The Llandyrnog and Llangwyfan Local History Society recently hosted a talk on the landed estates of the Vale of Clwyd.

Gareth Evans, a former chief officer with Denbighshire County Council and a Bangor University history graduate, delivered the well-attended presentation.

Mr Evans, who has extensively researched and published on Ruthin local history, explained the historical dynamics of country estates, covering their growth, decline, and mergers.

He illustrated his talk with information about numerous estates, including Bachymbyd, Rhydonnen, and Glan y Wern.

Members and visitors at the Llandyrnog and Llangwyfan Local History Society meeting (Image: Supplied) He also discussed the role of prominent families such as the Salesbury, Thelwall, and Powell families in managing these estates.

The history of land exchange for military service, ecclesiastical land, and land belonging to Welsh tribes was also explored.

He touched on issues of land inheritance, the impact of the Black Death, and the Welsh mortgage system.

Mr Evans highlighted the hardships faced by estate owners in the 1880s and the subsequent boom in land sales by 1920.

The society's next event is a Christmas coffee morning at Llandyrnog Village Hall on November 23.

Members and visitors enjoying the estates catalogues and maps exhibition (Image: Supplied) The following meeting is scheduled for January 15, 2025, featuring the film The Lady in the Wardrobe.

All are welcome, with an annual membership costing £8 for four meetings.

Those interested in joining the society should email llangwyfanhistory@hotmail.com.