Welcome to the Llanrwst Almshouse Museum
The Almshouses is now closed, we do apologize to those that had hoped to visit us but please contact us further information at
The Beginning
Hidden away in the historic quarter of this old market town lies the Almshouse Museum. Built by Sir John Wynne Of Gwydyr in 1610 the building provided shelter and simple comfort for twelve Almsmen and later women, for over 360 years until it's closure in 1976
The Almshouses lay empty, deteriorating and unloved for the next 25 years, until saved by the Charity of Sir John Wynne of Gwydyr, who raised the necessary funding to enable the sympathetic restoration of this historically important Jacobean building. Early in 2000, the Llanrwst Almshouse Museum Trust (formed in 1987) was offered the the lease of The Almshouses for a peppercorn rent, which enabled them to work towards setting up a community Museum. Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas officially opened the Museum to the public in April 2002
The Museum today
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Llanrwst was a bustlin, thriving market town supporting such industries as tanning brewing, dying, cabinet and harp making, printing and clock making. There were wheelrights and cart makers and many specialised trade skills to supprt these industries and the needs of the realtively affluent Llanrwst society of that period. The Llanrwst Almshouse Museum offers the visitor a glimpse of this past, through a changing display of objects associated with these industires and with the social history of the town.
Other historic attractions
One minutes walk takes you to the ancient 6th century religious site of St Grwst Church (rebuilt in 1470 and again in 1670) with it's exquisitely carved rood screen, and the adjoining renaissaince Gwydyr Chapel, in which lies the under part of Llywelyn the Great's stone coffin. Walk the bank of the Conwy river and cross over by the beautiful Pont Fawr Bridge, built in 1636 from a design attributed to Indigo Jones. Visit the quaint Ty Hwnt I'r Bont old courthouse, now a National Trust tearoom, while half a mile away id Gwydyr Castle, home in 1610 of the Almshouses original benefactor.
The Llanrwst Almshouse Museum is an independent Museum and we rely on the kindness of Donations and sponsorship to help with the running of the Museum. The Museum relies heavily on your help to stay open so if you would like to make a pledge please contact:
Development Officer: Daniel Amor
Tel: 01492 642550
Email: info@llanrwstalmshouses.wanadoo.co.uk
Cheques can be made out to:
Llanrwst Almshouse Museum
Address:
The Llanrwst Almshouse Museum
1-12 Church Street
Llanrwst
CONWY
LL26 OLE
Volunteer help
Thank you to all our volunteers who work so hard in all areas and aspects of the smooth running of the Almshouse Museum. If you are interested in volunteering for the museum, please get in touch! Warm, friendly atmosphere!
Loans
Thank you to everyone who has loaned or donated objects and photographs to the museum, your help is much appreciated.
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