30 Apr 1892. The Duchess Of Westminster (age 35) At Wybunbury.

Laying The Foundation Stone Of A New Church.

A new epoch in the church history at Wybunbury [St Chad's Church, Wybunbury [Map]] was celebrated on Monday afternoon, when the Duchess of Westminster (age 35), in the presence of a large gathering of churchpeople, formally laid the foundation stone of a new church.

The ceremony was one which the Duke of Westminster had promised to perform, but owing to unavoidable circumstances, His Grace was unable to attend.

A procession of church choirs, consisting of Nantwich, Wisaston, Audlem, and Wybunbury (surpliced for the first time) was formed at the Wybunbury Girls' School, and, headed by the bishop (age 47), the Rev. C.A. Stolterforth (Vicar), the Rev. F.G. Blackburne (Nantwich), the Rev. W.C. Reid, and the ministers of neighbouring parishes, marched, singing an appropriate processional hymn, to the site whereon the new church is to be erected.

The service here was in keeping with hearty church worship. The words of the hymns and psalms had special significance to the occasion, and the voices all sang with one accord the praises of the hour.

Upon the raised platforms were gathered some of the best county families. The Duchess of Westminster was supported by Lord Arthur Grosvenor (age 31), and there were also on the platform showing the same interest in the founding of the new church which his ancestors, who lie in the tombs of old Wybunbury churches, are reputed to have evinced in church work in the parish, Mr Louis Delves Broughton (age 34) and Mrs Broughton (age 27). Mr Twemlow, of Betley Court, was also an interested spectator, as was Judge Hughes who came over from Chester and mingled amongst the crowd.

The Duchess very gracefully performed the foundation stone laying, after which Lord Arthur Grosvenor apologised for the absence of His Grace, who said that he had been laid up with a cold for two or three days. In conclusion he wished every success to the building of the new church.

The Bishop (age 47), in the course of some remarks, said that they were refounding the old Church of St Chad's upon St Mark's Day, and St Mark's Day was peculiarly appropriate for such a work because the very keynote of St Mark's Day, as the character and life of the apostle was set before them in Holy Scripture, and in the service of their prayer book, was stability and recovered stability. He was sure that everyone here hoped that the work started today would be carried on with all that thoroughness or workmanship could bestow upon it, and that future generations would look back to the work begun today as worthy of both man and God. In conclusion the bishop gave hearty expression to the thanks of the congregation to the Duchess of Westmnister, to Sir Henry Bristowe and Miss Bristowe to whose energy and zeal he alluded, as also to the active work of the late Mr Acton, who was one of the churchwardens, and to whose memory he paid a tribute of respect, and to those who by their presence and support had assisted in the progress of the movement.

After the ceremony, tea was provided in a tent, and an organ recital was given in the evening.

The site of the new church is the site upon which the old church was built, and upon which, in fact, at least four Wybunbury churches have stood. The church at Wybunbury has a grand history. The records of the parish, although incomplete, prove that so far back as 1290 Wybunbury had its church and also its vicar. The identification of the latter is somewhat scanty, but the church records clearly set forth that Roberts was the name of the vicar at this early period. But there are forthcoming fragments of early church architecture which the workmen in digging up the foundations have come upon, that prove there was a church esxisting here even before 1290. They unearthed in a well-preserved state a stone so distinctly shaped and chiselled that the architect, Mr Spooner (Charles Sydney Spooner, 1862-1938 - Stu), who has had 20 years of experience of architecture, was persuaded that it belonged to the Norman style of architecture, or First Pointed or Transitional period. The stone was discovered in the rubble of the church, and had probably lain there for hundreds of years. The date is from 1130 to 1150, and it suggested that at some time it formed part of a circular doorway. Other stones have been discovered, several of which are of the 15th Century style of architecture, and it is supopsed that these once formed part of an arch. The fabric of the church of 1838, which in architectural phraseology was of the Churchwarden Gothic Style, has been demolished, with the exception of a good part of the south wall. The foundations of the demolished were very building were unsound, and the beams which supported this structure has shifted several inches. The builder of 50 years ago succeeded in restoring to the tower the perpendicular, a gigantic work, as in that day the tower had got out of position to the extent of 5 feet 6 inches.

