Ruthin from Wales into England, Ruthin was reputed to have "a pub for every week of the year". By 2007, however, there were only eleven pubs in the town. The public records of 23 October 1891 show 31 such establishments serving a population of 3186; most of these have been converted into housing or shops. The Ruthin Union Workhouse was built in 1834. The first copies of the Welsh national anthem, "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau", were printed in what is now the "Siop Nain" tea and gift shop on Well Street. In 1863 the Denbigh, Ruthin and Corwen Railway, which linked
Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau was first performed in the vestry of the original Capel Tabor, Maesteg (which later became a working men's club), in either January or February 1856, by Elizabeth John from Pontypridd, and it soon became popular in the locality. James James, the composer, was a harpist who played his instrument in the public house which he ran, for the purpose of dancing. The song was originally intended to be performed in 6/8 time, but had to be slowed down to its present tempo when it began to be sung by large crowds. The popularity of the song increased after the Llangollen