Wrexham

St Giles' Parish Church, Wrexham — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Britain’s Newest City

Wrexham (Wrecsam in Welsh) was granted city status in 2022 as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee civic honours — making it the most recently created city in Britain and Wales’s newest city. Fourteen miles north of Oswestry on the A483, it is the largest town in north Wales and its elevation to city status recognised what had long been its de facto role as the urban and commercial centre of the north Wales border region. The city has a population of around 135,000 in the wider area.

St Giles’ Church

St Giles’ Church in the town centre is the outstanding medieval monument in Wrexham — described as “the crown of Powys” and one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. Its 16th-century tower, 41 metres tall and richly decorated with carved figures, is one of the most elaborate examples of late medieval ecclesiastical architecture in Wales. The tower was completed around 1520 and remained unfinished in its original design; what was built is spectacular enough. Inside, the church has a distinguished interior with a fine nave roof. Elihu Yale, the 17th-century merchant who endowed Yale University in Connecticut, is buried in the churchyard. The connection is celebrated: Yale University sent a set of replica gates for the church tower, which stand at the south entrance.

Wrexham AFC

Wrexham AFC, the oldest football club in Wales (founded 1864), achieved international prominence after actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased the club in 2020 and the subsequent documentary series Welcome to Wrexham aired globally. The club has been promoted multiple times since the new owners took over and now plays in the EFL Championship. Matches at the Racecourse Ground — the oldest international football stadium in the world that still hosts international football — are a popular and atmospheric outing. The club’s renewed success and media profile has brought significant visitor interest to Wrexham.

Wrexham Museum & Pontcysyllte

Wrexham Museum, in the old County Buildings, covers the industrial, social, and cultural history of the area. Free admission. The industrial heritage of Wrexham includes the iron, coal, and brick industries of the surrounding area — the Bersham Ironworks, just outside the city, is where Robert and John Davies made the famous Chirk Castle gates. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is 8 miles south-west of Wrexham and directly accessible; the aqueduct visitor area and towpath walk are freely accessible. See our Llangollen Canal page for details. For more visitor information on the city, see the Wrecsam Croeso guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Wrexham become a city?

Wrexham was granted city status in 2022 as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee civic honours, making it Wales's newest city and Britain's most recently created city.

How far is Wrexham from Oswestry?

Wrexham is approximately 14 miles north of Oswestry on the A483 — about 20-25 minutes by car. Regular bus services also connect the two towns.

Who is buried at St Giles' Church Wrexham?

Elihu Yale, the 17th-century merchant and benefactor of Yale University in Connecticut, is buried in the churchyard of St Giles' Church. Yale University sent replica gates for the church tower in recognition of the connection.

Who owns Wrexham AFC?

Wrexham AFC has been owned since 2020 by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The club's subsequent promotions and the documentary series Welcome to Wrexham brought international attention to the club and the city.