The name Prestatyn derives from the Old Englishprēosta (the genitiveplural of prēost 'priest') and tūn ('homestead'), and thus means 'the homestead of the priests'. It was recorded in the Domesday Book as Prestetone.[2] Unlike similarly derived names in England, which generally lost their penultimate syllable and became Preston, the village's name developed a typically Welsh emphasis on the penultimate syllable and a modification of 'ton' to 'tyn', as also happened at Mostyn.[3]
History
Prehistory
There is evidence that the current town location has been occupied since prehistoric times. Prehistoric tools found in the caves of Graig Fawr, in the nearby village of Meliden, have revealed the existence of early human habitation in the area.
Roman
The Romanbathhouse is believed to be part of a fort on the road from Chester to Caernarfon. However, much of "Roman Prestatyn" has been destroyed as houses have been built over unexcavated land.
Medieval
Prestatyn was included in the Domesday Book since it was at that time under English control. An earth mound, visible in fields to the east of the railway station, beyond Nant Hall, marks the site of an early wooden Prestatyn castle, probably built by the Norman Robert de Banastre about 1157, which was destroyed by the Welsh under Owain Gwynedd in 1167.[4] The Banastre family then moved to Bank Hall in Lancashire.
The town appears to have been primarily a fishing village for hundreds of years. The beginning and end of High Street today mark the location of two 'maenolau' (or manor houses) called Pendre (translated as "end of" or "top of town") and Penisadre ("lower end of town").
19th century to present
The town's population remained at less than 1,000 until the arrival of the railways and the holidaymakers in the 19th and 20th centuries. "Sunny Prestatyn" became famous for its beach, clean seas and promenade entertainers, and visiting for a bathe was considered very healthy by city-dwelling Victorians. During the Second World War the holiday camps were used as billets for British soldiers, many of whom were also sent to live with locals.
Prestatyn was the home of the first UK Kwik Savesupermarket in 1965; Prestatyn was also the home of the firm's business headquarters. The Kwik Save store was renamed Somerfield following a takeover in 2007, and was finally demolished in 2008 when surrounding land was bought by Tesco.
The North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm was opened in 2003. Situated in Liverpool Bay, 5 miles (8 km) off the coast of Prestatyn, it was the UK's first major offshore wind farm. It has 30 wind turbines with a combined maximum capacity of 60 megawatts – enough to power 40,000 homes.
Facilities and attractions
Although Prestatyn remains a tourist destination and resort town, the town is diversifying in response to the decline of the British seaside holiday.
Previously named the Lido, this leisure and entertainment complex was established in 1923 with an outdoor seawater swimming pool and ballroom.[5] A £4.4 million pound investment in 2015 has seen the redevelopment of this complex to include a new facade, entrance and reception area as well as a new bar/restaurant, 60 station fitness suite and children's soft play area.[6]
Governance
There are two tiers of local government covering Prestatyn, at community (town) and county level: Prestatyn Town Council and Denbighshire County Council. The town council is based at 7 Nant Hall Road.[7]
For elections to Denbighshire County Council the town is divided into five electoral wards, namely Prestatyn Central, Prestatyn East, Prestatyn Meliden, Prestatyn North and Prestatyn South West.[8] For elections to Prestatyn Town Council the town is divided into six wards (with Prestatyn North county ward being subdivided into North and North West). Eighteen town councillors are elected.[9]
The town was in the Delyn parliamentary constituency from 1983 to 1997, since when it has been in Vale of Clwyd.
Administrative history
Plaque on the former Urban District Council Offices on Nant Hall Road, built 1903.
Prestatyn was formerly part of the ancient parish of Meliden (also called Meliden with Prestatyn) in the historic county of Flintshire. When elected parish and district councils were established in 1894 Meliden was given a parish council and included in the St Asaph Rural District.[10] A separate urban district called Prestatyn was created from part of Meliden parish in 1896.[11] The urban district council built itself a headquarters on Nant Hall Road in 1903. Prestatyn Urban District was abolished in 1974, with its area becoming a community instead. District-level functions passed to Rhuddlan Borough Council, which was in turn replaced by Denbighshire County Council in 1996.[12][13]
Carol Vorderman (born 1960) media personality, brought up in Prestatyn, co-hosted the game show Countdown for 26 years from 1982 until 2008
Danny Coyne (born 1973), former goalkeeper with 442 club caps and 16 for Wales
Annual events
Flower Show
Prestatyn Flower Show is an annual event held in Prestatyn town centre on the last Friday and Saturday of July. The flower show has traditionally been held within the grounds of Cerrig Llwydion, High Street, Prestatyn, which was formerly a vicarage. The event also includes a small display of classic cars and vintage motorcycles on Saturday.
Carnival
Prestatyn Carnival is an annual summer event in the town, and features field events, competitions and a procession. Each year, thousands take part in the festivities. The carnival celebrated its diamond jubilee in 2011.
The traditional Carnival Parade takes place on the Saturday, and is followed by a Carnival Baby Competition later in the day. In 2008 the carnival became a two-day event, with the Sunday designated "Fun on the Field" day, with many events including a talent show and dance competition. In 2011 the event reverted to its original one–day format.[14]
In 2008, Prestatyn Carnival Association revived the 'Miss Prestatyn' title.
Classic Car Show
The largest free classic car show in North Wales with over 400 vehicles taking part in 2019.[15] The show is an annual event taking place on the last Bank Holiday Monday in May since 2000. It usually takes place on Ty Nant car park in Prestatyn town centre, but expanded in 2019 to include the majority of the High Street. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a virtual show.[16]
Cultural references
Philip Larkin wrote a poem entitled 'Sunny Prestatyn'. In it he describes a poster advertising the resort that is progressively defaced by vulgar graffiti.[17]Roddy Frame and Jeremy Stacey wrote most of Aztec Camera's 1995 album Frestonia during a three-week retreat at the Sands Hotel in Prestatyn. Frame later blamed the overcast and grim weather conditions there for the album's melancholy and gloomy tone.[18]
The town also appears in The Royle Family 2009 Christmas special "The Golden Egg Cup", in which the family visits Prestatyn to celebrate Jim and Barb's fiftieth wedding anniversary.
Sport
The town is host to two major football teams within the Welsh football league pyramid, Prestatyn Town and the recently formed Prestatyn Sports.
Local football side Prestatyn Town gained promotion to the Welsh Premier League having been crowned champions of the Cymru Alliance League 2007-08 season. As of 23 April 2008, planning permission for floodlights and seating had been granted[19] in order to meet the Welsh Premier grading requirements. The deadline for these upgrades was 1 May 2008[20] and, having passed these requirements, their promotion was ratified by the Welsh Premier League on 15 May.[21] They currently play in the Cymru North, the second tier of Welsh football.
Many qualification rounds in snooker were once held at Pontin's Holiday Camp here; this included all the major snooker tournaments, and the World Championship. The qualification rounds have since moved to the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield.
Founded in 1895, Prestatyn Cricket Club has recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. As of 1 November 2020 they play in Liverpool and District Comp (LDDC) 1st XI division.[22]
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