# Gwespyr

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Village in Flintshire, Wales

Human settlement in Wales

Gwespyr Gwespyr Village sign Gwespyr Location within Flintshire OS grid reference SJ1083 Principal area Flintshire Country Wales Sovereign state United Kingdom Post town HOLYWELL Postcode district CH8 Dialling code 01745 Police North Wales Fire North Wales Ambulance Welsh UK Parliament Clwyd East[1] Senedd Cymru – Welsh Parliament Delyn List of places UK Wales Flintshire 53°20′08″N 3°20′12″W / 53.335571°N 3.336687°W / 53.335571; -3.336687

**Gwespyr** is a village in [Flintshire](/source/Flintshire) on the north coast of [Wales](/source/Wales) in the community of [Llanasa](/source/Llanasa). Gwespyr had a population of 289 people in the [2001 census](/source/United_Kingdom_2001_census).[2] It overlooks [Point of Ayr](/source/Point_of_Ayr) on the west side of the [River Dee](/source/River_Dee%2C_Wales) estuary and its sandy beaches with [dunes](/source/Sand_dunes). The hills of the [Clwydian Range](/source/Clwydian_Range) behind the village form the eastern boundary of the [Vale of Clwyd](/source/Vale_of_Clwyd). Although 'Gwespyr' looks [Welsh](/source/Welsh_language), it is [Old English](/source/Old_English) for 'West-bury', which came to be interpreted as the 'west fort' meaning the westernmost fort in Mercia. Originally, it is thought to have been a strategic Mercian lookout which was reduced in importance with the development of a fortified [Rhuddlan](/source/Rhuddlan).[3]

Gwespyr stone has been quarried in quantity from Roman times and shipped to the rest of the UK and abroad. "Gwespyr Stone" was commercially successful for its grain, colour, and quality of cutting and shaping. It was used for many buildings around Gwespyr, and was also used to build the ancient [Maen Achwyfan Cross](/source/Maen_Achwyfan_Cross) at [Whitford](/source/Whitford%2C_Flintshire), the chapel at [St Winefride's Well](/source/St_Winefride's_Well) in [Holywell](/source/Holywell%2C_Flintshire), stone carvings in [Rhuddlan Castle](/source/Rhuddlan_Castle) and [Denbigh Castle](/source/Denbigh_Castle), [St Asaph Cathedral](/source/St_Asaph_Cathedral), The Talacre Arms [Public house](/source/Public_house) in Gwespyr and [Basingwerk Abbey](/source/Basingwerk_Abbey) in [Greenfield, Flintshire](/source/Greenfield%2C_Flintshire).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] Gwespyr stone was also found on sites such as [Prestatyn Castle](/source/Prestatyn_Castle) and the [Roman bath house](/source/Roman_bath_house) in Prestatyn.[4] There is evidence of the [stone industry](/source/Stone_industry) in Gwespyr prevalent even today, though all but one quarry is disused.

## Religion

Capel Gwespyr

Gwespyr has been home to at least three [Chapels](/source/Chapels) during its history. Only two remain standing today, but they are now private houses.[5] Gwespyr's chapels are listed as [Calvinistic Methodist](/source/Calvinistic_Methodist) and [Wesleyan Methodist](/source/Wesleyan_Methodist_Church_(Great_Britain)).[6] "Gwespyr Chapel", located in on Tanrallt Road, was [Calvinistic Methodist](/source/Calvinistic_Methodist) and built in 1860.[7] It had a congregation averaging 136 people between 1911 – 1960. "Wesley's Memorial Chapel" is also located on Tanrallt Road and was Wesleyan by denomination. The chapel was built in 1841 and was attended by an average of 140 worshipers between 1911 – 1960; services at the chapel where conducted in the [Welsh language](/source/Welsh_language).[6] Another chapel belonging to the [Church in Wales](/source/Church_in_Wales) was built during the 1960s on the top of Gwespyr Hill opposite the [Reservoir](/source/Reservoir). The structure was built out of tin and was nicknamed "The Tin Chapel" by the locals. The church was opened after the closure of its counterparts on Tanrallt Road but closed in the late 1970s and the congregation was moved to nearby [Llanasa](/source/Llanasa) Parish Church.[6] Church services were also held every other Sunday at Gwespyr Village Hall by the [Minister](/source/Minister_(Christianity)) from [Llanasa](/source/Llanasa) to aid the elderly community who could not make the journey to nearby [Llanasa](/source/Llanasa). These services ceased due to falling numbers and changes at the Village Hall in 2001.[8]