The new church will be built central with the tower, and will be as near as possible a facsimile of the fifteenth-century church. There will be no galleries which formed part of the old church. The organ and vestry will be built in the south chancel aisle, and in the north chancel aisle there will be a Morning Chapel.

The foundation will consist of monolithic slabs of Portland Cement. The concrete for the foundation will be a thickness of 3 feet six inches, and the whole will be bound together by a network of inter-ties. The stones which have been unearthed will again be utilised for building up the new church, and a number of brass plates, which bear the names of long since dead parishioners who lie within the tombs of the church, will be carefully put back again. One of these plates is of great antiquity and is one of half a dozen similar plates in the county.

The cost of the new church will be about £6,000. Towards this amount a considerable sum has already been raised. The Duke of Westminster sent a donation of £100, and a collection on the ground realised a considerable sum. The work will be completed in about 12 months.

The architect is Mr James Brookes, the well-known church architect, of Wellington Street, Strand, London, and the clerk of the works is Mr Spooner. Messrs Treasure & Son, of Shrewsbury, are the contractors; and Mr John Bebbington is foreman of the works.

05 Aug 1893. Church Consecration By Bishop Jayne.

The consecration of Wynbunbury Church [Map] was performed by the Lord Bishop of Chester (Dr Jayne) (age 48) on Thursday. This interesting event proved a red-latter day in the church life of the district, this being evidenced by the general display of bunting, flags etc.

The vicar (the Rev. C.H. Stolterforth), and the churchwardens Messrs E.R. Bellyse and Charles Edwads, together with the building committee, have worked hard to bring about the present state of affairs, and assisted by the liberal response of all those connected with the church, and the assistance of the neighbouring parishes, the work will ere long be completed, and Wybunbury Chruch will then form one of the most beautiful in this part of Cheshire.

The consecration took place in the morning when there was a large congregation present.

In the course of his sermon the bishop said that their service was not unmixed with sorrow, and feelingly referred to the death of Sir Henry Fox Bristowe, and Mr Samuel Acton, who had taken a very active part in the erection of the church, and who had very liberally contributed towards it. He also touched upon the death of Miss Turner (daughter of the late vicar), who had lived in the parish a good many years, and had taken much interest in the building of the church.

At the close of the consecration service a public luncheon was provided in the Delves Schoolroom, at which there was a large attendance. In the afternoon there was an organ recital by the Rev. C.H.H. Stewart, Vicar of New Brighton, and the late precentor of Chester Cathedral.

At 5.30 a public tea was given in the Delves School. In the evening, the Very Rev. S.R. Hole DD (age 73), Dean of Rochester, preached to a crowded congregation.

The offertories in the morning amounted to £38 13s 9 1/2 d'.

29 Aug 1884. The marriage of Miss Louise Alexandra Williams Wynn (age 19), eldest and only surviving child of Sir Watkin (age 64) and Lady Williams Wynn, of Wynnstay, with her cousin, Mr Herbert Lloyd Watkin Williams Wynn (age 24), eldest surviving son of the late Colonel Williams Wynn, of Cefn, St. Asaph, and heir presumptive to the baronetcy and estates of Wynnstay, was celebrated on Tuesday, August the 26th, at the parish Church of Ruabon [Map], in the presence of a circle of distinguished friends and relatives, and a large number of neighbours and well-wishers. The bride was born on the 21st of December, 1864, and on the 30th of January, 1865, she was christined by the names already given, having for her sponsors the Queen of Denmark (age 66), the Princess of Wales (age 17), and her uncle, Sir Hugh Williams, Bart., of Bodelwyddan. The bridegroom, who was born on the 6th of June, 1860, is the second, but eldest surviving, son of Sir Watkin's only brother, Colonel Herbert Watkin Williams Wynn, who married Anna (age 50), daughter and heiress of Mr Edward Lloyd, of Cefn, and died in 1862.

