823.41%56
44Humphreys1601:5823.80%66
44Phillips1601:5820.84%19
47Clarke1581:5902.87%43
47Cooper1581:5903.68%64
49Hall1531:6093.17%52
49Powell1531:6091.24%25
51Kelly1511:6175.57%105
52Bailey1501:6214.23%81
53Wood1461:6383.53%70
54Murray1431:6526.97%142
55Moore1411:6613.09%59
56Lee1391:6703.21%61
57Martin1361:6852.40%41
58Hill1341:6962.05%32
59Bell1321:7065.77%130
59Harris1321:7061.02%22
61James1311:7110.52%13
61King1311:7113.21%72
63Mitchell1291:7224.19%90
64Clark1251:7463.60%84
65Hayes1201:7774.88%120
65Shaw1201:7775.08%125
67Bennett1181:7902.15%44
67Jenkins1181:7900.58%16
69Simpson1171:7977.03%181
69Watson1171:7974.77%121
71Walsh1151:8105.18%132
72Butler1131:8254.24%107
72Parker1131:8252.87%75
74Scott1101:8473.90%99
75Cook1081:8632.57%68
75Wilkinson1081:8637.03%201
77Clayton1031:90510.53%341
77Miller1031:9053.79%104
77Murphy1031:9052.50%71
80Barlow1011:92310.70%354
81Anderson991:9414.00%115
82Collins971:9611.92%49
82Griffith971:9613.92%116
82Holmes971:9614.67%140
85Dean891:1,0477.54%289
85Pearson891:1,0475.17%175
87Adams871:1,0712.06%65
87Foster871:1,0715.29%183
89MacDonald851:1,0968.61%337
89Matthews851:1,0961.35%37
89Webb851:1,0962.39%80
92Atkinson841:1,1107.96%317
92Shepherd841:1,1106.27%250
94Armstrong821:1,1377.30%304
94Bellis821:1,13710.70%439
94Salisbury821:1,13710.55%432
94Young821:1,1371.76%58
98Carter801:1,1652.12%78
98Mills801:1,1652.53%88
98O'Brien801:1,1653.33%122
98Peters801:1,1654.55%171
102Barker781:1,1955.38%228
102Blythin781:1,19541.05%1,760
102Cartwright781:1,1955.16%210
102Fletcher781:1,1954.17%158
106Dawson771:1,2107.64%332
106Gray771:1,2103.45%131
108Dodd751:1,2435.46%241
109Howard731:1,2773.94%162
109Knight731:1,2772.75%109
109Lowe731:1,2776.37%297
112Gibson711:1,3134.38%186
112Hewitt711:1,3134.94%231
112Howatson711:1,31355.91%2,557
112Moss711:1,3135.63%270
116Francis701:1,3311.49%57
116Marshall701:1,3312.84%118
116Webster701:1,3315.56%271
116Yates701:1,3317.00%334
120Bamber681:1,37137.78%1,863
120Poole681:1,3714.51%212
120Spencer681:1,3714.18%184
123Buckley661:1,4124.78%238
124Ashton641:1,4565.86%312
124Bradley641:1,4563.98%188
124Hudson641:1,4566.46%336
124Richardson641:1,4562.92%133
128Barnes631:1,4792.96%136
128Brookes631:1,4798.41%446
128Davis631:1,4791.97%85
131Barnett611:1,5284.02%207
131Brooks611:1,5282.60%126
131Bryan611:1,5286.03%330
131Byrne611:1,5286.43%351
131Campbell611:1,5283.04%146
131Gordon611:1,5287.19%398
131Mason611:1,5282.06%95
131Ross611:1,5285.51%308
139Andrews591:1,5801.85%87
139Ball591:1,5802.88%143
139Booth591:1,5804.73%276
139Sharp591:1,5805.89%333
143Barber571:1,6357.65%448
143Fisher571:1,6352.14%107
143Garnett571:1,63524.26%1,460
143Henderson571:1,6355.54%324
143Higgins571:1,6353.81%217
143Hobson571:1,63517.70%1,057
143Palmer571:1,6351.89%91
150Baldwin561:1,6644.53%282
150Burns561:1,6644.22%254
150Gallagher561:1,6646.70%403
150Gill561:1,6644.09%242
150Gregory561:1,6642.42%129
150Newell561:1,66411.97%733
150Pugh561:1,6641.05%45
150Reynolds561:1,6641.47%77
150Robertson561:1,6644.19%251
150Twist561:1,66438.62%2,263
150Vernon561:1,66413.97%858
161Burke541:1,7264.11%258
161Burrows541:1,7264.60%291
161Dunn541:1,7263.61%218
161Johnston541:1,7265.70%351
161Patterson541:1,7266.67%416
161Russell541:1,7262.33%128
161Stubbs541:1,72611.87%757
168Alexander521:1,7925.45%349
168Cooke521:1,7923.44%211
168Ford521:1,7921.73%93
168Gardner521:1,7922.60%148
168Harvey521:1,7921.98%111
