The name Rhyl

There have been lots of attempts to understand the origins of the name “Rhyl” but this one seems very convincing.
Taken from “The Journal” of Saturday, February 2nd 1901.

“The name of our town is pronounced as if it were spelt “Rhill” and not “Rhyle,” as we have often heard it pronounced. The meaning of the name has been the subject of much discussion, and several interpretations have been suggested, but there can be no doubt that it signifies a Salt Marsh. In all old seventeenth century documents the site of the present town is always described as either Tywyn yr hûl, or simply yr hûl or hŷl, which abbreviated becomes Rhyl. Tywyn means the Strand and hûl is the same as hâl or hêl, meaning brine, and then the land which brine flows over-a salt marsh. This exactly describes the condition of this district when the sea water ran up the water courses, and frequently flooded the adjoining land. Rhyl, which is situated in the Northern extremity of the lovely and renowned Vale of Clwyd, is one of the chief watering places in the Principality.”

Christmas Lunch

Thirty two members of Rhyl History Club enjoyed a convivial, festive lunch today. Many thanks to the Bod Erw for the lovely food and efficient service. Merry Christmas, Nadolig Llawen to all – we look forward to meeting again in the New Year when our January talk is “The Abergele Railway Disaster of 1868” by Tony Griffiths.

May Day 1954

Rhyl May Day had its beginnings in 1891. The Rhyl Record and Advertiser, in May of that year, described it as a “pronounced and unqualified success”. Mr John Morris, of the Central Carriage Works, was credited with the idea, the newspaper calling him “the father of the project”.

Mr John Nicholls has been in touch with Rhyl History Club and has kindly shared his copy of the 1954 May Day programme with us. John, who no longer lives in Rhyl, was the Crown Bearer to May Queen Gwyneth almost 70 years ago in 1954.

A selection of the pages are posted below, click on an image to enlarge.

Thanks to John for sharing this with us.

Football Fotos

What an occasion this must have been! Rhyl v. Swansea in the semi final of the Welsh Senior Cup held on Thursday, April 22nd,1926 in front of a record crowd.

This from the Prestatyn Weekly:
“A match that aroused more interest than ever before in the annals of football in this district was played last evening, when Swansea was the visiting team to meet Rhyl Athletic in the semi final round of the Welsh Senior Cup in Rhyl. Spectators were perched high up in the trees, motor lorries were requisitioned as “grandstands” in the popular enclosure and altogether the scene was one of great animation. Spectators had travelled from all over North Wales and anything that would travel on wheels seemed to have been requisitioned to bring enthusiasts to the game.”

Swansea won the match 1-3 although Rhyl, the then current champions of the Welsh League, opened strongly and scored first. However, the stamina and training evident in the Swansea side won out and they thoroughly deserved their victory.

Initially the match was to be held at The Racecourse Ground in Wrexham, but Rhyl asked for the tie to be decided on their ground. In order to secure this the local committee had to be responsible for a £350 “gate” and it must have been a source of satisfaction and pride to those concerned that this was well covered.

The photograph above shows Rhyl supporters on a trip to watch an away game and it looks to date from the late forties/early fifties. Does anyone recognise any faces or can provide any further information?

Again, we would welcome any information about the above photo. Rhyl F.C. 1922-23 season.

Many thanks to Norma Dunning for kindly donating these photographs.

Toc H

This post was originally published in 2012. We received 23 responses and have since been able to date the photograph of Rhyl Toc H members and add some extra information. It is also a timely update as Armistice Day approaches.

Toc H and World War 1

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