Greenfield, Flintshire

infobox UK place
country= Wales
welsh_name= Maes-glas
constituency_welsh_assembly= Delyn
official_name= Greenfield
population= 2,741 (2001 Census)
unitary_wales= Flintshire
lieutenancy_wales= Clwyd
constituency_westminster= Delyn
post_town= HOLYWELL
postcode_district= CH8
postcode_area= CH
dial_code= 01352
os_grid_reference= SJ185755
latitude= 53.28909
longitude= -3.21003 Greenfield (Welsh: "Maes-glas") is a village on the outskirts of Holywell, Flintshire, north-east Wales, located close to the River Dee. At the 2001 Census, it had a population of 2,741.citeweb|url=http://www.flintshire.gov.uk/WebCont/Stats.nsf/0/bf293d862600d02c80256eac00315d9e/$FILE/Greenfield.pdf|title=Ward Profile: Greenfield|work=Flintshire County Council|accessdate=14 November|accessyear=2007]

History

Greenfield is best known for its history of papermaking. A paper mill has been on this site since 1770. The site was chosen due to the constant water flow from the stream which comes from the St Winefride's Well. The speed this site developed was one of the reasons that Greenfield is still linked with the start of the Industrial Revolution. In the mid 19th century up to 80 businesses had set up in the mile stretch between Holywell and Greenfield The remains of some can now be seen as conservation and industrical archeological projects have been undertaken in recent years. Among the businesses were a copper mill, a flannel mill, a flour mill, shirt makers and a pop works (which still exists today). Greenfield was also home of a new wave of heavy industries in the 60s by becoming home to Courtaulds the rayon and nylon factory.

Greenfield's oldest building is Basingwerk Abbey, in ruins since the time of Oliver Cromwell it is a favourite place for children to play. The adjacent grounds are now home to an agricultural museum which has many buildings from the surrounding area moved stone by stone, including and old school house.

Basingwerk Abbey (Welsh: Abaty Dinas Basing) is in the care of Cadw (Welsh Heritage).

It was founded in 1132 by Ranulph de Gernon, 2nd Earl of Chester, and monks from Savigny settled there. In 1147, the abbey became part of the Cistercian Order and therefore a daughter house of Buildwas Abbey in Shropshire. In 1157, the abbey was given the manor of Glossop by King Henry II. The hilltop Monks' Road in Glossop is a reminder of the monks' efforts to administer their possession. Earlier on, they had received the manor of West Kirby from the Earls of Chester. In the 13th century, the abbey was under the patronage of Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Gwynedd, and his son Dafydd ap Llywelyn gave St Winefride's Well to the abbey. The monks harnessed the power of the Holywell stream to run a corn mill and to treat the wool from their sheep. In 1536, abbey life came to an end with the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

Two centuries earlier a Welsh seer, Robin Ddu ("Robin the Dark") said the roof on the refectory would do very nicely on a little church under Moel Famau. It did. When the abbey was sold, the roof went to Cilcain church and the Jesse window went to the church at Llanrhaeadr-yng-Ngheinmeirch.

Today, the abbey ruin is part of Greenfield Valley Heritage Park.Fact|date=November 2007

Description

The B5121 road from Greenfield to Holywell is the road which passes the St Winefride's Well, which Holywell is known for.

Greenfield's main claim to fame is possibly the hidden Gatso speed camera, on the A548 road leading to Bagillt, near the railway bridge. It was voted the worst-placed speed camera in the UK by the Association of British Drivers. An irony of this fact is that Arrive Alive now conduct their Speed Awareness courses at the Greenfield Business Centre, based in the original paper mill building.

Amongst the shops there is a pharmacy, set up in August 2005 to serve the community.

References