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Tours > Wales > Abergele
Abergele (Aber Gelly)
The beach at Abergele, a formerly popular resort town, is pebbly; not many come here for sea-bathing as they used to before Word War II. The town is easily bypassed at great speed on the modern highway, A55 that leads from Chester to Holyhead. Those who do linger here will be delighted in the 16th century Church. Here the screen is delightfully carved with the initials and dates of schoolboys from Tudor times. In the same period, archers sharpening their arrows and knives cut deep grooves in the church's stone pillars.
Clearly visible from the highway is what looks like a magnificent many-towered Medieval Castle in a splendid position at the foot of a heavily-wooded hill. Close inspection, however, reveals the huge pile to be a mock-Norman creation of the 19th century, now falling into rapid decay. Built in 1814 for a local businessman, and named Gwrych (G'reeck) Castle, it was used for many years after World War II as an entertainment center and holiday resort.
Not too long after World War II, the grey limestone castle was used as a training camp by boxer Bruce Woodcock prior to his defeat of George London for the British heavyweight championship; and also in 1951 by Randolph Turpin, prior to his defeating the American Sugar Ray Robinson to become World Middleweight champion. At a nearby beach, Matthew Webb (depicted on British matchboxes) trained to become the first person ever to swim across the English Channel in 1875.
Next Stop: Denbigh
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