The wedding day broke with a chill wind and a leaden grey sky, but the clouds having discharged a few drops of rain about eleven o'clock in the morning, the sky put on a more pleasing appearance, and the sun pepeed out from behind the clouds.

In the Ruabon district extensive preparations were made to fittingly celebrate the auspicious occasion. Each train was laden with passengers, and by ten o'clock nearly 12,000 persons had gathered in the "streets converging on the church and at points from which it was possible to get a glimpse of the bridal procession. It was with some difficulty that a large body of county constabulary kept open a way for the wedding carriages to reach the church. Admission to the church where the ceremony was to take place was only gained by ticket, and long before the time fixed for the arrival of the wedding party the building was tilled in every part by a congregation including most of the gentry and landowners of the surrounding districts.

In Ruabon itself the day was observed as a general holiday, and the streets of the town were decorated with flags, flowers, and evergreens. The railway.station was most profusely decorated with bunt- ing and streamers, which were effectively arranged to span the railway. Immediately outside the station the trees and the housetops were relieved with bannerets, with here and there a motto conveying good wishes to the hero and heroine of the day, or to the family of Wynnstay. At eight in the morning the bells of the parish church were set ringing, and the echoes were awakened by the periodical firing of anvils. The decorative efforts of the Ruabon committee were principally concentrated upon the length of road con- necting the main entrance to Wynnstay Park with the parish church. The most prominent object was a triple arch of noble dimensions, which spanned the rOå trom the Uourt Mouse to the W ynnstay Arms. "The framework of the arch, the walls of which were about two yards in width, was filled with flowering heather, the upper portion of the arch being similarly billed with laurel. Upon ground work were displayed on excellent relief, designs representative of the spread eagle and the cross foxes worked in coloured flowers by Messrs James Dickson, of Chester. On the Wynn- atay side of the main archway spanning the roadway was the following inscription in white on a scarlet ground, Hir oes a phob gwynfyd i ferch Syr Watkin a'i phriod over the smaller subsidiary arches on the same side were the mottoes, "May happiness be theirs" and "God bless the happy pair." On the other side of the arch, and facing the church on the main archway was the inscription, 11 Mng life, health, and happiness to Mr and Mrs H. Ll. Watkin Williams Wynn;" on the smaller arches the mottoes, "Ni ddeil yr eryr ednogyn, pob edn edwyn ei gymmar (The eagle catcheth not at a fly; every winged fowl knows its mate) and Cadarnach yw'r edau yn gyrfodedd nag yn ungor" (Stronger is the thread twisted than single). The summits of the arches were effectively relieved by large banners which floated from them. The Wynnstay Arms, close by, was also most effectively decked with evergreens and bannerets, and leading from the massive arch just described to the park entrance was an avenue of firs. The walls of the cottages on each side of the road were festooned with garlands of evergreens relieved with bunting, and the old stones of the arch leading into the park were almost lost in evergreens. Along the top of the arch ran the words, "God bless the bride and bridegroom.

As the hour for the service approached, the crowd which thronged the space between the park gates and the church grew momentarily larger until as the bridal guests began to arrive with increasing rapidity, the police were scarcely able to secure a passage for them. Long before the hour of ten the place was crowded, and about that hour the Crewe Steam Shed Band arrived, and commenced playing in front of the Court House. Shortly afterwards the local volunteers, led by the Wrexham volunteer band, marched up and joined in lines on each side of the path leading from the church gates to the church door. Placed alter- nately with the red-coated volunteers were maidens from the bride's school, dressed in white. and each carrying a basket of flowers. The bridegroom, who was accompanied by his brother, passed almost un- recognised through the throng on his way to the church, but when Sir Watkin drove up, accompanied by Lord Combermere, he was received with hearty applause, which followed him to the church gates. All the guests having entered the church, all eyes were turned in the direction in which the bride would come, and a few minutes after eleven, the waiting crowd were rewarded by seeing her carriage followed by a crowd coming down the fine avenue leading from the mansion. As the carriage emerged from the park the crowd set up a cheer which was taken up and passed along the ranks as the bride approached the church gates, whence she walked along the scarlet carpeted pathway into the church.