## Gwespyr Village Hall

Gwespyr Village Hall in 2019

Gwespyr Village Hall was built in 1952. It was used initially by the local people as a meeting place and a variety of clubs where subsequently formed and based at the Hall, including a [Bowls](/source/Bowls) Club, Indoor [shooting range](/source/Shooting_range) club, [Bingo](/source/Bingo_(Commonwealth)), a [Youth club](/source/Youth_club) and a [Snooker](/source/Snooker) club. The Village Hall could be rented by local residents for parties and events. In the 1980s, two extensions were built, funded by [local government](/source/Local_government) grants. A sub [Post office](/source/Post_office) was introduced at that time. The Village Hall was also home to Gwespyr Sounds Productions between 1998 – 2004 for its bands and music acts to rehearse.[9] The Village Hall became redundant in 2004. A new committee was formed in June 2010 and registered as a [Charitable organization](/source/Charitable_organization) and work began to regenerate the building. New events and openings began in May 2011.[10] The Village Hall once again became redundant during the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic). A new committee was formed and the hall is undergoing a period of surveys and renovations in the hopes of once again opening its doors.[11]

## War memorial

Gwespyr War Memorial

Gwespyr War Memorial sits in a small memorial garden near the top of Gwespyr Hill and was designed by R.Bruce Esq of [Talacre](/source/Talacre). It commemorates the men who fought in World War I, together with the one soldier who died in action. The one soldier killed in World War II is also commemorated. The memorial was originally erected by Sir Pyres William Mostyn Baronet to commemorate [Queen Victoria](/source/Queen_Victoria)'s diamond jubilee 14 August 1897.

Gwespyr War Memorial

## Legend

Gwespyr Hillside from Talacre

Frank Nicholson of Gwespyr was a Welsh [baritone](/source/Baritone), a [National Eisteddfod](/source/National_Eisteddfod_of_Wales) winner, and a radio singer, who was attacked and killed by a horse while walking home on a footpath leading from Talacre Abbey to Gwespyr on 8 October 1928. Three weeks later a woman was seriously injured by the horse at the same place.[12]

## Amenities

### Public houses

The Masons Arms

The village is home to two public houses. "The Masons Arms" is located near the top of Gwespyr Hill. The pub was owned by [Allied Breweries](/source/Allied_Breweries) and served [Ansells](/source/Ansells) beer until the mid-1990s when it was bought by private owners. The pub is still open.[13]

"The Talacre Arms" was situated midway up Gwespyr Hill. The pub was popular during the 1960s when it was owned by [Marston's Brewery](/source/Marston's_Brewery) until the mid-1990s when it was bought by private owners; it closed in May 2011 and is now a residence.

### Playground

There is a play area across from the Masons Arms [public house](/source/Public_house) that is maintained by [Flintshire County Council](/source/Flintshire_County_Council). It includes a [basketball court](/source/Basketball_court).[13]

## Transport

Bus services are provided by [Arriva Buses Wales](/source/Arriva_Buses_Wales). There are two bus stops serving the village, one on Tanrallt Road across from the former shop and the other on the A548 coast road next to the old Cam Gas Store.

