Northop
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Northop Llaneurgain |
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| Population | 2983 (2001) |
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| OS grid reference | |
| Principal area | Flintshire |
| Ceremonial county | Clwyd |
| Constituent country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | MOLD |
| Postcode district | CH7 6xx |
| Dial code | 01352 |
| Police | North Wales |
| Fire | North Wales |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| UK Parliament | Delyn |
| European Parliament | Wales |
| List of places: UK • Wales • Flintshire | |
Northop (Welsh: Llaneurgain) is a small village seated in Flintshire, North Wales, approximately 12 miles west of the city of Chester, mid-way between Mold and Flint, and situated on junction 33 of the A55 North Wales Expressway . Its population is roughly 3000.
The village is home to two pubs, a cricket club, and a golf course. At the centre of the village stands the church of St Eurgain and St Peter, towering 98 feet above the village.
The village is also the home of the Welsh College of Horticulture, offering horticultural courses for students of all ages, in areas such as Animal Studies, floristry and agricultural machinery.
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[edit] St Eurgain and St Peter's Church
There has been evidence of a church in Northop since the 6th century. It is said that Eurgain, a niece[1] of St Asaph, passed through Northop and founded the church here on a Celtic mound, upon which it still stands. The Welsh name for Northop, Llaneurgain translates as "The holy enclosure of Eurgain". Records indicate that there was a stone church erected here during the 12th century, with the tower being completed to its 98-foot height in 1571. The present building was extensively rebuilt during 1840, with further alterations being carried out in 1877.
The churchyard of St Eurgain and St Peter still houses the old grammar school for Northop, constructed during the 16th century.
St Eurgain and St Peter's church is the seat of the Parish of Northop, which is comprised of the districts of Northop, Northop Hall, Sychdyn, Halkyn, Rhosesmor, and Flint Mountain. Formerly it also included Connah's Quay. It is a member of the Diocese of St Asaph, Church in Wales.
[edit] Local facilities
Northop, like most other small villages, has its own local shop, providing foodstuffs, newspapers, and a variety of other items. The shop is situated on the High Street and also incorporates a one-counter Post Office.
The Red Lion and The Boot are the two pubs in Northop, situated at either end of the High Street. The Red Lion tends to be frequented by the 18-35 age range and has an adjoining restaurant serving food during the pub's normal opening hours. The Boot is at the other end of the High Street, and incorporates a dining area in traditional pub style. The Boot is the last remaining of the six original coaching inns present in Northop; from the 18th century, Northop was the first stop on the Chester-Holyhead stagecoach route. Unfortunately (and perhaps illogically) the Boot Inn (formerly 'Hotel') sign shows a leather Wellington boot, whereas it should be the type of boot or trunk that is fixed to the rear of stagecoaches to hold the passengers' goods.
There previously existed a Working Men's Club (the Westminster Working Mens' Club) in the village, situated on the High Street almost opposite Northop Post Office, where Westminster House now stands. The back of the club was demolished in 2001 and the club's estate and car park was developed into a new housing development, Pilgrim's Court.
Northop also plays host to a bridal shop (Karen Lesley Bridal Emporium) where wedding dresses are hand-made on the premises, 'The Old Police Station', Church Road which is now the home of Susan Price-Williams' Gallery & Photographic Studio - cameracat.co.uk, an antiques shop/furniture restorer (Nick Eastwood),a hairdressers (Colettes) and a garage providing servicing, repairs and MOTs (Northop Service Station), incorporating Northop Van Hire.
[edit] Previous facilities
Northop previously had a large number of shops and services, but due to larger retail developments in neighbouring towns over time these have largely disappeared. Shops such as Jimmy Roberts' Butcher's Shop (Jimmy the Butchers), the Smithy (located at the end of the High Street), and the fish and chip shop (located next to the Post Office) have all been converted to residential properties.
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- Lewis, S "A Topographical Dictionary of Wales", 1834
