Ruthin 25 and 26 September 2010

The name Rhuthun denotes a red fort (Rhudd Din) suggesting a pre-Roman settlement on the sandstone castle ridge. Although there is some evidence of Roman presence in the area, the town as we know it today was established as a borough, protected by a castle and town walls, under the lordship of Reginald de Grey, in 1282, following Edward I's conquest of Wales.

Despite being burned down during the revolt of Owain Glyndwr in 1400, Ruthin flourished as a market town and centre for the woollen and leather industries for several centuries. Until 1972 assize courts were held there, and the town continues to be a major administrative centre for the county of Denbighshire.

The town is full of architectural interest and delight, including the remains of the 13th century castle, a former courthouse (now the NatWest Bank), which has remained essentially the same since 1400, the newly restored Nantclwyd y Dre, also dating from the early 15th century, and St Peter's Church, which has watched over the development of the town since its foundation in 1284.