The interior of the sacred edifice was beautifully decorated. festoons of evergreens, with long pendant ten- drils of ivy, hanging from the roof. Within the chan- cel the walls were lined with moss, artistically contrasted with white asters in lover's knot devices, dahlias, gladiolii, and immortelles. On the communion table was a fine altar cloth, the gift of the father of the bride (age 64), and then used for the first time.

The bridegroom entered the church at about a quarter to eleven, accompanied by his brother (Mr Robert Williams Wynn), the best man. Sir Watkin Williams Wynn was shortly afterwards conveyed into the sacred building in his bath chair, being still unable to walk. Then followed the guests staying at Wynnstay (who drove down in carriages), including the Earl of Powis (age 65), Mr T. Tyrwhitt Drake, Mr W. R.M. Wynne, Peniarth, Colonel Wynn Pinch, Countess M. and Countess Helen Bismarck, Lady Mary Herbert, Count Ulottlie, Major and Mrs Rowley, Conwig, Viscount Combermere, Mrs Williams Wynn (age 50) (of Cefn, mother of the bridgegroom), Mr and Mrs Bennett, Mrs Godsall and Mr H. Godsall, the Rev J. S, Raymond, Mr Charles and Lady Amora Williams Wynn, Miss Amora Williams Wynn, Mr and Mrs Bertie Williams Wynn, General Brownrigg, Major Fife, Admiral Somerset, Sir Theodore Martin, Sir Edward and Lady Hamilton, Mr Archibald and Lady Peal, Col. Meredith, Captain Wynn Griffiths, Mrs and Mrs Owen-Slaney Wynne, Plasnewydd, Canon Richardson, and Mr Fitz Hugh.

The bride arrived shortly after eleven o'clock, accompanied by her mother, and walked down the aisle upon the arm of her cousin, Sir W. W. Greville Williams Wynn, Bart., and accompanied by her bridesmaids. She wore an ivory white satin petticoat, covered with old Venetian rose-point lace. The bodice and train were made of terry velvet, trimmed with lace. She had a tulle veil fastened over a wreath of blossoms with pearl and diamond star, the gift of the bridegroom. Her pocket-handkerchicf was of point lace. The bridesmaids were-Miss Helen Williams of Cefn, and Lady Margaret Byng, Miss Edwards, Vicarage, Ruabon, Miss Rowley Conwy, Miss Hampton Lewis. Miss Constance Williams Wynn, Coedymaen Miss Herbert, Styche, Miss C. Brownrigg, Miss Peel, Brynprys, Miss Leighton, Sweeney. They wore white India dresses trimmed with Valenciennes lace, and loops of pale blue ribbon, blue crepe bonnets and aigrettes of feathers to match. Each bridesmaid carried a bouquet of pink roses, and wore a gold bangle, fastened with cross foxes in gold, the gift of the bride-groom. Lady Williams Wynn's dress was of rich antique silver grey velvet brocade, trimmed with old Mechlin lace. She wore a grey bonnet, with feathers to match, and carried a white lace parasol.

The offiiciating clergy were the Rev Watkin Herbert Williams Wynn, cousin of the bride and rector of Bodelwyddan; the Rev E. W. Edwards, vicar of Ruabon the Rev Trevor Owen, vicar of Llangedwyn the Rev Thomas Jones, and the Rev J. B. Armstrong.

