Chirk

Llwyn-y-cil Lodge, Chirk

Y Waun AqueductWales

Y Waun parish church

British (English) School - Sir Thomas Myddelton III (1624–1663), 1st Bt - 1171110 - National Trust

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Billy meredith city

Chirk is a town and local government community in Wales, situated in the county of Wrexham County Borough. It lies within the historic boundaries of Denbighshire and is located approximately 10 miles south of Wrexham and 13 miles north of Oswestry. The town is notable for its rich history, which includes the prominent Chirk Castle, a Grade I listed building that dates back to the 13th century and was built as a marcher fortress by Roger Mortimer de Chirk between 1295 and 1310 to subdue the last princes of Wales. The castle today is owned by the National Trust and is open to the public, serving as a major tourist attraction in the area.

Chirk stands on the escarpment above the meeting point of the rivers River Ceiriog and the River Dee. The town is also known for the Chirk Aqueduct and Viaduct, remarkable feats of engineering constructed to carry the Llangollen Canal and the Shrewsbury and Chester Railway across the Ceiriog Valley. The aqueduct, designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1801, is a Grade II* listed building and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and canal.

The local economy historically revolved around the coal mining, iron, and steel industries, with the Chirk area being home to several mines and the Brymbo Steelworks. Although these industries have declined, the town has seen growth in the tourism sector and light manufacturing. Notably, the Kronospan factory in Chirk is one of the largest manufacturers of wood-based panel products in Europe.

Chirk is served by the Chirk railway station, which provides connections to Wrexham, Shrewsbury, and beyond. The town also benefits from its proximity to the A5 road and the A483 road, making it accessible to both local and visiting traffic.

The community of Chirk includes the town itself and its surrounding countryside, offering a range of outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and fishing in the scenic settings of the Ceiriog Valley and the Berwyn mountains. The town also hosts several annual events, including the Chirk Fest and the Christmas lights switch-on, which foster a strong sense of community and local culture.

Education

Chirk has educational facilities that cater to its residents, including Ysgol Y Waun and Chirk School, providing primary education. Secondary education is primarily provided by schools in the nearby towns, with transport services linking Chirk to these institutions.

Governance

Chirk is governed locally by the Chirk Town Council, which is responsible for local issues and services. It falls within the Wrexham County Borough for wider administrative purposes and is represented in the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) and the UK Parliament.

Demographics

The population of Chirk and its surrounding community has remained relatively stable in recent years, with a slight growth trend. The town is characterized by a mix of Welsh and English speakers, reflecting its location near the Wales-England border.

See Also

• List of towns in Wales
• History of Wales
• Tourism in Wales