Gobowen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gobowen |
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.jpg) The Cross Foxes public house, Gobowen |
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 Gobowen
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| Population | 3,270 (2011 Census) |
| OS grid reference | SJ301337 |
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| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | OSWESTRY |
| Postcode district | SY11 |
| Dialling code | 01691 |
| Police | West Mercia |
| Fire | Shropshire |
| Ambulance | West Midlands |
| EU Parliament | West Midlands |
| UK Parliament |
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Gobowen is a village located in Shropshire, England. It is about 3 miles north of the town of Oswestry. According to the 2011 census, the village had a population of 3,270 people.
Contents
Discovering Gobowen's Past
Gobowen was once known by a different name: Bryn-y-Castell. This Welsh name means "Hill of the Castle." It was named after a type of castle called a motte castle, built by the Normans. This castle was next to the Preeshenlle United Reformed Church. Part of the ancient Wat's Dyke, an earthwork from the 8th century, can also be found here.
How Did Gobowen Get Its Name?
The name Gobowen has an interesting story. One idea is that it comes from 'gob' (meaning 'pillow' in an old Welsh word) and Owain Glyndŵr. People believed he might have rested here. Another idea is that the name comes from a man named Owen who started mining in the area. 'Gob' was an old Welsh word for a mine. So, Gobowen could mean "Owen's mine."
During World War II, the mines in Gobowen were filled in. This work was done by hand by people who had been displaced from their homes and by prisoners of war. They lived in a camp nearby.
The Railway's Role in Gobowen's Growth
Gobowen's population really grew because of the railway. The main train line between Chester and Shrewsbury was built through Gobowen. This happened because permission was not given to build the railway through the nearby historic town of Oswestry. Today, Gobowen railway station is a special building, listed as Grade II.
The village's main primary school opened in 1907. Before that, children went to school in the hall next to the Preeshenlle United Reform Church.
All Saints Church: A Community Landmark
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The first stone for All Saints Church was laid in 1926. This church was built as a "daughter church" to St. Barnabas Church in Hengoed. All Saints became the main parish church for 'Hengoed with Gobowen' in 1981. The church officially opened in 1928.
In 1979, a fire badly damaged the church building. Services were held in the hall next door while repairs were made. The church reopened in 1981. It received new stained glass windows and furniture donated from other churches.
Local Government in Gobowen
Gobowen is part of an area called an electoral ward. This ward is named Gobowen, Selattyn and Weston Rhyn. In 2011, about 6,866 people lived in this larger area.
Things to Do and See in Gobowen
Gobowen has many useful places and fun attractions.
Derwen College: Learning and Growing
Derwen College is located in the village. This college helps students with learning difficulties and disabilities. It provides a place for them to live and continue their education. The college also runs a garden centre, a shop selling local produce, a coffee shop, and a restaurant.
Village Facilities and Nearby Attractions
The village has shops, medical facilities, and schools. There are three churches: Anglican, Methodist, and United Reformed. About 20 different groups offer activities for people to join.
Nearby, you can visit several tourist attractions:
- Park Hall Countryside Experience
- Chirk Castle
- Whittington Castle
- The Shropshire Union Canal
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital is an important hospital located near Gobowen. It started in 1900 as a place for disabled children to recover. In 1919, the hospital moved to a former army camp at Park Hall. It was officially opened in 1921 by Margaret Cambridge, Marchioness of Cambridge. The hospital was founded by Sir Robert Jones, 1st Baronet and Dame Agnes Hunt. Since then, it has grown with new buildings and advanced medical treatments.
Getting Around Gobowen
Gobowen is on the A5 and A483 roads, which connect London to Holyhead. The village has regular bus services to nearby towns like Oswestry, St Martins, Ellesmere, and Wrexham.
Gobowen railway station is served by Transport for Wales Rail. You can catch trains to Wrexham, Chester, Shrewsbury, Holyhead, the North Wales Coast, Cardiff, and Birmingham.
Images for kids
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The Cross Foxes public house, Gobowen
See also
In Spanish: Gobowen para niños