As the bride passed up the church the strains of the stately "March of the Priests," from "Athalie," played by the organist, Mr W. Hall, at the request of Lady Williams VVynn, sounded through the church. The marriage ceremony was then proceeded with by the Rev Watkin Williams. The bride was given away by her father Sir Watkin Williams Wynn (age 64). The bride and bridegroom responded in rather low but distinct tones of voice in the all-important part of the service which made them man and wife. The service, though of a simple character, was none the less impressive. No hymn was sung, but the 67th Psalm, "God be merciful unto us and bless us," was chanted by the choir. The latter part of the service was read by the Rev E. W. Edwards, and the final declaration of the duties of man and wife by the Rev R, T. Owen. The ceremony having been brought to a close, the bridal party proceeded to the Wynnstay chapel, to sign the marriage register. While this was being done wedding favours were distributed to the guests, and the bride and the bridegroom received the customary congratulations. Mendelssohn's wedding march was effectively played by the organist at the close of the ceremony, and as the newly-married pair left the church, they were greeted with the heartiest acclamations. It was a pretty sight to see the children strewing their path with flowers, while the church bells pealed forth merrily.

Subsequently the wedding party returned to Wynnstay, where the breakfast was served in the large hall, and presented a scene of great brilliance. A large number of guests were invited, including Mr and Mrs Osborne Morgan, who, however, were prevented from attending by domestic bereavement.

After breakfast, Sir WATKIN proposed the toast of "Her Majesty the Queen, and of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family." In doing so he referred to the fact that the Princess of Wales, whom they all loved and adored, was his dear daughter's godmother. (Cheers.)

The Earl of Powis, in proposing the health of The Bride and Bridegroom," said-A marriage in an ancient family is an event which appeals to our imagination in a very special manner, and this holds good, not merely amongst those who form an intimate family circle, who are connected by ties of relationship and friendship with the bride and bridegroom but extends itself to a 4arge surrounding neighbourhood, to whom the annals of a great house form part of their local traditions. The district to which I apply the term "neighbourhood" includes four counties oi inortn HaleS, anu gue23 uver the Shropshire borders. Flags are flying in the breeze, bells are pealing, town and country are gathered to- gether to celebrate a union which will be memorable in the annals of the Cymry, and form an epoch and period in our lives. (Cheers.) There is no country in which local traditions and ancient memories are so jealously re- vered and guarded as in Cambria. (Cheers.) Our family pedigrees, which go back for many years to a long and ancestral past, keep alive the memory and the names of those who have gone before, till family history mingles itself insensibly with legendaty lore. The young couple upon whom attentions and marks of regard have been lavished will soon see how universal is the feeling which is inspired towards their parents by the manner in which throughout their life they have discharged the various duties of their position. (Loud cheers.) The parents will appreciate the sincerity of the good- will which knows that the affection and sympathy shewn to the new generation is the most grateful and most sincere homage that can be rendered to the old. (Cheers.) I will now give you, ladies and gentlemen, full scope to those feelings of sympathy and seatiment which this occasion and this assembly inspire in all our breasts. I will ask you to joiu with me in all sincerity and truth, in wishing long life and happi- ness to Herbert and Louise Williams Wynn. (Loud cheers.)

Mr W. R. M. W YNNE, of Peniarth, then briefly proposed the toast in Welsh, and it was received with the greatest enthusiasm. greatest enthusiasm.

The BRIDEGROOM, who on rising was received with loud cheers, said-I beg to thank you on behalf of Mrs Williams Wynn and myself most sincerely for the kind way in which you have drunk our health. I can only say that we both feel very much more the kind- ness of the way in which you have received us than we cau ever express in words. I beg to thank you. (Loud cheers.)

Count MOLTKE proposed the health of Sir Watkin and Lady Williams Wynn, which was drunk with great enthusiasm.

Sir WATKIN, in reply, said:-On behalf of Lady Williams Wynn and myself, I beg to thank you for the kindness shown to us, aud our dear girl. I hope and trust that her marriage, so auspiciously celebrated to-day, may bring the happiness that we all wish for them. (Cheers.) I believe that a marriage in this house has not been celebrated in Ruabon Church since before this century was in its teens. Those who were then married have, unfortunately, passed away, but I am happy to say that the grandchildren and great grandchild of that branch of the family are here to-day. I am glad that we have with us to day Sir Edward Hanmer and Lord Combermere, my old friend and fellow-collegian and another friend, who married us thirty-two years ago, I am also happy to see present on this occasion. I beg again to thank you for your very great kindness towards us and my dear daughter and for your presence here to-day, (Cheers.)

