Balconies rarely take centre stage; perhaps the balcony in Romeo & Juliet is an exception and undoubtedly there are others in literature. But as a public speaking venue outside the great cities of London, Cardiff and Edinburgh it’s hard to find a single private site more steeped in history than the balcony at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel in Wrexham.
It was the scene of a speech by William Gladstone to the people of Wrexham, North Wales and in 1918 it was the site selected by Prime Minister David Lloyd George to announce the end of the World War.
It’s true that the site has seen some extensive architectural damage in the intervening years. Damage that was largely overseen by zealous council officers in the name of modernisation! But the facade of the old coaching house, dating back to 1702, remains intact. And the balcony is still there, preserved in this Grade Two listed building.
No doubt the facade or the balcony was witness to more historical events, but hearing speeches from two Prime Ministers has to be a good public speaking record.
What a beautiful building and such history it contains. I hope they restore it.
thanks for the topic
. nice share