Nicholas Jones

Il meglio del Galles - tour di interesse generale

I have led walking tours across North Wales and have a linked programme of walks and mountain hikes at the individual 7 Wonders of Wales, based on the poem of the same name:
“Pistyll Rhaeadr and Wrexham’s Steeple,
Snowdon’s Mountain without its people,
Overton Yew Trees and St Winnifred’s Well,
Llangollen Bridge and Gresford Bells”

Castelli

My historical and architectural interest in Welsh castles is reinforced by my working experience (as a chartered surveyor), particularly involving conservation work at Caergybi Roman Fort, Holt Castle, Castell Dinas Bran, Chirk Castle, Powis Castle, Penrhyn Castle and Carmarthen Castle. I have also worked on the archaeological investigations at Wrexham’s Motte and Bailey Castle at Erddig and digs at Caergwrle Castle and the early medieval Wat’s Dyke.

Chiese Cappelle e Cattedrali

As a Christian I have a working knowledge of our local churches and chapels. I have undertaken restoration and conservation work, as a chartered surveyor, on various chapels and churches including St Giles Parish Church (one of the 7 Wonders of Wales), St Paul’s Church Pentre Broughton and at St Melangell’s Church at Pennant Melangell (with its wonderful legend and scenery), and several chapels.

Rame, carbone e ferro

I am the son of a 6th generation coal miner and my great-great grandfather was a furnace man at Brymbo Steelworks (where I worked on the dig at Brymbo Fossil Forest), where I was interviewed by the BBC and S4C TV channels. I also feature in the book “Archaeology in Clwyd” when I worked on the dig at Bersham Ironworks.
My family truly has coal dust in its veins, with three members of my family having worked at Gresford Colliery, the scene of one of Britains worst ever coal mine disasters. I have a wealth of family stories and lifelong lived experience of North Wales’ coal mining communities.

Storia della famiglia e tour degli antenati

I am a member of Clwyd Family History and other local history groups. When added to my personal experience of decades of Welsh family history (hel achau) and my DNA results confirming I am almost of pure North East Wales stock, I am well versed in local genealogical issues.

Costa

Having holidayed on much of North Wales coastline most of my life (and even sailed some of it), I recently decided to undertake the long distance North Wales Pilgrimmage Route. I have completed half of this walk and have accumulated a greater knowledge and love of the coastline which much of this right of way traverses.

Giardini e dimore signorili

I have been involved professionally and as a volunteer in many of the area’s stately homes and gardens. As a chartered surveyor I worked in Erddig Hall, Plas Newydd, Bodnant Gardens and Rufford Old Hall for the National Trust. I now volunteer for Wrexham’s National Trust property at Erddig Hall as a HART (Heritage and Archaeological Ranger Team) volunteer.

Storia e preistoria

I am a keen local historian and student of Welsh History, with GCSE O and A level qualifications in these topics. Subsequently I am a member of several local history societies and engage in local archaeological digs.

Geografia e geologia

Having GCSE O and A level qualifications in this area, I have recently worked on the local Brymbo Fossil Forest project to reveal 314 million year old fossils.

Patrimonio industriale

I have passed a WOTGA introductory course for guiding in the Clywedog Valley in Wrexham’s hinterland, which adds to my experience of volunteering at the archaeological digs at Mineral Lead Works and Bersham Ironworks there. My interest in the latter was sparked way back in 1989, when I did a school project (which contributed my GCSE O level) on Bersham and Brymbo Steelworks and ‘Iron Mad Jack’ John Wilkinson. I also have a passion for engineering heritage inspired by my Dad’s career in engineering and my family’s roots in the North Wales Coalfield and involvement in the Brynmally Disaster.