Hanmer Heritage

The Heritage of Church and Village at Wrexham Museum - Summer 2011

Hanmer Heritage

Carved wooden rose

The redeveloped Wrexham Museum includes material from heritage groups. The Hanmer section through the sommer of 2011 included some of the story of the village church from St Chad until today. Exhibits included the magnificent church silver from as early as 1615. This was rescued from the fire on 3rd February 1889 by a brave vicar who risked his life to save church records and this silver. The five items are normally in a secure vault so this was a chance to see them beautifully displayed with their story.

A remarkable item exhibited was the sword used by Sir John Hanmer as he led his troops at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. This was kindly lent by the Hanmer family. It was hanging beneath a church window at the time of the 1889 fire and now sparkles with Medieval glass embedded in melted lead from the window.

At the exhibition visitors sat on churchwarden's chairs from 1609 whilst watching a presentation of the heritage of Hanmer. These chairs were rescued from the smoke filled church by brave villagers and are still in use today. Exhibited also were examples of part finished ceiling carvings designed and made by village youths during a long period of restoration after the 1889 fire. Finished examples can be seen on the church ceiling in St Chad's Church.

It is our hope in the future to create at the church in Hanmer an exhibition area and visitors centre.

Entered 17th February 2011 by Bill Barlow
Updated 18th February, 9th November 2011 by Bill Barlow

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