168Jarvis521:1,7923.82%243
168Lyons521:1,7927.03%451
168Miles521:1,7922.01%113
168Oliver521:1,7922.77%157
168Williamson521:1,7925.11%328
168Woodward521:1,7923.89%251
179Birch501:1,8645.64%375
179Cox501:1,8641.43%83
179Dowell501:1,86425.38%1,698
179Hodgson501:1,8647.33%494
179Hunt501:1,8641.73%98
179Mellor501:1,86410.44%714
185Duffy491:1,9027.60%521
185Fox491:1,9022.97%182
185Graham491:1,9023.39%230
185Hamilton491:1,9024.97%339
185Hunter491:1,9025.51%374
185Maxwell491:1,90212.50%876
185Rose491:1,9023.25%213
192Ashworth471:1,98314.78%1,077
192Berry471:1,9832.89%185
192Chandler471:1,9838.08%581
192Edge471:1,9837.44%531
192Marsden471:1,98310.02%731
192Nelson471:1,9835.13%366
192Tudor471:1,9835.65%405
192Watkins471:1,9830.53%28
200Bolton451:2,0715.74%426
200Bradshaw451:2,0715.15%384
200Chapman451:2,0712.06%134
200Crossley451:2,07118.67%1,418
200Field451:2,0715.02%371
200Groves451:2,0715.44%408
200Harding451:2,0711.62%102
200Howell451:2,0711.83%118
200Jennings451:2,0713.87%293
200Kemp451:2,0715.49%411
200Lamb451:2,0716.86%513
200Nash451:2,0712.33%152
200Riley451:2,0714.31%319
200Royles451:2,07154.22%3,678
200Stevens451:2,0711.63%103
200Stone451:2,0712.38%156
RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Wales
1Jones20,4561:511.77%1
2Roberts9,8891:1121.75%6
3Williams9,5471:128.98%2
4Davies7,5221:157.39%3
5Hughes5,5211:2015.37%8
6Evans4,6621:246.60%5
7Edwards3,9721:2816.81%11
8Thomas2,1451:523.02%4
9Lloyd1,9301:5813.95%20
10Griffiths1,7331:646.88%10
11Parry1,7121:6513.45%21
12Morris1,6171:6910.14%17
13Owens1,0881:10311.99%24
14Ellis1,0111:11119.45%34
15Price1,0071:1116.21%15
16Rogers8761:12821.49%37
17Lewis8041:1392.18%7
18Owen7981:1404.93%16
19Humphreys5751:19414.56%38
20Wynne5521:20247.67%96
21Pritchard5431:2069.50%32
22Smith4761:2356.83%26
23Richards4601:2433.31%19
24Powell4431:2524.82%23
25Phillips4191:2672.91%18
26Foulkes3311:33828.10%93
27Wright3001:37326.57%98
28Pugh2761:4056.51%36
29Griffith2741:4084.71%30
30Dodd2731:40946.11%176
31Vaughan2651:4228.67%48
32Pierce2601:43019.25%78
33James2501:4471.27%13
34Taylor2491:4498.00%46
34Bellis2491:44929.93%132
36Morgan2321:4820.86%9
37Harrison2111:53024.79%127
38Rowlands2011:5563.82%33
39Jenkins1881:5940.99%14
40Rowland1861:60115.98%94
41Jarvis1741:64239.82%240
42Francis1681:6654.47%42
43Jackson1661:67318.63%122
44Green1631:68610.67%75
45Lee1511:74015.15%107
46Salisbury1381:81049.11%373
47Brown1321:8473.51%41
48Fisher1261:88712.51%106
49Turner1211:9249.08%80
50Bowen1201:9311.97%29
51Clutton1171:95592.13%753
52Martin1151:9727.06%72
53Mathews1141:9806.91%71
53Wynn1141:98045.97%413
55Johnson1131:9898.28%77
55Chaloner1131:98989.68%758
57Clarke1091:1,0259.04%89
58Kendrick1071:1,04534.19%344
59Wilson1061:1,0548.32%84
60Matthews1031:1,0855.45%59
61Gittins1001:1,11818.73%197
62Meredith991:1,1294.73%53
63Cartwright951:1,17632.20%356
64Platt941:1,18965.28%665
65Davis931:1,2022.53%43
65Baker931:1,2025.51%68
65Allen931:1,2025.34%65
65Kelly931:1,20213.34%153
69Walker911:1,22812.78%149
69Prince911:1,22846.19%497
69Charles911:1,2285.87%74
72Robinson901:1,24210.27%124
73Randles881:1,27094.62%1,002
74Peters841:1,3319.11%117
75Cross831:1,34716.24%199
75Maddocks831:1,34730.74%383
77Bryan821:1,36317.79%228
77Simon821:1,36318.02%229
77Tilston821:1,36378.85%894
80Stephens811:1,3802.81%49
80Hanmer811:1,38082.65%951
82Moss791:1,41520.73%287
83Hall771:1,4515.95%83
84Daniel751:1,4903.71%55
