Flintshire Memories: Promote Flint Castle's history says mayor

By Flintshire Chronicle on Sep 4, 09 10:52 AM in 2000 onwards

KEEPING Flint Castle open and extolling the virtues of its fascinating history should be an urgent priority according to the town mayor.

Cllr Paul Cunningham, Constable of Flint Castle, spoke after the recent closure of the 13th Century pile by ancient monuments body Cadw.

The Welsh Assembly organisation shut the castle gates after a spate of vandalism, drunkenness and attacks on site staff.

But the Edward I castle did reopen in time for the bank holiday weekend.

But Cllr Cunningham says Cadw should now start a more robust promotion.

He says the castle is on a par with Harlech and Conwy due to its historical significance.

"We're so close to Chester and its obvious historical draw so why doesn't Cadw highlight this?" asked Cllr Cunningham.

"The castle should be labelled 'the centre piece for the Dee Estuary'. The Big Dee Festival proved its potential.

"Tourists flock in their droves for Roman history down the Dee in Chester. Let them know how the region's history developed through medieval times. It would be of great interest to visitors.

"Flint Castle has played a tremendous part in British history since it was built in 1277.
"Richard II was deposed at Flint Castle, which was garrisoned by Lord Mostyn during the Civil War, and some of the 40 Catholic Martyrs of Wales were imprisoned there awaiting execution.

"The recent vandalism and anti-social behaviour cannot, and will not, be condoned by the good people of Flint, but Cadw closing down Flint Castle is a slight on the many law-abiding citizens who use this historic venue."

Flint Castle is one of the eight Cadw sites across Wales which has been chosen to host community projects as part of the Cultural Olympiad's Welsh initiative, Cauldrons and Furnaces.

But the body decided to close the castle because staff were being spat upon and having bottles thrown at them by drunken youths.

Cadw site operations manager John Wallis said: "We're seeking an urgent meeting with the police and the town and county councils to address the problems and try to tackle these issues together.

"All parties need to make a concerted effort to put an end to this harassment of locals and visitors alike."

A meeting takes place on site on Wednesday, September 9.

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