Erddig: The Smallest Parish?

Back in May 1964 the Leader reported that Wrexham Rural District comprised 25 parishes, covering an area of 72,370 acres.

With a population of 62,338, compared with todays figure of over 130,000; it had a rateable value of nearly £1.5 million. Erddig parish, it reported, 'has the astounding grand population total of 17'.

With it's rolling 287 acres of parkland on the outskirts of the borough, it had a relatively miniature rateable value of £2,649.

Erddig did not bother with such idiosyncrasies as parish councils, and did not have an individual representative on the parish council - the representative for Marchweil also took in the parish.

It did, however, have an annual parish meeting, often attended by no less than three parishioners. Rumour had it that they were the chairman, a local landowner; the vice-chairman, and the clerk, a local farmer. The meetings generally didn't last very long.