Trefriw Historical Society ~ Spring 2011 Newsletter

Members of Trefriw Historical Society on a field trip to Menai Bridge.

Members of Trefriw Historical Society on a Field Trip To Menai Bridge, May 2010

Visit to Plas Tirion

Members of Llanrwst and Trefriw Historical Societies recently enjoyed a visit to Plas Tirion, on the Betws Road just outside Llanrwst.
With its tall chimneys and gabled entrance, the house is immediately impressive. It probably dates to the late Elizabethan period and originally was built in a typical ‘E’- shaped plan. The wing to the left of the front door was demolished a long time ago and the right hand side of the building was rebuilt following a fire. The staircase was also rebuilt. The entrance porch with its massive oak studded door is original, as are the floorboards upstairs and in the attics and some of the oak panelling.
Although the windows have been replaced with modern glazing, the openings remain unchanged and the house looks very much as it would have done in the 17th century.

Its most spectacular and surprising feature, however, is the plasterwork above the chimney breasts dated 1626-1628. Elaborate shields and coats of arms decorate the main downstairs rooms and even the bedrooms where the fireplaces themselves are quite simple.
The initials RW and KW refer to Richard Wynn and Katherine Wynn and the armorial bearings belong to the Wynn family who built and owned the house which still belongs to the Voelas estate. Plas Tirion was clearly built for a person of substance and would have impressed local people with its sophisticated modern décor.

Peniel Calvinistic Methodist Chapel Trefriw

In June 2010 Peniel chapel celebrated its centenary with a special service and exhibition.
The Methodist movement started in Llanrwst about 1791, and in Trefriw a few years later. At this time the Methodists did not have a chapel to worship in so services took place in members houses, such as Hafod, Tan y Celyn and the Shop. As membership grew and houses were too small, permission was granted to use the village church.

Founder members were Thomas & Jane Rogers, The Shop, Robert & Elizabeth Evans of Tan y Celyn who were the parents of Ieuan Glan Geirionydd, and Harry Jones, The Hafod.
The first chapel was built above the Fairy Falls in 1815. In 1817, when Evan Evans (Ieuan, Glan Geirionydd) was in charge of the Sunday school, the membership reached 160. By 1857 there were 144 attending morning worship, 145 in the afternoon, and 250 in the evening service. With membership increasing, a new chapel was built on the site of the original chapel. This chapel recently blew down in a gale.

In 1896 when parts of the Gwydr Estate were sold, land was bought in the centre of the village and the present chapel was built. It was opened in August 1910.

Last summer, to celebrate the centenary of the new Peniel’s foundation, Friends of the Chapel organised exhibitions of local interest in the chapel including projects done by children in Sunday School, school history projects and displays illustrating aspects of local history.

A Celebration service was held on Saturday 26th June, in which local children, past and present ministers and two local choirs participated. The celebrations were greatly enjoyed by a large and appreciative congregation.

Trefriw History Trail and Slate Coasters