History and heritage of women in Wales celebrated at Wrexham Glyndwr event

A special event has taken place at Wrexham Glyndwr University celebrating the history and heritage of women in north-east Wales.

The event, ‘Setting the Record Straight: Discovering the History and Heritage of Women in north-east Wales’ was organized in partnership between the history department at the University and Women’s Archive Wales.

It was hosted at the Nick Whitehead Theatre with other breakout rooms nearby, and included a variety of talks, exhibitions, and opportunities to learn more about women in Wales.

As well as Wrexham Glyndwr staff and students, members of the public were welcome to come and hear fascinating stories from the past.

These stories featured subjects ranging from Denbigh Asylum, women who worked in factories such as Courtaulds, Johnson’s Fabrics and Graessers Salicylates, to women’s football and women who have represented the area politically in the Senedd.

There were also discussion panels and films to illustrate aspects of women’s history and heritage in north-east Wales.

Chair of Archif Menywod Cymru/ Women’s Archive Wales, Dr Chris Chapman said: “The day provided an opportunity to reflect on both national and local perspectives on women’s history and heritage, through talks and exhibitions supported by local archives.

“I would like to pay tribute to Dr Kathryn Ellis and Peter Bolton. It was tremendous to work in partnership with them for an event which succeeded in reaching out to the wider community.

“In particular, it was inspiring to hear from the students of Wrexham Glyndŵr University who drew on their own research in the locality which offered new insights into women’s history.”

Wrexham Glyndwr’s Programme Leader of History, Dr Kathryn Ellis, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Women’s Archive Wales to the University and to see so many people attend. The focus of the day, the history of women in North East Wales, is something which has not really received much academic attention.

“Hopefully this will encourage further research into the study of women’s history in this area.”

Peter Bolton, Senior Lecturer History at Wrexham Glyndwr, added: “The day was a huge success and it was great to part of something which saw collaboration between staff, students and professional bodies.”

History student Lucy Duncan, also spoke positively about the day, adding: “Women’s history day at Wrexham Glyndwr University brought up serious issues about women being undocumented in history.

“It was fascinating learning about Welsh women and their experiences. Hopefully in the future we can research Welsh women and their impact on society. It was a brilliant day, and the outcome was incredible.”

For more information about the BA Hons Social and Cultural History Degree at Wrexham Glyndwr University, please visit the website.