## References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Gwespyr](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Gwespyr).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Location of Clwyd East"](https://members.parliament.uk/constituency/4509/location). *parliament.uk*. July 2024. Retrieved 4 May 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Check Browser Settings"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120925000858/http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=414580&c=CH8+9JS&d=15&e=16&g=414580&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=0&s=1313945266953&enc=1&dsFamilyId=75). *neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk*. Archived from [the original](http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=414580&c=CH8+9JS&d=15&e=16&g=414580&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=0&s=1313945266953&enc=1&dsFamilyId=75) on 25 September 2012. Retrieved 6 June 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["BBC - North East Wales Towns - Place names explained"](https://web.archive.org/web/20071017131841/http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northeast/sites/towns/pages/placenames.shtml#gwespyr). Archived from [the original](https://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northeast/sites/towns/pages/placenames.shtml#gwespyr) on 17 October 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Thomas, Harry (6 March 2003). [*Harry Thomas' Memory Lane Vol I*](https://books.google.com/books?id=FZXHihBd-AIC&dq=gwespyr+stone&pg=PA17). Gwasg Helygain Ltd. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780952275565](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780952275565) – via Google Books.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["The Churches of Britain and Ireland - Flintshire"](http://www.churches-uk-ireland.org/flint.html). *www.churches-uk-ireland.org*.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-autogenerated2_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-autogenerated2_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-autogenerated2_6-2) ["Genuki: Llanasa, Flintshire"](https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/wal/FLN/Llanasa). *www.genuki.org.uk*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Photo of Capel Gwespyr plaque"](http://www.churches-uk-ireland.org/images/flint/gwespyr_sgn.jpg). *The Churches of Britain and Ireland*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["LlanasaParishChurch'Regular services"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120316130006/http://www.zyworld.com/llanasaparishchurch/Regular%20Services.htm). Archived from [the original](http://www.zyworld.com/llanasaparishchurch/Regular%20Services.htm) on 16 March 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["North Wales: G – link2wales.co.uk"](http://link2wales.co.uk/north-wales-a-m/north-wales-g/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["The Leader - News from Wrexham & Flintshire - Fears grow for Flintshire village left without support"](http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/89337/fears-grow-for-flintshire-village-left-without-support.aspx).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Gwespyr Village Hall"](https://www.facebook.com/GwespyrVillageHall/about/?ref=page_internal). *www.facebook.com*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** [Eddies News Extracts – 19281000](https://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~econnolly/btextracts/bt19281000.html)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-autogenerated1_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-autogenerated1_13-1) ["Welcome to Gwespyr Village"](https://web.archive.org/web/20010209093009/http://www.gwespyr.co.uk/gv/gwes.htm). 9 February 2001. Archived from [the original](http://www.gwespyr.co.uk/gv/gwes.htm) on 9 February 2001.

v t e Flintshire Principal settlements Bagillt Buckley Caerwys Deeside (Connah's Quay Queensferry Saltney Shotton) Flint Holywell Mold Towns and villages Abermorddu Afonwen Alltami Aston Park Bretton Broughton Bryn-y-Baal Brynford Cadole Caergwrle Calcoed Carmel Cefn-y-Bedd Cilcain Coed Talon Cymau Drury Ewloe Ffrith Flint Mountain Ffynnongroew Greenfield Gronant Gwaenysgor Gwernaffield Gwernymynydd Halkyn Hawarden Holway Higher Kinnerton Hope Leeswood Llanfynydd Llanasa Leadmill Mancot Mostyn Mynydd Isa Nannerch Nercwys Northop Northop Hall Oakenholt Pantasaph Pantymwyn Pentre Halkyn Penyffordd (Buckley) Pen-y-Ffordd (Holywell) Penymynydd Pontblyddyn Rhosesmor Rhes-y-Cae Rhydymwyn Sandycroft Sealand Soughton/Sychdyn Saltney Ferry Talacre Trelawnyd Trelogan Treuddyn Whitford Ysceifiog Geography Alyn Gorge Bretton Bridge Caerwys Rectory Clwydian Range Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Dee Estuary Flintshire Bridge The Gop Greenfield Valley Heritage Park Moel Famau Moel y Gaer Moel y Parc Mostyn Colliery Nant-y-Ffrith Ogof Nadolig Point of Ayr Point of Ayr Gas Terminal River Alyn River Cegidog River Dee River Terrig Talacre Beach Wepre Park Parliamentary representation List of parliamentary constituencies in Clwyd Flintshire East Flintshire West Flintshire Community councils Argoed Bagillt Broughton and Bretton Brynford Buckley Caerwys Cilcain Connah's Quay Flint Gwernaffield with Pantymwyn Gwernymynydd Halkyn Hawarden Higher Kinnerton Holywell Hope Leeswood and Pontblyddyn Llanasa Llanfynydd Mold Mostyn Nannerch Nercwys Northop Northop Hall Penyffordd Queensferry Saltney Sealand Shotton Trelawnyd and Gwaenysgor Treuddyn Whitford Ysceifiog Topics The historic county Alyn and Deeside Broughton Shopping Park Delyn Flintshire County Council Holywell Rural District Flintshire Detached (historically) Maelor Rural District Mold cape Point of Ayr Colliery Company Prestatyn Coal Company RAF Sealand Borough of Rhuddlan Western Mostyn Colliery Company SSSIs Country houses Lord Lieutenants High Sheriffs Museums Schools History Listed buildings Grade I Grade II* Listed parks and gardens Notable people Sport Visitor attractions Public art

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Gwespyr](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwespyr) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwespyr?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.