Caerwys in twenty objects...

This evening saw the second meeting of the Caerwys Historical Society. Paul Broadbent presented a two part lecture entitled 'Caerwys in twenty objects' followed by a 'Bookbinders View of History'. Paul brought a huge assortment of objects to illustrate History, many of which had links to Caerwys. During the tea break Paul allowed the members to hold and try out many of the objects. This definately did not apply to the two hundred year old gallstones he brought that once belonged to Thomas Jones of Denbigh; they were removed without any anaesthetic.

This was a gilded presentation made to Herbert Lewis and his new wife Ruth when they returned to Caerwys from their honeymoon in 1897.

In the second part of his talk Paul focused on the art of the bookbinder. He brought a number of books along, including an early 17th century Bible. He also told the story behind the production of the Great Omar book - which took nearly one hundred years to complete as the first copy went down on the Titanic and the second was destroyed in the Blitz.

Paul's approach to History is truly eclectic. He identified countless strands of people's private history, but recognised that there were many points where they were joined and interdependent. All in all an excellent evening.