Local historian Goronwy Davies has done a great job of documenting Abergele’s agricultural history with his book “A brief History of the Markets and Fairs at Abergele North Wales”. There are some lovely old photos and the accounts of the visits to the town by the Royal Welsh Show, including lists of local prizewinners, show the huge research effort made. I’m not sure where this book is available to buy, so if you’re reading this and you know where to get hold of a copy, please use the comments form at the bottom of this page to let other AbergelePost readers know.
ive tried to find this book on markets before without any luck if it becomecomes available please count me in at 92 yrs of age ive used these markets many timesin the past incidentally if you anybody has nt heard a talk on old abergele by colin knowles and get the chance do yourself a favour it does nt get any better than this
once again abergele libraryhave come up trumps finding a copy in the archives I will be returning same on thursday smashing read very enjoyable
Your comments & pictures resurrected for me memories of when, living in Lichfield,&, as an agricultural representative, visiting the Abergele market,in the sixties on a Monday. The merchants I met were Gwyn Lewis,trading from the back of his lorry “now Pets Place”.on the Island by the expressway. Gwyn Jones Of Bettws-yn-Rhos.Vale of Clwyd Agricultural Co-op
I miss those days with the market smell, noise & bustle.
Ted Evans.
I wonder can anyone help. I’m looking for the location of The Cross Keys Inn. The Census listings shows its location as next to the Harp Inn in Market Street. It was occupied by my x 3 Grandfather William Ellis, before his son in law and my x2 Grandfather Hugh Jones took over the establishment in 1860’s
Hi Michael, You are right in that The Cross Keys inn was located across the alley from the Harp inn. This is according to a map in the book – Abergele, The Story of a Parish by Ellis Wynn Williams. In 2019 it was/is occupied by Peter Large the estate agent. The book also tells of the Rate Book rent annually for the Cross Keys of 1859 was £16.00. This information came from the Town Hall, Pentre Mawr.
Hi Michael,
It was next door to the Harp – I believe it’s an estate agent now.
By the way, we spoke before, some time ago.
I’m also related to William Ellis, and Hugh Jones married Eleanor!
Best regards
John Benson