You dont know what you had until its gone. 

Local historian Keith O’Brien said part of Rhiw Goch dated back to the 12th Century, an extension was added in 1610 the year the son of James I stayed at the then manor house when James I, son of Mary, Queen of Scots (and descended from Henry VII’s daughter Margaret), had been King of Scotland for 36 years when he became King of England.

“The fire place that was erected in commemoration of the Prince’s visit in 1610 still existed.” The fire now has seen that this amazing history lives no more.

“Saint John Roberts (1577 – December 10 1610) was born at Rhiw Goch,” added Keith, who is a former county councillor.

“He was a Welsh Benedictine monk and priest. He attended St John’s College Oxford and on December 10 1610 he was tried and found guilty under the Act forbidding priests to minister in England, and was hanged, drawn and quartered at the age of 33.”

It was usual for the prisoner to be disembowelled while still alive, but as he was popular among the poor of London because of the kindness he had shown them during the plague, when he helped administer to them-the large crowd which gathered at his execution would not allow this.

In October 1970, Roberts was canonised by Pope Paul VI as one of the representative 40 Martyrs of England and Wales.

The Inn was extended in 1610 and from the Boer War through the two World Wars until 1954 served as an Officer’s Mess for the Royal Artillery, who had a camp nearby.

“During the 1970s Rhiw Goch was in its heyday, it was run at the time by a manager from Dublin,” remembered Keith.

“Loads of Welsh bands would play it was a bit like going to the Eisteddfod, and some memorable nights were to be had.”

He added: “And even though it may not have been quite so popular in recent years, the fact that it has gone just like that is really shocking just because of its history.”