85Rees731:1,5310.32%12
85Shone731:1,53125.35%363
87Cooper701:1,5978.01%125
87Tudor701:1,59713.86%204
87Matthias701:1,59737.84%525
90Phoenix691:1,62092.00%1,213
91Harris681:1,6440.88%25
91Bailey681:1,6448.34%137
91Huxley681:1,64435.60%513
94George641:1,7461.78%45
94Goodwin641:1,74611.76%193
94Valentine641:1,74684.21%1,193
94Tunnah641:1,746100.00%1,407
98Mitchell631:1,7747.68%136
98Blackwell631:1,77415.79%276
100Parker621:1,8034.88%85
100Mills621:1,8035.02%86
100Povah621:1,80379.49%1,168
103Carrington611:1,83261.00%932
104Stokes601:1,86312.47%221
104Lea601:1,86339.74%628
104Oldfield601:1,86329.13%484
107White591:1,8943.05%57
107Samuels591:1,89448.76%776
109Dutton581:1,92730.05%504
109Colley581:1,92727.36%470
109Parsonage581:1,92750.43%813
112Rowley571:1,96141.01%678
113Garner561:1,99650.91%848
114Prichard541:2,0703.11%66
114Prytherch541:2,07025.71%476
116Holmes531:2,10910.91%217
116Gibson531:2,10923.45%448
116Pemberton531:2,10975.71%1,290
119Clark521:2,1495.32%108
119Howell521:2,1492.19%50
121Shaw511:2,19113.78%297
121Burton511:2,19112.38%260
121Weaver511:2,19113.28%285
121Capper511:2,19164.56%1,156
121Crewe511:2,19149.04%894
126Burke501:2,23515.63%336
127Bartley491:2,28131.61%616
128Thompson481:2,3285.36%121
128Mason481:2,3285.13%113
128Watkin481:2,3286.90%154
128Cunnah481:2,32851.61%1,002
132Watson471:2,3789.38%207
132Barnes471:2,37811.19%255
132Reynolds471:2,3782.69%64
132Woodfine471:2,37870.15%1,353
136Bennett461:2,4302.77%69
136Kynaston461:2,43069.70%1,369
138Bradshaw451:2,48433.58%704
138Millington451:2,48417.86%412
138Kyffin451:2,48469.23%1,387
138Griffithes451:2,48470.31%1,407
138Pheonix451:2,48497.83%1,856
143Hill441:2,5402.13%54
143Wilkinson441:2,54022.92%509
143Holland441:2,5409.07%218
143Andrew441:2,54013.37%329
143Gillam441:2,54061.11%1,255
143Bithell441:2,54044.44%942
149Richardson431:2,5999.71%236
150Tomkins421:2,66138.53%857
151Anderson411:2,72613.10%344
151Simpson411:2,72614.19%361
151Adams411:2,7262.18%60
151Hayes411:2,7264.98%133
151Douglas411:2,72630.60%704
151Barnett411:2,7268.61%224
157Barker401:2,79413.75%360
157Stevens401:2,7947.04%184
157Fox401:2,7948.03%208
157Gregory401:2,7945.43%146
157Beech401:2,79447.06%1,079
157Belton401:2,79472.73%1,601
163Moore391:2,8663.43%97
163Daniels391:2,8666.84%182
163Nicholas391:2,8661.84%52
166Miles381:2,9412.23%67
166Birch381:2,94124.52%616
166Bostock381:2,94155.07%1,304
166Ingman381:2,94147.50%1,139
166Mathais381:2,94174.51%1,694
171Young371:3,0213.09%90
171Dawson371:3,02125.52%658
171Chadwick371:3,02137.37%942
171Hopwood371:3,02122.84%589
171Crump371:3,02128.24%726
171Harker371:3,02171.15%1,677
177Barratt361:3,10534.62%894
177Mostyn361:3,10545.57%1,156
179Wood351:3,1933.86%120
179Ward351:3,1935.95%178
179Savage351:3,19313.67%404
179Coates351:3,19323.81%651
179Peake351:3,19326.72%726
179Newns351:3,19368.63%1,694
179Woolrich351:3,19376.09%1,856
179Penk351:3,19381.40%1,977
187Riley341:3,28717.62%504
187Gill341:3,28714.23%428
187Buckley341:3,2877.67%236
187Hewitt341:3,2878.25%260
187Massey341:3,28732.38%882
187Jeffreys341:3,2876.92%213
187Manuel341:3,28716.04%470
187Gilpin341:3,28785.00%2,093
195Chapman331:3,3876.27%198
195Palmer331:3,3873.54%114
195Butler331:3,3874.27%143
195Oliver331:3,3873.58%116
195Pickering331:3,38717.10%504
195Arthur331:3,3874.14%139
195Batten331:3,38721.15%610
195Ridgway331:3,38760.00%1,601
195Trevor331:3,38724.63%704
195Dicken331:3,38782.50%2,093