Colonel WYNNE FINCH proposed the toast of the bridesmaids, which was very heartily received, and responded to by Mr ROBERT WILLIAMS WYNN. The wedding cakes were on view at the Wrexham Savings Bank during Wednesday and Thursday, and Mr Stephens, the purveyor, was highly complimented on his work, Lady Williams Wynn calling on Thurs- day and expressing great satisfaction. The total weight of the cakes is over 1,800lbs. They were placed on a.blue ground, surrounded by a number of choice ferns and plants with variegated foliage. In the centre was placed the Wynnstay cake. the first tier of which was decorated with horse shoe shales, bearing the monograms of the bride and bridegroom, and the other tiers were supported by draped figures and festooned in a pretty manner. Sur- mounting all was a miniature temple, in the centre of which was a playing fountain of exquisite design and workmanship. The other cakes were equally beautiful, the decoration representing rich clusters of the vine and emblematic flowers, while the heads of hounds looking out from the foliage gave it a sportive aspect in keeping with the re- nown of Wynnstay. The mottoes on the bannerettes that decked the cakes were in Welsh. The wedding cakes are sent to Machynlleth, Llanuwchllyn, Bala, Llangedwyn, Oswestry, Ruabon, Llangurig, Traws- fynydd, Llangollen, Llwydiarth, Llansilin, Llanfyllin, Llanbrynmair, Wrexham, Ruthin, Llanrhaiadr, Llan- armon D. C., Llangadfan (including Cwm, Cann Office, Gartheibio, Llanerfyl, and Llanfair), Llanwddyn, and Rhydycroesau.

About three o'clock the bride and bridegroom left Wynnstay for Llangedwyn, and the guests and house- hold assembled to offer their congratulations, and to pelt them with rice and old slippers. The bride's travelling dress was of sapphire blue Bengaline, trimmed with velvet. The bodice was of blue velvet, trimmed with old point d'Alencon lace. Her bonnet was of blue crepe and velvet, with feathers to match. Their journey of about twenty miles to Llangedwyn was something like a Royal progress. Crowds assem- bled in many places along the route to see and cheer them. Triumphal arches were erected, and everywhere flags were flying, and devices with numberless good wishes expressed in the form of mottoes were ex-, hibited. They reached Chirk about four o'clock in bright sunshine. An address was read on behalf of the villagers by the Rev Wynne Jones, and another popular demonstration was made at Gobowen, while at Oswestry, which was gaily decorated, a procession was formed of nearly 4,000 school child- ren and their friends, and, being afterwards joined by the Mayor and Corporation, and the members of the various friendly societies, met Mr and Mrs Wynn, and drew their carriage through the town, and finally presented them with an elaborate address from 300 subscribers.

The road to Llangedwyn displayed many signs of the interest felt by the residents in the young couple. At many points on the way they received hearty greetings, but probably the heartiest greetings of the day were those with which they were received by the people of Llangedwyn, who, with Welsh ardour, were not content to await the coming of the bridge and bridegroom, but met them about a mile before they reached the village. The point of meeting was at a very pretty arch erected across the road on the Os- westry side of Abecynlleth, and there the pair of horses were unharnessed, and the conduct of the carriage was committed into the hands of a host of willing substitututes. Led by the Llanrhaiadr Brass Band, the escort, which was of enormous proportions, and most enthu- siastic in character, proceeded to Llangedwyn Hall, passing under several exceedingly effective arches, where a considerable number of ladies and gentlemen, as well as of school children, had assembled to greet the bridal pair. On ascending the steps leading to the terrace, Mr and Mrs William Wynn received three addresses. The first was from the tenants on the Llangedwyn estate, the second from Llanwyddyn, and the third from the Llangedwyn Friendly Society, all of which were suitably acknowledged by Mr Williams Wynn.