The History of Llysfasi College
The name of Llysfasi has been synonymous within the old County of Denbighshire followed by that of Clwyd (and now of course with the 'new' Denbighshire), nationally and internationally in the field of agricultural education for well over eighty years. The first foray into this field came in 1911 as the result of the breaking up of the Ruthin Castle estate in September 1909, of which Llysfasi was part. Although agriculture still plays a major part in the life of Llysfasi, it is no longer simply a Farm Institute, but a College in a rural area, with a very much wider remit.
Today, the College farm extends over an area in excess of 300 hectares and includes land types from lowland in the Vale of Clwyd, through an extensive area of upland grass to steep hill land. The extensive College buildings lie at the foot of Nant y Garth.
Early History
As documented by D.S Edwards (Principal from 1943 - 1967):
It is suggested that the original name Llys Llannerch was changed to Llys Masi
(Massey's Court) by a descendant of a tenant of the late 13th century who was of
the same name. This may have occurred during the late 16th century, when
the manor was built.
From 1633 - 1909 it was owned by the Myddleton family of Chirk, their descendants, the Wests and finally the Cornwallis-Wests of Ruthin Castle.
In 1909, the estate was bought for £13,680 by Mr Charles William Sandles of Cheshire, who made plans to establish Llysfasi as an Agricultural College. Again the name of the Estate was changed, this time to "Valley Farm". The character pictured here was J.H.Lowrie (Bronco Jack), the farm manager.
In March 1911, only 3 months after its proposed opening date as a Farm school, financial difficulties led to another sale, this time to Mr R.W. Brown, a cotton broker from Birkenhead.
Under Mr Brown, the site was refurbished and the name reverted to Llysfasi. He continued with plans to establish the farm as an agricultural educational establishment, advertising it as the "Llysfasi Manor Farm School".
1919 - 1969
In 1919, Llysfasi was purchased from Mr Brown by Denbighshire County Council with the help of a Ministry of Agriculture grant. The grant related to a Scheme on Agricultural Education published after the First World War. The first Principal, Mr Isaac Jones was appointed in December 1919. He remained in office until 1943 and was succeeded by Mr DS Edwards (1943 - 1967), Mr Maldwyn Fisher (1967-1983) and the current Principal, Mr D.F. Cunningham (1983 - ).
Following the purchase by Denbighshire County Council, further structural and administrative improvements and alterations took place, leading to recognition as a "Farm Institute", with the first course launched on May 10th 1920.
The Second World War had a significant impact upon the College and all classes were suspended from 1940 - 28th October 1946.
After the war, greater emphasis was placed on the importance of agriculture and previously short courses were joined by longer one year courses. Towards the end of the fifties, the diversity of rural courses on offer had developed to include crop and animal husbandry, machinery, domestic skills, upholstery and furnishing, poultry, dairying, gardening, household management and accounts.
The 60s heralded a time of change and development. In 1961 the Farm Committee was replaced by a board of Governors and a new hostel block was opened in 1962. Many of the old farm buildings were replaced during this period and the new farm buildings were officially opened in 1965. By 1967 a teaching block had also been completed.
At this stage, the Ministry of Agriculture ceased to have any direct control over "Farm Institutes" and Llysfasi became known as Llysfasi College of Agriculture.
Since the 60's, the College has continued to develop and now offers a wide range of courses and facilities. You can read about these elsewhere on our website.
If you wish to learn more about our history, including personal accounts by staff and students, the following book may interest you:
Coleg Llysfasi College
1921- 1996
by D.Gwynne Morris
(W.O. Jones (Printers) Ltd)
The Library at Llysfasi College now has an archive room. This archive room contains many a photograph of the manor and College in by-gone days, as well as a collection of various memorabilia which may well be of interest to anyone with an affection for local history.
Photographs include various snapshots of the College's fledgling days, from early collective class groups, to persons of note and distinction regarding the development of the College. For example there are class photographs from 1921 to the present day.
It is possible to come and visit the archive room in accordance with library opening times and the discretion of the librarian.
