Erbistock Church

Erbistock is a small village south of Wrexham. Various churches have been present on the site since at least 1254. One of these was built circa 1748 and replaced in 1860/1. A photograph of the 1860/1 church (still standing) is significantly different from that in the painting suggesting that the depicted church was that which stood between 1748 and 1860. The following is a quote from 'A Topographical Dictionary of Wales', 1833 & 1849, Samuel Lewis; 'A parish in the Union of Wrexham, partly in the hundred of Bromfield, county of Denbigh, and partly in that of Maelor, county of Flint; five miles (NNW) from Ellesmere. This parish, which by tradition is said to have been originally an appendage to the ancient monastery of Bangor, is situated on the river Dee, which is navigable about four miles below it, and which is enclosed and in a good state of cultivation. The soil in general is fertile: the surrounding scenery is pleasingly diversified, and in some places highly picturesque; and the river Dee, which for a considerable distance forms the boundary of the parish, pursues a winding course through the adjoining tract, and adds greatly to the beauty of the scenery.'